Winnipeg looking to put an end to bus fare evasion [Video]

A push is on to get more people to pay for their rides on Winnipeg buses.

Right now, the city is losing millions of dollars a year because of fare evasion.

“It’s the Wild West. People feel like they can do what they want because there are no consequences,” said Chris Scott with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).

In the city’s preliminary budget this week there is a pledge to address fare evasion with programs or policy changes.

Public works committee chair Janice Lukes said the city is starting with awareness, letting bus riders know about the different subsidies they can apply for, like the low-income bus pass.

“It’s not going to be a, you know, you can’t get on the bus if you’re not paying,” Lukes said. “It’s going to be an education approach; there’s a lot of programs folks could sign up for.”

A recent finance report at …