De Lijn Fails to Collect 16 Million Euros in Unpaid Fare Evasion Fines
Flemish public transport operator De Lijn is struggling to collect approximately 16 million euros in unpaid fines from fare evaders, newly released parliamentary data reveals. According to figures obtained by Flemish Parliament member Jasper Pillen (Anders) from Mobility Minister Annick De Ridder (N-VA), only slightly more than half of the fines issued in 2025 have been paid, raising serious concerns about fairness and the financial sustainability of the system.
The Enforcement Gap
De Lijn inspectors have dramatically stepped up enforcement in recent years, issuing approximately 93,500 sanctions in 2025 — a 167% increase from the roughly 35,000 issued in 2018, as reported by Het Laatste Nieuws. Yet the revenue collected tells a different story.
In 2024, inspectors issued 13 million euros in fines, of which only 60% (8.1 million euros) was ultimately paid. The situation worsened in 2025: of the 16.2 million euros in fines issued, only 8.5 million euros — roughly 52% — has been collected so far. While De Lijn notes that collection rates typically improve over time, reaching approximately 70% after three years, this still leaves nearly a third of fines unpaid. After five years, outstanding fines become statute-barred.
A Question of Fairness
The enforcement gap has sparked political debate about equity in public transport. “Many passengers who faithfully pay for their ticket every day see their bus stop disappear due to decisions of this Flemish government,” Pillen said. “At the same time, a third to half of fare evaders remain unpunished because they refuse to pay their fine. That eats away at the sense of justice.”
De Lijn spokesperson Marco Demerling defended the company’s efforts, noting that “in the months and even years after the fine was imposed, the effectively collected amount can still rise sharply.” The company stated it does everything possible to collect every collectible euro, while acknowledging limits when offenders genuinely have no money.
Structural Barriers to Collection
Several factors explain why so many fines go unpaid. Some offenders are insolvent, living in poverty or under debt mediation. Others provide incorrect address data, move frequently, or leave the country entirely. Contested fines can take months or years to resolve through legal procedures, while installment plans spread payments over long periods.
Minister De Ridder has defended the collection rate, noting that De Lijn’s 70% long-term rate is actually higher than that of the national railway company NMBS. “Together with bailiffs, we are looking at how we can improve this further,” she said, as reported by VRT NWS.
Unrealistic Revenue Targets?
The core of the controversy lies in the Flemish government’s demand that De Lijn raise an additional 30 million euros annually through fare evasion enforcement — a target set in the coalition agreement. From 1 January 2026, fines were increased significantly: first offenses now cost 127 euros (up from 107), second offenses within 12 months cost 349 euros (up from 294), and subsequent offenses cost 474 euros, according to RingTV.
Yet the collection data suggests the target is far from achievable. “How are you going to collect an additional 30 million euros in fines when after a year and a half you’ve barely collected 8 million?” Pillen asked. “The minister is counting on fine money she can’t even collect.”
De Lijn’s own CEO, Ann Schoubs, has previously described the 30 million euro target as unrealistic. The company is already under severe financial pressure: in January 2026, the required savings were increased from 30 million to 35.5 million euros, as VRT NWS reported. The company has been cutting routes — 204 bus lines were recently scrapped — while simultaneously raising fares.
What’s Next
Minister De Ridder maintains the 30 million euro target remains the goal. Eleven new inspectors started in June 2026, bringing the total to 230, with a target of 239. De Lijn is also investing in AI-based targeting of high-risk routes and times, access gates in Antwerp’s premetro, and bodycams for staff.
However, with only 8.5 million euros collected from 16.2 million in fines issued in 2025, and structural barriers to collection showing no signs of easing, the gap between political ambition and operational reality appears likely to persist. For the paying passengers watching their services shrink while fare evaders go unpunished, the frustration is unlikely to dissipate anytime soon.