Fines on public transport: the fund that pays for the needy (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• The association pays fines for those who travel without a valid ticket.
• The main objective is to avoid substitute detention.
• 228 days in prison with 14,200 francs were avoided.
• The fund operates through crowdfunding and has raised 92,000 francs.

Key facts

• What: Payment of fines for the indigent on public transport
• When: Active since 2025
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Association Freiheitsfonds Schweiz
• Amount: 14,200 francs spent so far

The association 'Freiheitsfonds Schweiz', officially active since 2025, is responsible for paying the financial penalties of destitute people who, caught travelling on public transport without a valid transport ticket, are unable to pay. The initiative, organized as a grassroots democratic collective, explicitly aims to prevent the extreme consequences related to insolvency, in particular the application of a substitute prison sentence. According to the co-promoter Basil Weingartner, the association's intervention has so far allowed a total of 228 days of detention to be avoided. To achieve this goal, the collective has allocated about 14,200 francs. The mechanism of operation of the fund is based on a crowdfunding fundraising campaign, hosted on the association's website. To date, the amount collected amounts to about 92,000 francs. The manager confirmed that, out of 26 requests received, 14 responded to the

Operational details

The Swiss penalty system provides that, in the event of non-payment of a fine, the amount due may increase significantly due to recovery procedures. When it is not possible to proceed through forced execution or garnishment of wages, the debt is converted into a substitute prison sentence. This dynamic puts people in a situation of economic precariousness in a condition of extreme vulnerability. The association fits into this context to prevent the lack of immediate liquidity from translating into a deprivation of personal freedom. The issue of alternative detention for fines of up to 5,000 francs is the subject of political debate at different institutional levels. Recently, the National Council rejected a motion calling for alternative measures to imprisonment for this type of debt. However, the comparison remains open at the cantonal level. For example, last May, the Bernese State Council sent the Confederation a cantonal initiative, mandated by the Grand Council, which calls for an adaptation of the federal Constitution. The proposal aims to ensure that, even after the conversion of a fine into a substitute penalty, the possibility of carrying out public utility work as an alternative to detention remains. This route would represent a less burdensome solution for the individual and for society, avoiding the destructive impact that prison can have

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Key points

For those facing extreme economic difficulties due to public transport sanctions and risking detention, the association serves as a reference point. The procedure to access the support of the 'Freiheitsfonds Schweiz' requires the applicant to meet one of the specified conditions: receiving a summons for detention or already being in prison. The first step is to visit the official association portal. The site, available in German, acts as a central hub for submitting requests. It is crucial for interested parties to carefully review the eligibility criteria, as the fund evaluates each individual situation to ensure that available resources are directed to those who genuinely cannot afford to pay. Once a request is submitted, the collective examines the provided documentation before proceeding with the direct payment of the fine. This process is exclusively aimed at avoiding the imposition of the alternative penalty. For those who need to manage their financial situation more broadly or wish to simulate the impact of various income and expenses on their monthly budget, it is always useful to consult reliable calculation tools. Although not directly related to the management of fines, having a clear understanding of one's net income is essential to prevent insolvency situations. It is possible to delve deeper into the planning of one's personal finances, including tax and pension contributions in the pay slip, using the dedicated calculator. This tool allows for an accurate estimate of the net pay, helping to better plan fixed expenses and avoid accumulating debts that could, in unfortunate circumstances, lead to forced execution procedures or pecuniary penalties. Awareness of one's economic situation remains the best preventive measure.

Source: swissinfo.ch