TTC report has plan to catch teens avoiding fares

Some children look like teenagers and some teenagers look like children.

And it seems that some of those baby-faced teens are using their youthful good looks to catch a free ride on the TTC.

The TTC acknowledges the problem, but can't say exactly how much it's costing the system.

"It's really about what we call revenue control," TTC spokesman BradRoss said. "What we're seeing is teens claiming to be 11 or 12 and not paying their fare. That's not fair to the riders who do pay their full fare."

The Presto factor

Even youngsters like 12-year-old Ivy Ross admit some children aren't as innocent as they appear.

"It does happen because I know some of my older friends do that sometimes," she said.

With Presto rolling out across the system in 2017, the TTC spokesman saidproviding transparency on discounted fare is an important issue to tackle.

As of Jan. 3, 2016, TTC cash fares became $2 for students aged 13-19, while children 12 and under can ride for free. With a Presto card, teens pay $1.95 per trip.

End the guessing game

Ross revealed Thursday the transit agency's plan to catch the youthful scammers: colour-coded Prestocards for youth, coupled with photo identification, that differentiates students based on their age bracket.

For example, youth between the ages of 13 and 19, who are supposed to pay discounted fares, would have a different colour card than children between the ages of 10 and 12.

Riders between the ages of five and 10would also require a different colour card under the proposal, but no photo would be required for this age group.

Teens would need to update their photo when they turn 16.

Ross said it's important to have a system that works even if transit collectors aren't there to verify the legitimacy of payments. And there's a potential of getting a fine if you're caught cheating the system, Ross said.

The plan will head to the transit committee Monday for discussion as part of a TTC report.