Before travelers even board trains, they are often subject to random checks carried out by security officers from the SNCBand this, on a daily basis for almost two consecutive years. In 2023 alone, the railway company has recorded almost half a million fines for non-possession of a valid transport ticketaccording to SNCB spokesperson Vincent Bayer.
This figure corresponding to 44 million euros has not yet been fully collected. Far from it, since only 3.9 million euros, or less than 9%, have been collected so far.
Out of almost half a million, only 87,000 passengers paid
In 2023, the railway operator recorded 497,000 fines for non-possession of a valid transport ticket in Belgium following routine checks, which corresponds to a total amount of 44 million euros. These figures amounted to 374,000 and 28 million euros in 2022. The increase is therefore significant.
Of these 44 million euros claimed by the company, only 3,9 millions d’euro were actually collected since 87,000 passengers paid, or less than 9%. In the meantime, some 66,000 fines were canceledbecause the travelers had forgotten their subscription at home or had a transport ticket that was not very readable.
On the other hand, SNCB indicates that it will not let the others down and will continue to pursue them. Vincent Bayer, spokesperson for the Belgian railway operator, is careful to point out the rules in this area. According to him, the traveler concerned has the possibility of paying for his journey on the train, for an additional charge of 9 euros. If he refuses, the train attendant gives him an adjustment of 90 euros and the traveler then has 14 days to pay it. In the event of non-payment and after several reminder letters, an administrative procedure is initiated and can lead to very high amounts: 250 euros for the first case and 500 euros for repeat offenders.
SNCB will continue to fight against fraud
Regarding repeat offenders, the SNCB has listed some 28,000 in 2023 compared to 20,000 in 2022. Their files were transferred to the public prosecutor's office given the large volume of offenses committed. “Fraud in 2023 represented a shortfall of 26 million euros. SNCB obviously deplores this situation of which it is a victim and continues to take all possible measures to fight against fraud,” commented the spokesperson once again. He even recalled that thanks to digitalization and multiplication of SNCB sales channelsit has never been easier to obtain a valid ticket.
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