I’ve heard that occasionally transportation officials will check tram passengers to make sure they have a valid ticket. I rode Poznan trams regularly for well over a year before I saw this happen. Now, it’s happened twice in the period of a week and in the same spot, going opposite directions. Beware, Poznan, Fredry – Most Teatralny = enforcement zone.
In my mind, the tram cops would be stormtroopers, dressed in black, descending on our tram before anyone could stamp their ticket. In fact, they’re casually dressed, usually riding on the tram before they pull out their badge and ask for your ticket.
During the first inspection, the tram cops came up empty handed. They had better luck yesterday. They escorted a young man with a beard and a backpack off the tram. I have the feeling he would be called “a traveler” in Silver City. He wasn’t able to give them a validated ticket or a pass, but I did see them checking his passport.
Fortunately, my monthly pass has been current when checked. My understanding is that it’s a 100 zl ($30) fine on the spot, and that amount goes up to 200 or 300 zl if you’re unable to pay when sited. I try to keep a sto (100) with my tram card just in case I forget to renew.
An accountant by trade and a food blogger since 2009, Lois Britton fell in love with Polish cuisine during the years she lived in Poznań, Poland. As the creator of PolishHousewife.com, she loves connecting readers with traditional Polish recipes. Lois has a graduate certificate in Food Writing and Photography from the University of South Florida. She is the author of The Polish Housewife Cookbook, available on Amazon and on her website.
heksita
I think the fee is lower for couple of days (like 2-4), not only on the spot, so you don't have to carry 100 every time you use public transport.
Kasia
Nobody likes "kanary" – this is what we call the tram police – in Poznan anyway:) And I see that Most Teatralny is still their favorite spot. One usually gets in through the front door, the other one through the back door – and after few minutes they start checking everybody's tickets.
For some reason I have this recurring dream about riding the tram without a ticket – I
Lois B
heksita – thanks for the tip!
Kasia – your recurring dream makes me smile. In mine, I'm in high school and have forgotten my locker combination, or I've gone out and forgotten my clothes.
Lori
When in Budapest I never saw inspectors on the trams, but 100% before riding the Metro. My granddaughter thought she had lost her 7 day pass in a shopping mall. I thought I'd take the chance to ride the tram back to a main square to where we could buy a new pass. I was so glad she found it before we boarded, for that tram ride proved to the one and only time inspectors showed up on the tram.
Anna
unfortunately, you can pay 100zl only on the spot. if you don't have cash the fine increases to 140 and after 7 days it becomes 200.
very interesting blog!