Blast from the Past: Belgrade Bus Driver Arrested Entire Bus Over Fare Evasion!
Picture this: the 1960s in Belgrade – public transport wasn’t just a way to get to work or college, it was a full-on drama filled with unpredictable moments. Wooden seats on green buses, rattling trams, and drivers and conductors battling massive fare evasion. But did you know one driver lost his cool so much he arrested the entire bus? Yes, you read that right!
Massive Fare Evasion – A Problem as Old as Public Transport Itself
Back when buses were packed and ticket inspectors often powerless, a driver on the Topčider line had enough. During one ride, the conductor issued only four tickets while the rest of the passengers without tickets staged a full-blown rebellion. When the driver tried to stop the bus, passengers physically blocked him, and in a panic, he drove straight to the police station on 29th November street.
Chaos on Wheels
Passengers tried to stop the driver, but he managed to enter the police building, damaging the bus in the process. Half the passengers fled, and police found only 28 tickets among the rest. Despite the chaos, instead of being fired, the driver was fined 10% of his salary for three months. Sounds like the system sided with those trying to enforce order, but the fare evasion problem was huge.
Shocking Statistics
At that time, there were about 5,000 various proceedings related to unpaid tickets, meaning almost every fifth GSP worker was involved in some form of control or problem-solving. The workers’ council wasn’t indifferent, but many saw this as proof of determination to bring order, not excessive harshness.
Myths vs Reality
Today, when we look back, we often hear about the “all-powerfulness of state jobs” and how it was impossible to get fired. However, this story shows there were consequences for slacking and fare evasion even then, just milder than we might expect today.
Why Should We Care?
Because even after more than half a century, fare evasion problems still exist. Maybe not by arresting entire buses, but definitely in the form of frustration for drivers, conductors, and passengers. Has the system really improved, or is it just masking the same issues?
Conclusion
This story from Belgrade’s archives isn’t just a nostalgic look back, it’s a warning that problems don’t solve themselves. If drivers and conductors still suffer because of unpaid tickets, maybe it’s time to ask – who’s really to blame? The passengers, the system, or all of us?
What about you? Ever had a wild ride on public transport? Got a hilarious bus story? Share it in the comments – let’s laugh or think together about what this all says about our society!
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