Moscow Increases Fines for Metro Fare Evasion

The Moscow City Duma acted on Wednesday, December 24, to modify the existing regulations governing public conduct in the capital. The specific focus of these legislative changes was the Code of Administrative Offenses of the city of Moscow. By adopting these amendments, the governing body has redefined the financial liability for those utilizing the metro without payment.

The session resulted in the formal acceptance of the new text regarding administrative sanctions. The primary objective of this legislative update is to adjust the penalty to reflect current economic conditions and the perceived severity of the offense. The Moscow City Duma ensured that the amendments specifically target metro fare evasion, distinguishing it from other types of administrative violations.

The core of the legislative update concerns the specific financial penalty imposed on offenders. Under the previous version of the Moscow Administrative Code, the standard fine for riding the metro without a ticket was set at 2,000 rubles. This figure served as the baseline punishment for several years.

The newly adopted amendments introduce a substantially higher figure. The updated regulations stipulate that the fine for fare evasion in the metro will now be 5,000 rubles. This change effectively triples the financial burden on those caught attempting to bypass the fare system. The increase is designed to serve as a stronger deterrent against unauthorized travel on the subway network.

Travelers using the Moscow metro system will now face significantly higher risks for non-compliance with payment requirements. The shift from a 2,000 ruble penalty to a 5,000 ruble penalty marks a major shift in the city's approach to transit enforcement. This adjustment applies strictly to the metro environment.

Passengers are advised that the Moscow City Duma has closed the gap between the cost of a ticket and the penalty for not having one. The legislative body has made it clear that maintaining the integrity of the fare collection system is a priority. The 5,000 ruble sanction is now the standard fine for this specific violation.