Commuters who try to dodge fares on Auckland's trains could soon face fines up to $500.
An Auckland train. Photo: RNZ / Laura Tupou
From 18 June, transport officers will be able to issue fines of $150 dollars for people who fail to either buy tickets or tag on with their travel cards.
Those choosing to go to court instead of paying an infringement fee would also faces a fine of up to $500.
Auckland Transport said fare evasion was costing between $2 million and $3m a year.
Its compliance manager Logan Christian said the change was about making public transport fair for everyone, not about gathering revenue.
Transport officers started working on the Ōnehunga and Western lines last year.