Beginning April 7, 2024, Östgötatrafiken will introduce plainclothes ticket inspectors on its buses and trains to combat fare evasion in Östergötland. This initiative follows positive outcomes observed in other regions where similar measures reduced ticketless travel. The transport authority hopes that this strategy will encourage more passengers to purchase tickets, ultimately increasing revenue and improving the financial sustainability of public transport services in the region.

Mattias Näslund, the deputy traffic manager at Östgötatrafiken, emphasized the necessity of increased ticket revenues to support and enhance public transportation. Currently, ticket revenues cover only 47% of the costs associated with public transport in Östergötland, with the remaining costs being subsidized by taxpayers. The goal is to achieve a more balanced distribution of funding, reducing dependence on public funds while maintaining quality and service coverage in public transit.

However, challenges remain as the number of ticketless passengers has nearly doubled during the summer of 2025. Concurrently, the number of train attendants has halved, leading to concerns raised by the Seko union regarding safety and security onboard. The transport authority is currently evaluating the situation, indicating that the issue of fare evasion is not limited to trains but also extends to buses and trams, necessitating a broader approach to enforcement and passenger assurance in public transport systems.