Commuters in Auckland who avoid paying fares on public transport could be hit with hefty fines if a law change goes through.
At the moment, the law doesn't allow the instant fines that are common overseas.
Auckland and government transport officials have started work on the issue, which could be costing the city millions of dollars each year.
Auckland Transport chief executive David Warburton says fare evasion is one of its key problems.
Dr Warburton says new gates and ticketing systems being introduced to Auckland's rail network next year will also improve control of fare dodging.
