The new code governing public transport pricing in Murcia, authorised at the most recent municipal plenary session, also specifies the amount of sanctions and fines, which range from 100 to 500 euros depending on the severity of the breach.
This newsroom got a document that expressly governs public transport charges and fines in Murcia for the first time. It also specifies which offences are serious, but not which are minor.
Travelling without a valid ticket
Those who travel without a legal transit ticket will be fined €100, which can be reduced to €50 if paid within eight working days of the fine being issued. Payment must be paid at customer service offices or via the payment methods specified by the operators. Furthermore, failure to pay within the designated deadline will result in “the appropriate report being filed,” according to the code.
Furthermore, the paper states that if the accused refuses to reveal personal information, public transport workers may seek the assistance of the Local Police and other security authorities.
If the reported person continues the voyage, they must pay for the ticket or authenticate the related transportation document in front of the inspection or company personnel.
Seriousness of infractions
Minor breaches that are not listed in the law will result in a fine of up to 350 euros and the suspension of the personalised transport card for six months to a year.
According to the new legislation, it would now be allowed to demand “compensation for the damages and losses that the infringement has caused to the Murcia City Council and the reimbursement of the amounts unduly enjoyed”.
In terms of serious offences, the law only mentions two cases involving the personalised transit card: lying about the application facts and neglecting to notify any change in the circumstances that led to the card’s issuance.
In these circumstances, the fine is 500 euros, and the personalised transit card may be withdrawn for a period of more than one year but less than five years. In addition, as with minor offences, compensation for damages and losses, as well as repayment for any unpaid fares, may be sought.
It should be noted that the holder will be unable to obtain another personalised transit card during the time it is withdrawn.
The maximum penalty will be enforced in circumstances of repeated offences, which means that someone will be penalised for having previously committed another infringement covered by this ordinance that has not yet expired. In circumstances of repeated minor and major offences, the penalty for the more serious infraction will be set at a medium level.
Reductions
Those fined will be able to lessen the amount owed if they accept responsibility or make a voluntary payment of the penalty. If either one of these conditions is met, the reduction will be 25%, whereas if both are met, the reduction will be 50%.
Similarly, if the sentence includes the withdrawal of the personalised card and the responsible person accepts responsibility, the sanction will be reduced to half the applicable time.
“The ordinance is not illegal, but it puts the cart before the horse,” José Mariano Orenes told this newsroom. The explanation was simple: “It sets prices and user rights without guaranteeing the service’s viability or finalising the contract that will support them,” says Orenes.
Vox criticises the lack of an economic impact study and details on how the service will be funded. “We cannot set rates without first determining whether they are viable for the user, the City Council, the workers, and the concessionary company.” It’s irresponsible,” Abascal’s party declared.
Banknotes
A single ticket will cost 1.50 euros for travels beginning or terminating within the municipality of Murcia, however this price will be lowered to 1.35 euros if bought by bank card or by scanning a QR code as part of an effort to encourage the removal of cash.
A single ticket for travels originating or headed for the municipalities of Alcantarilla, Beniel, and Santomera will cost 1.90 euros, according to the Community’s new zonal tariff system.
Bonds
Based on the current tricolour card, the voucher system will be renewed, with seven types, four of which will include free travel: those intended for retirees, pensioners, special large families, and children under the age of seven (previously up to seven years old), who must carry a personalised card.
It should also be noted that retirees and pensioners must demonstrate that their monthly income is equal to or less than the state-established minimum interprofessional salary for aid and subsidies.
Furthermore, companions of persons with decreased mobility will be able to travel for free thanks to a personalised card that formally recognises carers and must be linked to a dependent person with limited mobility.
The general pass will be quite similar to the current tricolour ticket, with no expiration date and a cost of €1.10. The student pass will be valid for one to four years, depending on the course, and will cost €0.90.
However, students will not be the only ones to benefit from public transport discounts; a pass will be introduced for individuals under the age of 25 with no further qualifications.
Author: Derek Appleton
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