Kontrollanter

Kontrollanter are public-transport staff responsible for verifying passengers' tickets. Employed by operators, their primary duty is fare enforcement: performing on-board checks, validating tickets, travel passes, or mobile tickets, and ensuring compliance with fare rules. They use handheld readers and apps to scan tickets and can issue warnings or fines for fare evasion. They also provide information and assist passengers, and contribute to safety aboard vehicles and at stations.

In Sweden, kontrollanter operate for transit authorities such as SL (Stockholms Lokaltrafik), Västtrafik, Skånetrafiken, and others. They usually wear uniforms or high-visibility vests and display official identification. If a passenger refuses to cooperate or commits more serious offenses, kontrollanter may involve the police.

Enforcement policies differ by operator and region. A typical outcome of a fare violation is a control fee (kontrollavgift) or equivalent penalty, which may be collected on the spot or billed later, rather than a criminal charge. The role helps deter fare evasion and supports reliable funding for public transport.

The job has evolved with digital ticketing; as digital and mobile-ticketing expand, kontrollanter rely more on electronic validation. They must stay informed about current fare rules, exemptions, transfers, and regional programs.

Overall, kontrollanter are a standard feature of modern public transport, combining fare enforcement with customer service and safety responsibilities.