Public transport fines to be increased

24/07/2009

Fines for some offences on public transport have increased.

From the start of services on Sunday (July 26), the modified penalty for most minor offences will increase from $50 to $100.  The related maximum penalties go from $250 to $500.

The changes are set out in revisions to the Public Transport Authority Regulations.

They cover things like fare evasion – for which the majority of infringement notices are issued – smoking and alcohol consumption, acting so as to cause a nuisance or annoyance, and carrying graffiti materials.

The $50 modified fine for fare evasion was set in 1994, when the cost of a two-zone fare (the most common fare) was $2 and the maximum fare was about $5.50.  They are now $3.50 and $10, respectively.

The regulations relating to parking are unchanged – the fines remain at $50 (modified) and $250 (maximum).

Also unchanged are the fines applicable to assaults and other violent offences, which are dealt with by arrest and/or summons rather than on-the-spot fines.