Winnipeg Transit’s crackdown on fare evasion has denied nearly 5,000 rides in just over two months, according to new figures released Wednesday that the city says shows progress on curbing revenue loss and safety concerns.

Since expanded enforcement began in September, transit inspectors have completed more than 6,800 fare checks while community safety officers have logged more than 1,400 hours on buses and at transit stops.

The city says those efforts have resulted in 4,944 denied rides, another 2,670 people walking away before being prompted to pay, 931 warnings and 359 riders paying after being asked.

Transit estimates it loses between $7 million and $10 million annually due to fare evasion, though officials note that number is a rough approximation because operators cannot always tr

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