Travellers on Brussels Metro must now validate their tickets both at entry and at exit points at stations, similar to the city’s Premetro system.
Starting this month, Brussels’ public transport operator STIB-MIVB installed new gates at one station, with 15 more stations planned to be ready by the end of 2018.
The Metro a single validation system at entry points since 2010. The double validation system at the Premetro is in use since 2014.
STIB says the double validation system is expected to bring better results in reducing fraud numbers: ‘It’s a measure to further combat fare-dodging. By also organizing checkouts, you put an extra barrier in place’ says STIB spokesperson An Van Hamme.
The data from the validation gates will also be used to better understand customer behaviour, to improve services.
Brussels Metro fare evasion rate is higher than 5% each year, amounting to millions of euros in losses. “This amount could be better spent improving the service. Subscription or not, validating your MOBIB card is mandatory for every trip”, the company says.
Fare evasion – a global issue
Fare evasion remains a major focus for public transport companies, causing billions of dollars in losses annually.
Besides the economic impact, fare evasion leads to acts of incivility, and feelings of insecurity among paying passengers.
Full-height fare evasion gates are used in many subway and commuter train networks. While they are proven to reduce and deter fare evasion, offenders often find ways to bypass them.
Recent breakthrough technologies using AI Video Analytics provide an alternative solution to tackle fare evasion at turnstile gates, by detecting infractions through video streams in real-time. This technology allows for selective controls which are suited in the context of the pandemic.
