Fare evasion in St. Petersburg, Russia, has surged in recent years. Official statistics reveal a sharp rise in violations: from 3,800 recorded cases in 2021–2022 to 11,120 in 2023, and further up to 14,731 in 2024.
To address the growing problem, a new bill submitted to the city’s Legislative Assembly proposes raising fines for riding public transport without a valid ticket from the current 500 rubles (approximately €5) to 1,000 (€10) or even 1,500 rubles (€15), depending on the severity of the offense.
In an explanatory note accompanying the bill, officials emphasized that the current fine structure is outdated. Established in 2013, the existing 500-ruble fine amounted to 7.6% of the subsistence minimum at the time. With the proposed increase to 1,500 rubles (€15), the fine will represent 7.8% of today’s subsistence minimum of 19,329 rubles (€193)—underscoring that the adjustment is aligned with current economic conditions.
City officials also pointed to operational changes in the public transport system that have made enforcement more difficult. The increasing use of conductorless service models on commercial buses, along with staff reductions on city-run lines, has created more opportunities for fare evasion. A similar proposal to raise fines to 2,500 rubles (€25) was discussed in 2022 but was ultimately not adopted.
By contrast, other Russian regions already enforce tougher penalties. In Moscow, as well as the Tver and Kostroma regions and the Perm Krai, fines for fare evasion range from 1,000 to 5,000 rubles (€10 to €50).
“There is a clear upward trend in fare evasion,” the note warns, stressing the need for stronger deterrents. As more passengers are willing to take the risk—particularly in the absence of conductors—officials argue that higher fines are essential to protecting the integrity and financial sustainability of the city’s public transport system.
To read the full article, access the following link (in Russian): https://www.fontanka.ru/2025/04/22/75371972/
