Ukrzaliznytsia is stepping up enforcement against passengers without tickets on commuter trains
Starting June 25, Ukrzaliznytsia is stepping up ticket inspections on commuter trains, emphasizing that ticket compliance affects not only fare collection but also route planning, the number of cars, and the maintenance of stops.
Ukrzaliznytsia explains that a ticket sold is not only payment for the trip but also a source of statistics that the company uses to plan its commuter service.
It is the number of tickets purchased that helps determine:
- how many cars to include in a train;
- whether there is a need to schedule additional trips;
- whether certain stops along the route should be maintained.
If a significant portion of passengers travel without tickets, they are not included in the official statistics. As a result, the actual demand for a route appears lower than it really is, which can affect how transportation services are organized.
The company emphasizes that fare evasion also places an additional burden on the rolling stock, reduces comfort for passengers who have paid their fares, and increases losses for commuter rail services, which have remained unprofitable for many years.
According to the carrier, in the future, commuter rail services will increasingly adapt to actual passenger traffic.
If people buy tickets, the railway receives objective data on a route’s popularity and can:
- maintain or increase the number of cars;
- schedule additional trips;
- maintain stops that are actively used by passengers.
Ukrzaliznytsia notes that the days when people could ride without a ticket for years—and then be surprised by reduced service or overcrowded cars—are gradually coming to an end.
The company emphasizes that the responsibility for purchasing tickets does not lie solely with passengers.
Along with passenger inspections, security units monitor the work of train crews and ensure compliance with ticketing regulations.
Separately, Ukrzaliznytsia has asked passengers to report instances of illegal collection of funds. This refers to situations where a train employee:
- asks for payment without issuing a ticket;
- fails to issue a ticket after receiving payment.
In such cases, the company advises:
- note the train number, date, time, and section of the route;
- write down the car number (if possible);
- note the employee’s first and last name from their name tag or ID;
- take a photo or video, if possible;
- report the incident via the feedback form in the “Ukrzaliznytsia” app, by email, or through the company’s official pages.
Ukrzaliznytsia also noted that incidents of obstructing train traffic have become more frequent recently, particularly by passengers traveling without tickets.
Such actions may pose a threat to traffic safety and fall under Article 279 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.
Blocking transportation routes—if it disrupts normal transportation operations or endangers people—is punishable by a fine, community service, probation, or restriction of liberty for up to three years.
If such actions result in loss of life or other serious consequences, the punishment may range from eight to fifteen years of imprisonment.
Tickets for commuter trains can be purchased not only at ticket offices but also online via the official “Ukrzaliznytsia” app for Android and iOS.
The company urges passengers to purchase their tickets in a timely manner, as this not only helps avoid violations but also contributes to improving the quality of commuter service.
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