Genoa’s public transport operator, AMT, could recover up to €12 million per year by tackling fare evasion more effectively, according to consumer rights group Assoutenti Liguria. Based on data from a recent ticket inspection at De Ferrari metro station, the association is calling for stricter enforcement and clearer public messaging.
During the operation, 50 inspectors checked 1,490 passengers, identifying a fare evasion rate exceeding 15%. Using this figure as a benchmark, Assoutenti modelled the potential financial impact across Genoa’s broader network—particularly the bus system, which handles an estimated 170 million journeys annually.
Assuming 223,500 daily passengers and applying the 15.4% evasion rate, the group estimates that over 34,000 commuters may be travelling without valid tickets each day. Based on inspection patterns—where roughly 8% of fare-dodgers paid on the spot—this translates to a potential daily revenue gain of €5,600, or more than €2 million per year.
The association argues that more aggressive enforcement could significantly improve outcomes. In a scenario where fare evasion is halved to 7.5%, projected revenue could rise to €12.4 million—approximately the same amount AMT currently seeks to generate through fare adjustments.
Assoutenti also urged clearer communication, such as visible signage in metro stations stating that the service is not free.
AMT has acknowledged the concerns and launched a new anti-evasion initiative featuring weekly intensive inspections. “We intend to send a clear message: using public transport properly, with a valid ticket, is first and foremost a duty, as well as an act of respect and responsibility toward the entire community,” said AMT Director General Paolo Ravera. “For this reason, we maintain widespread monitoring across our services to combat fare evasion.”
To read the original article (in Italian): https://www.genova24.it/2025/12/evasione-bus-assoutenti-appello-447207/
