Yet, a TTC fine of up to $425 can be crippling, rather than a minor inconvenience, for low-income individuals, students, the elderly and vulnerable populations. If one can afford a car, they can typically afford a $50 ticket. Furthermore, the low cost of parking tickets may indicate that Toronto does not want to dissuade people from using cars and parking in the city. The difference in average price may suggest that there is more sympathy for those improperly parking or who evade parking fares. It is evident that Toronto remains structured in a way that benefits the privileged and discriminates against those less fortunate. If revenues from both tickets are being used to operate the city’s essential services, one must ask why there is such a stark contrast in price? The money from parking tickets adds to the city’s revenues, and money from TTC tickets funds the service. However, it is $47,696 for those who have a car. For instance, the median employment income for those who use public transit is $36,358. Many people who use the TTC cannot afford a car in the city therefore, public transit is their only feasible option.

The price difference results in low-income groups being targeted with heavier fines. Toronto’s TTC tickets are heavy-handed, considering the relative seriousness of the offence and fines in comparable cities. In Vancouver, the cost of TransLink fare evasion is only $173. The extreme nature of Toronto’s TTC tickets is best illustrated by looking at other cities. Many people have even been fined when they intend to pay, yet there is an issue on the TTC’s end, including broken PRESTO machines and coin boxes. The highest TTC fine is a staggering $425 for fare evasion. Placing your feet on a seat can result in a $195 forfeiture. According to TTC’s website, the lowest transit fine is still higher than a parking ticket for a serious offence. The average parking ticket issued by the City of Toronto in 2018 was about $50, and during rush hour, it was $150. However, the stark price difference in tickets for parking infractions versus TTC infractions highlights a need for Toronto and greater society to re-evaluate its priorities. The service is especially crucial for those without cars or who cannot afford parking in the city. The TTC’s mandate is to establish, operate and maintain the local passenger transportation system in the City of Toronto. By: Justine Jasnich, Fair Change Advocate

Toronto parking tickets