City Reports Rise in Fraudulent Fare Incidents Affecting Transit Operations
PRINCE ALBERT, Saskatchewan — The City of Prince Albert is reminding public transit users to follow fare regulations and passenger guidelines after reporting a rise in incidents involving invalid and fraudulent fares on its transit system.
City officials say recent months have seen an increase in passengers attempting to board buses using fake, altered, expired, or otherwise invalid fare media. The reported cases include photocopied and handwritten bus passes, altered or ineligible passes, misuse and sharing of transfer tickets, and passengers refusing to provide valid proof of payment when requested by transit operators.
According to the City, these incidents can disrupt scheduled services, delay passengers, and create operational challenges for transit staff while affecting the overall efficiency of the transit network.
Transit Operators May Deny Boarding for Fare Violations
City officials said passengers are expected to present valid proof of fare when boarding and comply with all transit regulations. Riders who fail to meet fare requirements or refuse to follow established transit rules may be denied service. The City also noted that repeated violations could result in a review of an individual’s transit use and possible restrictions on future access to the system.
City Highlights Safety and Service Concerns
Anna Dinsdale, Community Safety and Well-Being manager with the City of Prince Albert, said compliance with transit regulations is essential for maintaining reliable and safe public transportation.
“Non-compliance with transit rules is a serious issue that takes time away from regular operations, revenue to offset transit costs, and can impact the safety of transit drivers and passengers,” said Anna Dinsdale, Community Safety and Well-Being manager with the City of Prince Albert. “Transit rules are available online and clearly posted on every transit bus. We are asking for cooperation and compliance with these guidelines to ensure all passengers have a consistent experience when riding the bus.”
The City said transit rules are available online and displayed on every transit bus to help ensure riders understand their responsibilities before boarding.
Passengers Encouraged to Label Monthly Bus Passes
As part of its efforts to reduce misuse, the City is encouraging passengers to write their names on the back of monthly bus passes. Transit operators may request government-issued photo identification to verify ownership of a pass when necessary.
Officials noted that clearly identifying a monthly pass can also improve the chances of it being returned if it is lost and later turned in.
The City said these verification measures are intended to protect legitimate pass holders while helping prevent unauthorized use of fare products.
Reminder on Child Fare Policy and Transit Fares
The City also reiterated its fare policy for young passengers. Children under the age of 10 may ride free only when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Children younger than 10 who are travelling alone must pay the regular transit fare or present a valid Child bus pass.
Single-ride fares remain $3 and must be paid using exact cash when boarding the bus.
Officials are encouraging residents to review current fare policies before travelling to avoid delays and ensure a smoother boarding process for everyone using the transit system.
Transit Information Available Through City Resources
The City of Prince Albert said residents seeking additional information about transit fares, monthly passes, and passenger guidelines can visit the City’s official website or obtain a Transit brochure from City Hall or Prince Albert Tourism.
By reinforcing fare compliance and reminding passengers of existing transit policies, the City aims to improve service reliability, support transit operators, and provide a consistent experience for all riders using Prince Albert’s public transportation network.