RTM controllers will now be able to check the postal addresses of offenders. But, since December, they must also offer them the opportunity to take out a subscription, before imposing a fine.
Illustration / Provence / David Rossi
This is a new tool that will allow transport authorities to fight against free riders. “Stop Fraude” is the name of the plan which will be deployed on Wednesday January 8 by six public transport operators in France, including the Régie des transports métropolitains (RTM) in the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolis. The system must allow inspectors to check the addresses of travelers without a transport ticket.
Presented by the Minister Delegate in charge of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, the system results from a decree relating to the Savary law of 2016.Transport authorities may require users to provide proof of their postal address.“, indicates the government.
A tool used by the RTM
This address could be “verified by cross-referencing data with public administrations“. “We will be on a live control, and in real time“, indicated Philippe Tabarot, on RMC, this Monday morning, January 6. According to the minister, “50% of the fines sent today by La Poste are in error“.
The system will be used by SNCF, RATP, but also RTM. Elsewhere in France, operators like Keolis or Transdev will also use it. The latter must run trains on the Marseille-Toulon-Nice line, from June.
According to Philippe Tabarot, the implementation of “Stop Fraude” will however be done “under the control of the National Commission for Information Technology and Liberties“.
A shortfall of 700 million per year
Fraud in transport represents “a shortfall of 700 million euros per year throughout Franceaccording to figures put forward by the Union of Public and Rail Transport (UTPF). Half is supported by SNCF, and the other half is shared between RATP and other urban transport networks.“
In Marseille, the RTM will use this tool, but is also testing a system of “educational infraction“. In the event of an inspection, a person without a valid ticket is offered to take out an annual subscription, instead of paying a fixed fine of 100 euros.
