Ukrainians abroad: what you need to know in order not to “run into” a fine in EU public transport

Ukrainians, forced to find themselves abroad, quite often use the services of local public transport, which is much more economical than renting a car or taxi.

In addition, it is convenient, because in most European cities public transport operates on a clear schedule.

However, passengers should be aware of the rules of your host country.

Some of them were told by journalists Zagranitsa 24.

Poland

There are a number of prohibitions for traveling in Polish public transport, in particular:

• you can not eat and drink if it can pollute the transport or other passengers;

• it is forbidden to drink alcohol and smoke (not only ordinary cigarettes, but also electronic ones);

• do not open the vehicle doors while driving and stand too close to them;

• it is forbidden to enter the salon in roller skates or with a scooter;

• under a strict ban - throwing garbage out the window.

For neglecting the prohibitions, violators will face a fine of up to PLN 500.

It is also forbidden to leave things in the Polish metro - the deputies of the Seimas voted for this in March 2023.

And for travel without a ticket, you will have to pay from 150 to 300 zlotys (the amount of the fine depends on the city).

Note! If you have been issued a fine, it is better to pay it as soon as possible directly at the cash desk (or within 14 days after discharge, because the amount will increase further).

Czech

In Prague, Brno and Ostrava, you should take care of buying a ticket. After all, it costs 1,500 kroons (over 60 euros) to ride a “hare” here. You can also purchase a single ticket, but it is valid for only half an hour, and for a delay even for a minute you can be fined. Well, if you pay a fine in the first 15 days after receipt, you can save 500 crowns.

Passengers who do not purchase a ticket for a pet or do not pay for luggage face a fine of 400 CZK (17 euros). And if you violated the law, for example, soiled the transport or did something that threatens the safety of other passengers and the driver, you will have to pay 1000 crowns (over 40 euros).

Germany

Traveling as a “hare” in public transport in Germany is considered a scam. So in the best case, the violator will be fined 60 euros, and in the worst case, they can be imprisoned for up to one year.

Switzerland

In Zurich, the first fine for ticketless travel will be 100 Swiss francs (more than 100 euros). But the more violations, the more severe the punishment. It can even reach a complete ban on public transport throughout the country.

Recall that internally displaced persons from Ukraine abroad can also be punished for failure to file income declarations.