Yekaterinburg toughens measures against fare dodgers
Public transport inspectors will gain the authority to issue fines for riding without a ticket directly inside the vehicle.
Mar 6, 2026 0
Yekaterinburg is implementing a new system to combat fare dodgers. Acting First Deputy Mayor Rustam Galiyev, who oversees transport, stated that inspectors will begin issuing fines on the spot.
A video outlines the new measures to tackle fare evasion in public transportation.
Galiyev cited inspection data: «I can say that our inspectors» raids showed that overall, people pay reliably. There are fare dodgers, but not as many as were said and feared when we switched to the conductorless system. That is, there aren«t enough to directly say that the city budget is missing out on something.»
Until now, the fining procedure has been complicated. To draw up a report, an employee with appropriate authority is required, as well as a document verifying the offender«s identity. The fine amount is 2500 rubles (approximately $25 at current rates), but many fare dodgers refuse to present their passport.
The fine amount has increased sharply: if previously it was only 100 rubles (approximately $1 at current rates), in 2024, regional assembly deputies increased it 25-fold. The Yekaterinburg mayor«s office initiated the toughening.
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