In order to avoid troubles in the EU countries, it is worth knowing the rules of public transportation. Here are the main rules and reservations that Ukrainians should keep in mind when using public transport in the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, and Switzerland

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Ukrainians temporarily living or traveling in EU countries often use public transport services. In most European cities, it works quite clearly, with respect to the schedule, and is a convenient and economical way of moving. However, each passenger has certain rights and obligations that must be respected. In case of non-compliance with the requirements, you can receive a considerable fine.

What rules are established in public transport in different European countries and what fines await violators? Details in our material.

Rules for traveling in public transport in EU countries

Poland

Public transport in Poland is represented by buses, trolleybuses, trams, metro, etc. During the trip, passengers are prohibited from consuming food and drinks that can contaminate the vehicle or other passengers, drinking alcoholic beverages, smoking (including electronic cigarettes) in the vehicle or at stops, standing too close to the door or opening it while driving, throwing items from the vehicle, being in the vehicle on roller skates or other similar devices, etc. For non-observance of one of these rules, the passenger will have to pay a fine of up to PLN 500.

Also in March in Warsaw, deputies adopted a resolution according to which you can receive a fine for luggage left in the subway. In addition, the deputies banned the use of scooters during trips on the city's public transport.

A fine from 150 to 300 zlotys (depending on the city) is provided for driving without a ticket in Poland. However, the amount of the fine may be smaller if you pay it directly at the cash desk. Also, a lower rate usually applies if payment is made within 14 days of the fine being issued.

You can get a fine for traveling without a ticket if you don't compost the ticket. Be careful with your travel cards, if your city card has expired, you will also be fined for traveling without a ticket.

Czech Republic

Prague, Brno and Ostrava are the cities with the most extensive urban public transport system in the Czech Republic, but also with the largest number of passengers who enjoy free rides. 

The fine for traveling without a valid ticket is 1,500 kroner, if payment is made within the first 15 days after receiving the fine, the amount will be 1,000 kroner. You can get a fine even if your 30-minute ticket is overdue by 1 minute. Controllers check passengers in Czech transport quite often. Passengers who do not pay the baggage fee or do not purchase a ticket for a dog face a fine of 400 Czech crowns.

Also, if you have polluted the transport, committed actions that threaten safe traffic or otherwise violated the law - get ready to pay 1000 Czech crowns.

Germany

Traveling without a ticket on public transport in Germany is considered fraudulent. Offenders face imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of 60 euros.

Switzerland

In Zurich, Switzerland, the fine for the first time without a ticket is 100 Swiss francs (~100 USD). The more violations, the higher the fine. In one day, you may be banned from using public transport in Switzerland altogether.

Therefore, in most European cities, passengers do not show the purchased ticket to anyone when boarding public transport. However, if you ignore the rules of fare payment, you can come across an inspection and receive a significant fine for ticketless travel. Therefore, we advise you to fulfill the duties of passengers and pay for tickets.

In cities where you can buy tickets through the app, make sure your phone is charged and will work for the duration of the trip.

The rules of conduct are also quite standard, during the trip, respect the comfort of other people in the transport, do not damage property and do not create emergency situations.

We remind you! Earlier, we told you what can cause a car to be towed and a fine to be issued in Germany. Read more about the new parking rules that Ukrainians in Germany should keep in mind here.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.