WATERLOO REGION — People riding Ion without paying will soon face a warning or fine.

The grace period for unpaid passengers is ending soon and fare inspection staff will begin enforcement, said Peter Zinck, director of transit services for Waterloo Region.

"We had a very successful free fare period," Zinck said. "But it is no longer free service."

Staff have been focused on education since the launch of light rail, which started with 11 days of free service across the Grand River Transit system.

The process for paying is different on a train compared to a bus. Passengers tap on a platform reader before boarding Ion, and tap when already on a bus.

"We've had a lot of discussions with people," Zinck said.

People on board an Ion train are required to have proof of payment, whether an EasyGO fare card, university pass or a paper ticket/transfer. Fare inspectors can check a passenger's fare to ensure it's valid and they tapped to pay.

Zinck said that would "be soon," adding it will be sometime this month when asked for a more specific date.

Those who have not paid face a warning or fine of up to $240 or higher for a repeat offender.

Education will continue, but Zinck said it's important now for the system's operation to ensure that passengers are not travelling for free.

"We do need to move to the next stop of consequences for not paying fares."

jweidner@therecord.com

Twitter: @WeidnerRecord

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

- Waterloo Region paying for security patrols along Fairway LRT corridor

- Fairway station 'an absolute disaster' for disabled