According to empirical estimates of drivers, the number of passengers who confirm their tickets on buses and trolleybuses OASA (Athens buses and trolleybuses), does not exceed 15-20%.
According to OASA and OASΘ data for 2023, approximately 9,000 fines are issued monthly in Athens and Thessaloniki for illegally boarding public transport. The total amount is more than half a million euros (about 550,000 euros if every fourth fine is issued for failure to confirm a ticket at a reduced fare).
According to OASA, in 2023 it is confirmed 13,897 fines for illegal landing on OASY road vehicles (buses and trolleybuses) based on the results of 609,361 inspections (2.3%) and 81,458 fines on STASY vehicles (metro, ΗΣΑΠ, trams) based on the results 3,113,916 checks (2.6%). Compared to 2022, the number of traffic fines (TSY) remained more or less the same (13,794), but the percentage of fines on controls was slightly higher (2.75%) as there were fewer controls (501,084) . By rail (STASY) the number of fines increased significantly (by 29,270 or 56%)the difference is explained by an increase in the number of inspections (1,965,013 more than in 2022, that is, 171%). The percentage of KP fines in STASY funds was significantly higher in 2022 (4.5%).
In Thessaloniki number of finesimposed every month, estimated at 1,100 (about 13,200 per year)while ticket validation on city buses is approx. 850,000 per month And 10,200,000 per year, and about 3,800,000 tickets are issued annually on buses. Finally, every year OASΘ issues approximately 220,000 unlimited passes (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual).
Ratings
The real scale of ticketless travel much more than the above figures suggest. According to OASA – OSI Technical Staff President Apostolos Raptopoulos, drivers empirically estimate that the number of passengers who validate their tickets on OASA buses and trolleybuses does not exceed… 15-20%. Of course, even this assessment does not fully correspond to reality, since road transport is often boarded by people who have already validated their single ticket on another type of transport (for example, in the metro). According to OASA, there is a “hole” in the validation of the second or third mode of transport, and non-validation of monthly/annual tickets is also common. So for now It is almost impossible to accurately assess the real level of illegal boarding on public transport.
However, OASA is trying to get people back to the “cunning” of ticket checking after the general relaxation that has prevailed since the start of the pandemic. In 2023, OASA sources say the number of validations has returned to pre-pandemic levels. This was greatly facilitated by the recruitment of STASY controllers, from 45 employees in 2022 to 122. Moreover, a new recruitment is planned in 2024, as well as a corresponding increase in the number of auditors in TSY, of which there are currently only 35.
In the fight against illegal boarding, the introduction of validation machines is also expected, where it will be possible to pay for travel with a bank card in physical or digital form. While this will not stop those who deliberately take the risk of using public transport illegally, it is expected to be a solution for rushed and… forgetful passengers. Of course, paying for travel by card can also be a “solution” for conscious free riders who, at the last minute, realize that tickets are being checked – after all, groups informing about the movements of OASA controllers on social networks have more than 150,000 members.
Contactless payment machines will first be tested on Express buses serving El Airport. Venizelos (X95, X96) by the end of the month, with plans to expand to the entire network by the end of the year. This innovation is already being used in several European Union countries, as well as in 30 islands and cities in Greece. According to a recent study conducted by the National Technical University of Greece, eight out of ten Greeks said they were willing to switch to contactless payments on public transport, and seven out of ten said they would use it more often if they were offered the option.
What is the amount of the fine
The fine is equal to 60 times the cost of the ticket, full or reduced. From September 1, 2014, the fine is 72 euros or 36 euros for beneficiaries. For metro passengers on the Koropi – Airport section, the fine is 20 times the cost of the ticket (10euro*20=200euro).
The fine is reduced by 50% if it is paid directly or within 10 days at the competent fine payment offices, i.e. converted to 36 euros or 18 euros.
Where can I pay the fine?
Due to numerous cases of unlawful actions by drivers/inspectors of private security companies, we recommend paying any fines NOT directly to the inspectors, but in the relevant offices of the organization, while requiring confirmation of the identity of the inspector:
When paying fines imposed by auditors ΟΑΣΑ / ΟΣΥ (Buses, Trolleybuses):
Address: 15 Metsovo (1st floor), Athens, Greece.
Payment hours: Monday – Friday 08:00 – 14:15
Contact phone: 210-8200848, 943, 830
Fines imposed by ΟΣΥ (bus, trolleybus) inspectors at the OASA offices or at one of the two competent offices O.S.E.:
Address: Parnasu street, 6, ag. Ioannis Rentis (behind the Village) and Admitou Street 17, Attiki Square (near Attiki metro station).
Opening hours: weekdays from 07:30 to 14:30.
Contact numbers: 210-4270649, 210 4270705, 210 4270796, 210 4270841.
Regarding fines imposed by STASY inspectors (metro, ΗΣΑΠ, tram), please contact the relevant STASY office:
Address: 67 Athinas Street, Athens (ground floor).
Payment hours: weekdays from 08:00 to 16:00
Contact phone: 214 4141352, fax: 214 4141383.
Fines imposed by TRAINOSE (suburban railway): at the suburban railway stations specified in the Certificate of Violation and Imposition of Fine.
Is it possible to pay the fine through a bank or post office?
Fines imposed ΟΑΣΑ, you can pay by postal check at the post office. Also, fines imposed by STA.SY. can be paid by bank or post office check. The details are specified in the Certificate of Confirmation of Violation and Imposition of a Fine. If the fine is paid by postal services, the discount does not apply.
Is it possible to get a monthly card on the day of the fine to get rid of it?
Yes! According to decision No. 2997/2014 of the OASA Board of Directors, the fine will be canceled if the passenger, within 60 days, presents to the relevant control services a monthly card issued on or before the same day as the date of the fine. The decision applies to fines imposed by the OASA, OSI and STASY controllers.
Is there a discount when paying the fine directly?
Due to numerous cases of unlawful actions by PSY drivers/inspectors, we recommend paying any fine NOT directly to the inspectors, but at the offices of the relevant organizations, asking for the identity of the inspector. The cost of the fine is halved if it is paid within 10 days, and there is no reason to pay the inspector directly.
What to do if the fine was imposed unfairly
The passenger should contact the issuing authority directly and complete a complaint form, which will be reviewed by the Fines Complaints Committee.
What to do if you are fined after purchasing an unlimited travel card that you did not have with you
In this case, the passenger must contact the competent fine payment point with confirmation of the offense and the act of imposing the fine, as well as an unlimited travel card. If the card is valid and has the same or earlier issue date than the fine date, the fine will be cancelled.
What to do if a passenger is entitled to a discounted travel ticket, but is still given a fine corresponding to the regular ticket price
In this case, the passenger must appear at the competent fine payment office with a document confirming the violation and imposition of the fine and proof that he is a recipient of the reduced fare so that the fine can be adjusted accordingly.
What happens if you don't pay the fine?
If the fine is not paid within 20 days from the date of its imposition, a notice of the fine is sent to the appropriate Department of State Finance (Δ.Ο.Υ.) to which the offender belongs, for confirmation. The fine in this case increases 10 times.
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