Poland is facing a significant problem with fare evasion in public transportation, with unpaid fines for riding without a ticket totaling nearly 370 million PLN (approximately €88 million). According to a recent report from the National Debt Register (KRD), over 293,000 individuals have failed to pay their penalties, accumulating an average debt of 1,300 PLN (€310) per person.
The Łódzkie province ranks first in Poland for fare evasion debt, with residents owing 94.7 million PLN (€22.58 million). This debt is shared among 57,300 people, averaging 1,700 PLN (€405) per person. Following closely behind is Wielkopolska, where unpaid fines total 87.6 million PLN (€20.89 million), averaging 2,100 PLN (€500) per evader—the highest individual debt in the country. Mazowsze takes third place with 53.3 million PLN (€12.7 million) owed by 58,000 people, averaging 919 PLN (€219) per person.
Men account for two-thirds of the total debt—248.3 million PLN (€59.2 million)—with 189,800 male fare evaders compared to 103,300 women, who owe 120.9 million PLN (€28.83 million). The report also notes that over 2,000 minors are listed in the KRD, accumulating more than 1 million PLN (€238,475) in unpaid fines. Teenage fare evaders in Wielkopolska have the highest debt among minors, totaling 447,000 PLN (€106,598), mostly from Poznań.
While Łódzkie and Wielkopolska lead in total debt, the region with the fewest unpaid fines is Podkarpacie, where only 1.6 million PLN (€381,560) remains unsettled among 1,900 individuals. The average debt per person in this area is 825 PLN (€196)—the lowest in Poland.
Even though fare evasion fines far exceed the cost of a ticket, many individuals continue to take the risk of traveling without paying. Transport companies are increasingly taking legal action against fare evaders, adding interest and collection fees to the initial fine, which can lead to long-term financial consequences. More than 25% of the total debt is attributed to individuals aged 36-45, who collectively owe 104.1 million PLN (€24.8 million). However, the highest number of fare evaders—77,800 people—falls within the 26-35 age group, accumulating 102 million PLN (€24.3 million) in debt.
Some regions, like Silesia, have implemented automated debt registration systems, which deter passengers from evading fares by ensuring that unpaid fines quickly appear in debt records. The increasing availability of mobile ticketing apps and contactless payments has also contributed to reducing fare evasion rates.
Fare evasion creates financial difficulties not only for transport operators but also for individuals, particularly young people. Unpaid fines can accumulate with interest and legal costs, making repayment increasingly difficult over time. These debts do not disappear when a person reaches adulthood and may hinder financial stability by affecting their ability to make purchases on credit or take out loans. Experts emphasize the need for greater financial education to help young people understand the long-term consequences of fare evasion.
With stricter enforcement, including debt registration systems, and expanded ticketing options in some regions, authorities aim to curb fare evasion. Yet, with nearly 370 million PLN (€88.2 million) in unpaid fines, it remains a persistent challenge requiring ongoing enforcement efforts.
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