The number of fines for dodging fares on Sydney trains has dropped by more than 75 per cent in recent months as the state government has dispensed with RailCorp's transit officers.

The officers, who have the dual roles of providing security and checking for tickets, are being replaced by police. But police are not as interested in monitoring fares.

Illustration: Cathy Wilcox

The result has been a steep fall in the number of fines issued to people travelling without tickets or on concession passes they are not entitled to.

The number of fines issued for fare evasion dropped from 128,800 in 2011 to 73,260 in 2012, according to figures obtained by the Office of State Revenue.