Dealing with a Fine
Dealing with a Fine
Canada Post Labour Disruption
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ (CUPW) strike has ended. Canada Post resumed operations on December 17, 2024. Delivery is expected to be delayed into January 2025.
Level Crossing Enforcement
As of November 1, 2022, Metrolinx has introduced a new safety program to combat unsafe acts at its level crossings. As part of this program, there are now mobile camera systems in place at various level crossings across the GTHA to record any unsafe use of vehicles.
If you’ve received a Notice of Contravention in the mail, your vehicle has been recorded or photographed committing an offence against Metrolinx By-Law 2. You’ll have 15 days to voluntarily pay the set fine stated on the front of your notice, or to dispute the notice.
If a voluntary payment is not made by the due date and you choose not to dispute the offence, Provincial Offence proceedings may commence against you and upon conviction, you may be required to pay a fine amount of up to $5,000.
To dispute the notice, please send an email to Compliance.Services@metrolinx.com
If you have any questions regarding a Notice of Contravention relating to an alleged unsafe act at a level crossing, please contact Compliance Services at Compliance.Services@metrolinx.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
You have been issued a “Level Crossing Camera System - Notice of Contravention” by Metrolinx for a railway crossing offence under Metrolinx By-Law No. 2. How does this impact you?
Q) Does this affect my Drivers Licence?
A) No. Metrolinx By-Law offences are comparable to parking offences, as they are not reported to the Ministry of Transportation or any other agency. There is no impact to your Drivers Licence or demerit points associated.
Q) Will this impact my car insurance rates?
A) No. Metrolinx By-Law offences do not have any impact on automobile insurance rates, as these offences occur on Metrolinx Corporation Property and not on a Highway, therefore they not reported to the Ministry of Transportation.
Q) What do you mean by Corporation Property?
A) The actual railway level crossing is owned and/or maintained by Metrolinx. The Notice of Contravention you were issued was in relation to an offence committed on “Corporation Property” as defined in the Metrolinx By-Law No. 2 and not on a “Highway” as defined in the Highway Traffic Act.
Q) I wasn’t the driver of the vehicle. Why was I charged?
A) Metrolinx By-Law No. 6 gives the Corporation authority to charge the registered owner of the motor vehicle in contravention of certain offences listed under Metrolinx By-Law No. 2.
Q) I received a Notice of Contravention. What are my next steps?
A) You have 15-days from the date of receiving a Notice of Contravention to exercise one of the following options listed on the reverse side of the Notice of Contravention. Those options are:
1. Voluntary payment of the set fine
2. Request to dispute the charge
For more information on how to exercise one of these options, please refer to the instructions on the Notice of Contravention.
Q) Why is Metrolinx enforcing driver activity at level crossings?
A) Metrolinx’s commitment to improve safety at level crossings remains one of our top priorities. With the significant growth experienced in the GTHA and an increase in GO Transit service, driver behaviour at level crossings has changed. This potentially has increased the likelihood of accidents as well as the frequency of disruptions and interruptions to our service. Level crossing enforcement is underway to proactively address and deter unsafe driver behaviour at level crossings.
Q) Where can I get a copy of or view the applicable Metrolinx By-Laws?
Fine system for GO riders travelling without valid fare
Metrolinx introduced a graduated fine structure to add a middle ground between warnings and large fines. This was approved by the Metrolinx Board of Directors in September, 2022.
Under the graduated fine structure:
- First time offenders will be issued a $35 fine, reduced from $100 to add a middle ground between warnings and large fines
- Second offences, the fine will be $50
- Third offences, a $100 fine will be issued
- Passengers with four or more offences would be automatically served a Provincial Offence Notice, with a set fine of $200.
This system to manage fare-related offences will ensure a more fair and consistent approach for passengers found travelling without a ticket, while respecting paying customers, who are the vast majority of riders.
Important Information Regarding Compliance Services
In-person services at the Compliance Services Office are by appointment only. Please use our online services available if you received a Notice of Violation or a Parking Infraction Notice. To schedule an in-person appointment, please contact our Office by e-mail at compliance.services@metrolinx.com or by phone at (416) 202-4000. Our business hours are from Monday to Friday: 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If you’ve received communication from a collection agency or credit bureau regarding an outstanding debt to Metrolinx, please contact our external Collection Agency, ARO at 1-866-667-3307.
If you have requested a Review of your Notice of Violation or Parking Infraction Notice, your ticket will be placed on hold until a Review has been completed. Please be sure you check your email (including your junk/spam folder) regularly. You may also request a Review for Notices of Violation or Parking Infraction.
Proof of Payment and Fare Inspections
GO Transit uses an honour-based proof of fare payment system. Before you go up to the train platform at Union Station, or board a GO train or bus, you must buy a ticket or tap your PRESTO/Credit card (including those credit cards on your phone or watch) and verify a fare deduction (green checkmark). Revenue Protection Officers and Customer Protection Officers regularly conduct fare inspections on the GO system.
Our goal is to protect and retain fare revenue while promoting compliance with the proof of fare payment system. Anyone who is unable to provide a valid ticket may be issued a fine.
Did You Get a Fine?
Did you get a Notice of Violation? Here’s what you need to know.
Did you get a Parking Infraction Notice? Here’s what you need to know.
If you were issued a Provincial Offence Notice or Summons, see the reverse side of that Notice or summons for your options.