No more free rides on Auckland's public transport, with fines being dished out for ticket evaders as of today.

New government legislation means passengers who fail to tag their AT HOP card or buy a ticket can face a $150 fine.

That could rise to $500 if it reaches the courts.

Auckland Transport spokesperson, James Ireland says up to six per cent of those travelling on public transport aren't paying for the service, and that's costing ratepayers and taxpayers two to three million dollars a year.

"If everyone just pays their fare share then we won't have to issue any of these infringements and that would be fantastic," he says.