Fines for fare cheats on rise since police step in

This compares with about 8100 in September, 3700 in July and 2300 in May, says Transport for NSW.

Numbers had dropped from more than 10,000 to about 3000 a month almost immediately after the government closed the 600-strong transit officer division in February 2012.

They were replaced by 150 transport officers and an increase in the Police Transport Command from 300 to 610.

But the latest figures show a return to the number of fines being issued before the division's closure.

Opposition transport spokeswoman Penny Sharpe said that although the numbers had improved in the past two months, it was too early to tell what it meant in the long-term.

"The loss of the transit officers has been a huge blow in dealing with fare evasion and I think it's unproven yet whether the transport officers are going to be able to deal with that matter, particularly given the data that shows that people are simply ignoring them," Ms Sharpe said.

She said Sydney Trains data showed walk-offs — defined as customers refusing to interact with a transport officer but where an offence had not necessarily been committed — appeared to be increasing.

In May, just 27 walk-offs were recorded, compared with an average of more than 2200 a month between September and January.

"I want to know from the minister what is being done to stop people doing this, otherwise people who are bigger and stronger and tougher and don't fear transport officers will simply continue to jump over gates and ignore them, where people who may make an honest mistake will get caught up because they're the easiest people to catch if they've not got a ticket," she said.

Ms Sharpe said transport officers had a non-confrontational role, unlike the previous transit officers who could arrest offenders.

Ms Berejiklian said police and transport officers often worked together so offenders risked police attention.