Berlin’s public transport operator, Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), has stepped up ticket inspections across its network in response to persistent fare evasion, which costs the company tens of millions of euros annually. Passengers on busy lines—such as the U2 toward Pankow—have reported a noticeable increase in checks in recent weeks.
BVG confirmed a citywide rise in inspection activity but declined to disclose details on specific routes, times, or staffing. “Ticket inspections are a routine part of operations and are conducted flexibly throughout the network,” the operator stated.
Public response has been mixed. The Berlin Passenger Association (IGEB) welcomed the tighter enforcement, saying it benefits honest riders and can enhance feelings of safety. However, it also questioned whether resources might be better used to address ongoing service disruptions and delays.
Passenger advocacy group Pro Bahn reiterated its opposition to penalty fares in cases where passengers hold valid tickets but are unable to display them due to technical issues—such as a dead phone battery affecting digital ticket access.
BVG estimates annual losses from fare evasion at €20–25 million, a figure that includes deliberate fare dodging, invalid or missing tickets, and unintentional errors by tourists unfamiliar with the system.
In contrast, S-Bahn Berlin, operated by Deutsche Bahn, reported no change in its inspection levels. Roughly 11 million passengers were checked in 2024 and 2025, with about 2.5% found without valid tickets—resulting in approximately 275,000 €60 penalty fares annually, totaling around €16.5 million per year.
The original article (in German) is available here: https://www.berliner-kurier.de/berlin/achtung-schwarzfahrer-bvg-kontrolliert-verstaerkt-nach-tickets-li.10010389