Berlin NGO frees 1,500 jailed for fare evasion—now pushing for free public transportation
A Berlin-based NGO called the Freedom Fund has paid off the debts of around 1,500 people imprisoned for fare evasion since 2021. The group is now pushing for the complete decriminalisation of the offence and free public transportation for everyone. Meanwhile, Jens C. will soon be released from prison after serving 18 months for repeatedly traveling without a valid ticket.
In Germany, riding public transportation without a ticket is a criminal offence under Section 265a of the Criminal Code. Each year, between 8,000 and 9,000 people face penalties, with 95% receiving fines and 5% sentenced to prison terms. Jens C. was one of them—convicted for 17 separate offences, he received a one-year prison sentence and a €1,500 fine. Unable to pay, his fine was converted into additional jail time.
The Freedom Fund has stepped in for cases like his, covering debts to secure the release of those jailed for fare evasion. The NGO argues that imprisonment for unpaid fines disproportionately affects low-income individuals. Their campaign has gained political attention, with the Federal Ministry of Justice, led by SPD minister Stefanie Hubig, now open to discussing decriminalisation.
Previously, the Free Democratic Party (FDP) proposed a law to remove fare evasion from the criminal code, but the plan was dropped after the last election. The Left Party and the Greens have also put forward bills to reclassify such offences, moving them from criminal to administrative penalties. However, Left Party lawmaker Luke Hoß warned that even administrative fines would still burden those who cannot afford tickets.
Jens C. is set to leave Siegburg Prison on November 27 after serving his sentence. The debate over fare evasion laws continues, with calls for reform gaining traction. If decriminalisation moves forward, thousands could avoid fines or imprisonment for unpaid transportation fares in the future.
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