This applies not only to the city of Ingolstadt but also to the entire region, including nighttime and weekends. The reason was the frequent cases of using fake Deutschlandticket passes or the complete absence of travel documents.
Whoever uses a valid ticket ensures the functioning of the system for everyone, noted VGI head Robert Frank. He emphasized: Ticket checks help guarantee fairness in the public transport sector for everyone. According to him, ticket sales revenue is more important than ever in these financially difficult times.
VGI applies checks of different levels of intensity. In individual cases, up to nine controllers go on raids simultaneously. As Frank emphasized, the employees are well-trained and prepared. Nevertheless, targeted insults happen from passengers, and in exceptional situations — also physical attacks, in which the police are always involved.
Up to three percent of 55,000 daily passengers travel without a ticket
On average, VGI carries more than 55,000 passengers a day. According to Frank’s experience, about two to three percent of them are fare dodgers, and at certain moments their share reaches five percent. After the pandemic, this indicator became noticeably higher, the head of the organization stated. The Deutschlandticket causes particular difficulties: almost every tenth such pass turns out to be fake.
VGI asks passengers to enter the bus through the front door whenever possible and present the travel document to the driver without a special reminder. This requirement applies to all types of tickets: paper, plastic cards, and digital versions on a mobile phone. When using the Deutschlandticket, scanning the QR code is especially important, as this is necessary for settlements with the federal government and Bavarian authorities.
Entering through the front door is a rule. Exceptions are allowed during high passenger traffic at peak hours, heavy rain at a stop, or threat of flight delay. This also applies to passengers with baby carriages, walkers, or wheelchairs. A clearly regulated change of passengers (entrance in the front and exit in the back) improves their flow, reduces parking time at stops, and contributes to increased punctuality, Frank explained.
Fine for fare dodging is a minimum of 60 euros
Anyone caught on a bus without a ticket will have to pay 60 euros; in certain cases, additional expenses or even criminal prosecution may follow. The shortfall in revenue due to fare dodging increases the deficit in public transport — in the end, these losses have to be compensated by honest passengers and taxpayers.
VGI recommends purchasing tickets in advance, especially at more favorable tariffs via the VGI app, at vending machines, sales points, or at the client center on Mautstraße. When buying a ticket from a driver in a bus, cashless payment by card or through smartphone payment systems is recommended: this saves time and allows avoiding cash operations.
Chocolate hearts for Valentine’s Day as thanks to passengers
Recently, for Valentine’s Day, the VGI transport association and carriers thanked passengers who use public transport with a valid ticket. The control service distributed chocolate hearts as a small sign of appreciation. Many thanks to everyone who travels honestly and uses public transport, Frank emphasized.
Source: dpa
Latest Posts
