Reinforced Stib ticket checks lead to 120,000 fines in a year

Brussels public transport operator Stib carried out almost two million ticket inspections across the capital’s bus, tram and metro networks in 2025 - an increase of more than 50% compared with 2022, new figures reveal.

Inspection teams checked a record 1,978,755 passengers in 2025 and issued 121,876 fines. This means a recorded fraud rate of 6.16%, compared with 7.12% in 2022.

In proportion to the number of inspections, the percentage of fines is lower than in previous years.

“Although the number of fines issued rose by 35%, fraud fell in relative terms thanks to the significantly expanded inspection efforts,” Stib said

The transport operator said that this trend was the result of a more efficient organisation of the inspection teams.

By spreading inspections more evenly across the entire network and maintaining a visible presence throughout the day, Stib aims to discourage fare evasion and increase the likelihood of catching offenders.

The stepped-up enforcement is primarily about fairness towards the vast majority of passengers who do pay the correct fare, the agency said.

Stib added that revenue from tickets was essential for funding public transport, accounting for about a quarter of the transport company’s operating budget.

“Anyone travelling without a valid ticket risks a fine of €107,” Stib added.

“In the event of a repeat offence within a 24-month period, that amount doubles to €214.”

In addition to checking tickets, the inspection teams also fulfil a broader role across the network. They answer passengers’ questions, offer assistance where necessary and, through their visible presence, help to create a greater sense of safety on buses, trams and the metro.

Since 2023, Stib ticket inspectors have also had new powers to fight nuisances other than fare evasion, such as eating on-board, playing music or consuming alcohol.