Poll results
Should fare evasion be downgraded to a misdemeanor?
Support
Reject
Don't know
PolitPro Community – 3625 respondents – 28.03.2024-03.04.2024
Poll information
Should fare evasion be downgraded to a misdemeanor? 55% of respondents were in favor of downgrading fare evasion to a misdemeanor, while 45% were against.
:undecided% chose the answer "Don't know". The survey was conducted among 3625 users of the PolitPro app during 28.03.2024-03.04.2024. The results are not representative, but may give a rough idea of the political mood around the issue.
Pros - What's in favor?
- Proportionate punishment: Currently, fare evasion is treated as a criminal offense in many countries, resulting in excessively high penalties. Downgrading to a misdemeanor would allow for more proportionate punishment that is better related to the severity of the offense.
- Reducing the burden on the judiciary: Treating fare evasion as a criminal offense unnecessarily burdens the judiciary. Court proceedings and prosecution cost time and resources that could be used more effectively elsewhere. Downgrading it to a misdemeanor would relieve the judiciary and allow it to focus on more serious offenses.
- Social aspects: Many people who fare evasion do so because of financial hardship or lack of alternatives in public transportation. By downgrading fare evasion to an administrative offense, decriminalization of these people could be achieved. This would help reduce social disadvantage and ensure fairer treatment.
Cons - What's against it?
- Deterrent effect: Fare evasion is a violation of transport conditions and causes financial damage to transport companies. Downgrading to a misdemeanor could be perceived as a minor offense and possibly reduce the deterrent effect. A felony classification, on the other hand, could provide a more effective deterrent.
- Equity for paying passengers: downgrading fare evasion could be perceived as an injustice to paying passengers. The cost of public transportation must be covered by ticket prices, and fare evasion results in financial losses for transit agencies. Retaining the criminal status could help protect the interests of paying passengers.
- Legal clarity: The criminal offense of fare evasion provides a clear legal basis for transport operators and law enforcement authorities. Downgrading it to a misdemeanor could create uncertainty and dilute the legal framework. Clear regulations facilitate enforcement and control in public transport.