Vision Vancouver mayoral candidate Gregor Robertson says a $173 fine is too high for a $1 mistake. (CBC)

Transit fines are set high to deter "cheaters and freeloaders" from taking free rides and costing honest people money, B.C. Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon said Tuesday.

Falcon's comment came after news broke earlier this week that Vancouver mayoral candidate Gregor Robertson refused to pay a $173 fine after being caught travelling two zones with a one-zone ticket on a SkyTrain in Burnaby last year.

Robertson, a former New Democratic MLA, said Monday that transit fines are too high and "I want to bring some attention to this."

Falcon questioned why Robertson didn't address the issue of high transit fines when he was a member of the legislature.

B.C. Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon says high transit fines are aimed at stopping 'cheaters and freeloaders' from costing honest people money. (CBC)

"This is hypocrisy, if you ask me, to be perfectly blunt with you," Falcon said.

"I think to try to suggest that this is some kind of bizarre effort to actually help people that are facing big fines is a bit of a stretch."

Robertson faces a court hearing next month on his transit fine dispute. In June 2007, he used a $2.25 single-zone ticket to travel on a SkyTrain from Burnaby to Vancouver, a trip that required a two-zone fare of $3.25.

"The reason why those fines are there is to stop cheaters and freeloaders from costing honest people money that pay their way through the system," Falcon said.

When asked whether Robertson was one of those cheaters and freeloaders, Falcon said, "Well, sure he is, if he's not paying the right amount."

Non-Partisan Association mayoral candidate Coun. Peter Ladner has accused Robertson of being a bad role model for young people by defying the laws.

The civic election is on Nov. 15.