Foreword

Fare evasion is inevitable in any public transport system. Because of the heavy subsidies taxpayers make to our transport operators, it is important to know that they take all reasonable steps to minimise evasion and collect all fares that should be paid.  That was the focus of our 2000 audit.

Periodically we review the extent to which agencies have changed their practices as a result of our audits.  This gives Parliament and the public an update on the extent of progress made.

In this follow-up audit, we examine changes following our December 2000 report, and whether RailCorp, State Transit and Sydney Ferries better manage fare evasion and, in conjunction with the State Debt Recovery Office, have reduced the rate of fine default.

Bob Sendt

Auditor-General

April 2006