New, higher fines for fare evasion on public buses have come into effect, following the implementation of recently adopted legislation aimed at reducing ticket fraud and strengthening public transport revenues.

Under the new framework, passengers traveling without a valid rechargeable ticket or personalized unlimited-travel card will face substantially increased penalties.

According to the transport authority, the measures are designed to combat fare evasion, safeguard revenue and support further improvements to public transportation services.

Fines Rise Sharply

The standard fine for traveling without a validated ticket has increased to €100, up from the previous €36.

Passengers entitled to discounted fares, including students, school pupils, large-family beneficiaries and people over 65, will face a €50 fine if they do not comply with the requirements linked to their personalized travel card. The previous fine was €18.

Reduced Fine Option

The new legislation also introduces an incentive for passengers to become regular users of the public transport system.

A passenger who receives the standard €100 fine can reduce the penalty by 50%, bringing it down to €50, if they visit a transport authority ticket office within 10 calendar days of the violation and purchase an unlimited-travel card valid for at least 30 days.

The same reduction applies to passengers eligible for discounted fares.

The cost of a standard 30-day unlimited-travel card is €16, while the reduced-fare version costs €8.