Received a fare evasion tag?

Fare Evasion

Why did I receive a Fare Evasion Tag?

If you are unable to produce valid fare to an officer upon demand you are guilty of an offence under Section 9(1) of City of Calgary Transit Bylaw 4M81 and you may be issued a Fare Evasion Tag.

What should I do with my Fare Evasion Tag?

You have two options to deal with your Fare Evasion Tag and get early payment discounts under the Bylaw.

Payments

Online:

Credit card, Interac online

In Person:

Calgary Transit Customer Service

Centre Street Platform
125 - 7 Ave SE

Bow Valley Parkade
234 - 7 Ave SW

10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays


By Mail:

Calgary Transit
PO Box 2100, Station M
Calgary, AB T2P 2M5

*cheque or money order only
*$25 non-sufficient funds fee

Request a Review

You may request an Administrative Review of your unpaid Fare Evasion Tag. Calgary Transit may evaluate mitigating and compassionate circumstances during a review.

Online:

In Person:

Calgary Transit Customer Service

Centre Street Platform
125 - 7 Ave SE

Bow Valley Parkade
234 - 7 Ave SW

10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

What are my other options?

  • When a Fare Evasion Tag reaches expiry without payment or Administrative Review resolution an Alberta Violation Ticket will be issued.
  • Once you receive the Violation Ticket, you may pay the fine in full or attend Provincial Traffic Court on the date set out on your Violation Ticket and deal with the matter. Or alternatively you can complete the appropriate section on the Violation Ticket to plead not guilty and a trial date will be set by the Court.

FAQs

How much is a Fare Evasion Tag?

If you don’t produce valid fare to an officer upon demand and are issued a Fare Evasion Tag, you have the option to make an early payment of:

  • $150 if payment is made within 15 days after the date of the offence,
  • $200 if payment is made within 16-45 days.

After 45 days from the date of the offence the fine will increase to the specified penalty amount of $250.

How do I pay my Fare Evasion Tag?

The quickest and easiest way to pay your fare evasion tag is to pay online. Credit card, Interac online accepted.


You can also pay in person at Calgary Transit Customer Service locations or by mail:

Calgary Transit
PO Box 2100, Station M
Calgary, AB T2P 2M5
Please note: Cheque or money order only. $25 non-sufficient funds fee.

Can a Fare Evasion Tag be appealed?

You may submit an Administrative Review of your Fare Evasion Tag online or in person at the locations set out above. Administrative Reviews are accepted only for unpaid Fare Evasion Tags. You may be requested to provide documentation to support your appeal of the Fare Evasion Tag. Calgary Transit may evaluate mitigating and compassionate circumstances. Administrative Reviews are conducted in alignment with the Calgary Transit Administrative Review policy.

What happens when you submit an Administrative Review?

Once you successfully submit your Administrative Review, the penalty amount at that time will remain until a decision has been made on your Administrative Review. If your Fare Evasion Tag is upheld after Administrative Review and you wish to pursue the matter further, you will be issued a Violation Ticket, which will include a date to appear in Provincial Traffic Court.

What happens if I don’t pay my Fare Evasion Tag?

If you do not make payment of the specified penalty amount of $250 after 45 days your Fare Evasion Tag will transition to a Violation Ticket that will have a first appearance date at Provincial Traffic Court set out. You must attend on that date in order to deal with the matter or alternatively you can complete the appropriate section on the Violation Ticket to plead not guilty and a trial date will be set by the Court.

If you fail to appear at Court on the date indicated on your Violation Ticket, you may be convicted in absence and the specified penalty amount of $250 plus a 25 per cent surcharge (totaling $300), may be applied to provincial government services. Please note: you may not be able to obtain registry services until the fine plus additional surcharges are paid.

Who can issue Calgary Transit Fare Evasion Tags?

Calgary Transit peace officers can issue Fare Evasion Tags.

I heard The City of Calgary is exploring developing a Penalties Appeal Board for minor infractions including parking and transit tickets. What would it mean?

A Penalties Appeal Board would the replace the current process of hearing these appeals in Provincial Court.  In March 2021, The City sought input to help create a system that’s accessible and achieves better outcomes for Calgarians. Learn more about the public engagement and project timeline.

I'd like additional information. Who can I call?

You can call 403-262-1000 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding holidays).