If the fine is not paid immediately but within 30 days, then the fine goes up from Ft 16,000 to Ft 25,000, while if the fine is paid after more than 30 days the penalty rises from Ft 32,000 to Ft 50,000.

The BKK will cancel part of the fine for free-riders who buy a pass when they are caught.

The loss of revenue caused by those traveling without a ticket or pass costs the public transport company billions of forints every year, BKK said.

Budapest provides a subsidy for each purchased ticket and pass, the BKK added. For example, the city provides over Ft 20,000 in subsidy for public transport for each monthly pass sold.