METRO VANCOUVER -- TransLink is warning Metro Vancouver transit users to brace for heavier crowds next week, as the transportation authority won’t be adding more services to reduce the growing pressure on the system during the busiest time of the year.

But it does hope to lessen the load in some parts of the region by shifting buses from some under-used routes to those more in-demand, such as between Langley, Surrey and White Rock, and by urging people to stagger their commutes outside the morning peak period of 7:30 to 8:30 a.m.

“Certainly we expect to see a lot more people out there, especially as the summer ends,” spokesman Drew Snider said. “The first couple of weeks in September are the busiest and we’re moving more people with the same resources, so it’s going to be even more crowded.”

TransLink, which recorded 354.7 million boardings last year — up six per cent over 2010 — expects to see the usual crush on the No. 99 B-Line from Broadway SkyTrain station, one of the busiest corridors in Metro Vancouver, as students return to school. Although the crowds are expected to start on Tuesday, they will likely be heaviest mid-week as some families or commuters may drag out their vacation by a day or two or return to work or school for half-days.

SkyTrain will run extra “turn-back” trains — those running from Waterfront to just past Broadway-Commercial station in Vancouver — next week to help ease the pressure, but Snider suggests transit users also consider alternate cross-town routes, such as the No. 25 from Joyce Station or No. 33 from 29th Avenue Station, or start their day later than 8:30 a.m.

Crowds are expected to thin somewhat once students have ironed out their schedules.

“Be patient,” Snider said. “We are doing our best to move as many people as we can. We’ll keep trying to boost service in other corridors too.”

TransLink has also increased bus service hours and frequency on routes south of the Fraser and those serving post-secondary institutions. Starting Tuesday, buses running between White Rock and King George Station in Surrey, for instance, will run every 20 minutes instead of every half-hour, while there will also be more frequent bus service along Fraser Highway between King George Station and Langley.

But, he notes, other areas will see reduced hours, particularly those that service “summer entertainment” destinations and community shuttles.

“It’s really fine-tuning,” Snider said. “Some of the other buses are totally under-used.”

TransLink sought to increase bus service this fall, with plans for a King George B-Line running between Surrey Central Station and White Rock. But that project, along with other smaller improvements, is on hold after the mayors’ council on regional transportation said it would not raise property taxes to pay for it, and no other alternatives have been found.

A provincial government audit, which is expected to find cost-savings at TransLink, is still being done.

Meanwhile, it will be a lot less attractive to try for a free ride on transit this fall.

New legislation that comes into effect next week will allow TransLink to issue tickets to and collect fines from people caught in a fare-paid zone without a valid proof of payment. Previously, fare evasion was a provincial offence, and fines collected by ICBC.

“Fare evasion is theft and it impacts everyone,” says TransLink CEO Ian Jarvis. “The provincial government has given us an important new tool to safeguard a significant source of revenue.”

Those caught without proof of payment will face a $173 fine, the same as before, but it will escalate to $213 after 180 days and $273 after one year. ICBC may also refuse to issue or renew a driver’s licence or vehicle insurance unless a fare is paid.

“The vast majority of our customers pay their fares and will not notice any changes,” Chief Operating Officer Doug Kelsey said. “But, they can be assured that we’re taking action on those who choose not to pay their fare.”

A new website — www.translink.ca/fareinfraction — opens on Sept. 4, where those who receive a ticket may pay their fine online, dispute the ticket or appeal a decision.

ksinoski@vancouversun.com