A poorly targeted and disproportionate public transport fare enforcement system unfairly punishes many travellers in an attempt to snare a small number of recidivist evaders, according to an investigation by the Victorian Ombudsman, Deborah Glass.

Tabling an Investigation into public transport fare evasion enforcement Ms Glass says the system must be redesigned to deter serial offenders while encouraging the use of discretion in cases where a financial penalty is not the most appropriate response.