It's about "fare dodging", i.e. using buses and trains without a valid ticket. Anyone caught will have to pay an increased fare of 60 euros. Transport companies such as Stadtwerke Bonn can also file a criminal complaint with the public prosecutor's office in accordance with Section 265a of the German Criminal Code. In future, no criminal charges will be brought, but the increased fare for traveling without a valid ticket must still be paid. All current criminal charges will be withdrawn.

As Section 265a StGB is an offense for which an application is made, the public prosecutor's office will not take action without the transport company filing a complaint. This means that if charges are suspended, the decriminalization of driving without a valid ticket can be promoted at a municipal level by the transport companies. This approach is already being practiced in several cities, including Bremen, Bremerhaven, Düsseldorf and, since December 2023, the city of Cologne. Münster, Wiesbaden and Halle an der Saale have also passed corresponding resolutions.

 Click here (opens in a new tab) for the draft resolution.