Chile’s Senate has approved a bill to strengthen measures against fare evasion in public transport, advancing it to its third legislative stage. The proposal introduces stricter enforcement tools, higher penalties for non-payment, and new measures to prevent misuse of discounted fares.
The bill, reviewed by the Transport and Finance committees, includes expanded payment options, a revised administrative process for collecting fines, and a reinforced registry of offenders. Individuals listed in this registry may face additional restrictions. The bill also increases penalties for assaults and threats against drivers and fare inspectors.
Authorities highlighted the scale of the issue in Santiago, where fare evasion rates remain significant. According to the Ministry of Transport, approximately 35% of passengers avoid paying, contributing to an estimated annual deficit of between $150 million and $200 million. Although this figure has declined over the past two years, officials noted that one in three users of the RED system still travels without a valid ticket.
Lawmakers from across the political spectrum supported the initiative, emphasizing the need to address what they described as a “culture of fare evasion” and to reinforce compliance with the law. The bill also introduces the option for passengers caught without a valid ticket to validate their journey by paying a higher on-the-spot fare.
Beyond enforcement, the debate also underscored broader challenges, including the need to improve transport conditions in rural and remote regions and to enhance safety for frontline staff. While proposals such as protective cabins for drivers were not included in the final text, concerns about aggression in public transport remain central to the discussion.
The reform reflects a growing international trend: transit systems are combining stricter enforcement with operational and policy changes to reduce fare evasion, protect staff, and ensure the financial sustainability of public transport networks.
The original article (in Spanish) is available here: https://www.senado.cl/comunicaciones/noticias/mas-sanciones-por-evasion-del-pago-de-tarifas-en-el-transporte-publico-0
