A Toronto resident has publicly questioned why he bothers paying TTC fares after witnessing rampant fare evasion on the city's transit system, highlighting a growing concern over lost revenue and enforcement.
Systemic Fare Evasion on Display
David Nicholls of Toronto described in a letter published November 9, 2025, how he watched a woman board a streetcar announcing she was only going three stops without paying. What shocked him more was that the driver, a TTC training supervisor, and another TTC employee all permitted this violation. Fellow passengers even gave up a seat for the non-paying rider.
The following day brought more disturbing observations as Nicholls reported dozens of people boarding with only several fare taps detected. Even when taps were declined, riders were allowed to board regardless. The complete absence of fare inspectors during these incidents has raised serious questions about the TTC's commitment to fare enforcement.
Broader Implications for Transit Funding
As Nicholls pointedly noted, "And then we wonder why the system loses money everyday." He suggested that onboard employees likely avoid the hassle of fare enforcement, creating a culture of permissiveness that costs the transit system significant revenue.
This public revelation comes at a time when the TTC faces ongoing financial pressures and has been seeking increased public funding to maintain service levels and infrastructure.
Canadian Pride in International Hockey
In other letters published the same day, Sean F.X. Nerbonne of Montreal celebrated the recent NHL 4 Nations Face-Off as a great display of hockey and Canadian pride. He noted the tournament provided a positive moment for Canada amid chilled relations with the United States, both on and off the ice.
Nerbonne proposed reviving the concept of the authentic "Canada Cup" with NHL players representing their home provinces, suggesting Maritime provinces could combine to form one competitive team. While acknowledging the logistical challenges and likely NHL resistance, he believes such a tournament would create an exceptional showcase of hockey talent and national pride.
Alberta's Growing Frustration with Ottawa
From Champion, Alberta, Abram Wiebe expressed the long-standing sentiment that Alberta has been treated as insignificant by Central Canada since the province's creation. Wiebe claims the recent federal budget confirms this pattern of disregard.
In strong language, Wiebe stated that "If the road to separation from Canada is a 100-yard dash, Central Canada has pushed us to the 99-yard line." He squarely places blame on Central Canada for any potential separation movement, noting this represents the same destructive pattern that emerges whenever a Liberal government holds power in Ottawa.
These published letters collectively paint a picture of national concerns ranging from municipal transit integrity to international sports pride and provincial-federal tensions, all captured in the November 9, 2025 edition of reader correspondence.
