Frankfurt decriminalizes fare evasion: A new way for commuters!

Frankfurt decriminalizes fare evasion: A new way for commuters!

In Frankfurt there are signs of a fundamental change in how the issue of fare evasion is dealt with. The city council is voting today on a motion from the Left that calls for far-reaching decriminalization of fare evasion. The motion already found a majority in the main and finance committee. The aim is to no longer treat fraudulent transport services as a criminal offense. This means that the prison sentence for fare evasion, which is now perceived as disproportionate, should be largely abolished, reports daily news.

In practice, this means that repeat offenders will be required to pay 60 euros, but will no longer be prosecuted. It should be noted that this regulation does not apply to S-Bahn and regional trains. At the same time, the issue of fare evasion is by no means just a Hessian phenomenon. Cities such as Cologne, Mainz, Dresden, Bremen and Düsseldorf have made similar decisions. The pioneer in Hesse was Wiesbaden, which made a corresponding decision at the end of 2023.

A rethink on a political level

The Left argues that prison sentences for not having a ticket place an unnecessary burden on the judiciary and particularly affect people in precarious living conditions. Criminologist Christine Graebsch from the Dortmund University of Applied Sciences supports this view and points out that criminal prosecution ties up considerable resources that could be better used elsewhere. An open letter, signed by Graebsch and Luise Klaus, calls for a reform of Section 265a StGB, which currently regulates fare evasion WDR additionally informed.

Another aspect is the financial consequences: a day in prison costs around 160 euros, while the increased transport fee for fare evaders is 60 euros. According to estimates, around 7,000 people in Germany are imprisoned every year because of unpaid tickets. Many of those affected struggle with unemployment, debts or addictions, which dramatically worsens the situation. Klaus describes the situation as a “punishment of poverty” – an assessment that meets with broad approval.

Political challenges and progress

At the federal level, the voices for weakening the fare evasion law have also become louder, but implementation is still pending. The draft bill from the Federal Ministry of Justice, which aims to delete Section 265a of the Criminal Code, is a promising step in the right direction. Support comes from Alliance 90/The Greens, FDP and the Left, like Jurabuddy explained.

Finally, the political initiatives to decriminalize fare evasion are an important signal that society is prepared to take responsibility for those affected. Especially in a country where social justice is very important, it is high time to have a discussion about the relevance and effects of the existing regulations. Anyone who is in need should not be punished further. It remains to be seen how the votes in Frankfurt will turn out and whether the wave of decriminalization will continue to roll.