Swiss train rules

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I did see the headline the other day. Surprising, but not surprising.

Laurel, can you summarize what happened? I tried signing up for a “free account”, but then a pop-up demanded payment for a paid subscription before one can read the article.

The women in question had bought a ticket on line, but had neglected to enter her name the way it appeared on her passport. So she got fined.

The important thing to be aware of is that conductors are obliged to go "by the book". Even where that might seem unfair. But you can always afterwards talk to the SBB customer department, and explain to them what happened, and maybe you will get the fine waived.

Thanks, WengenK, for the summation. I have been away from electronics since I posted so unable to do so. Another part of the article stated

"If you are new to Switzerland, or are just a visitor passing through, you must purchase your ticket before you board your train; if you do it later, or after the train departs, you will be fined. Anyone who does this, for whatever reason, is considered a fare dodger. This means that if you are attempting to buy a ticket while standing on a platform before your train arrives, but your app doesn’t cooperate and you receive the confirmation of purchase a few seconds after the train's departure, you are in trouble."

This is really important given the ability to purchase tickets on the SBB app.

There is actually no reason to wait till you are on the platform for buying a ticket. If you wait till the last moment and something goes wrong that should indeed not be the SBB's problem. And there are still ticket vending machines.

Actually one day I tried to buy a ticket using the app and it failed. So I went to the ticket machine and bought a ticket there. Then somehow the app purchase went through as well, and I ended up with two tickets. I mentioned that to the conductor immediately, and he refunded one ticket to me right there.

I guess I must be old fashioned as I still prefer to just buy a paper ticket from a ticket kiosk, or even from a staffed ticket office if one is available. I have the SBB app, but it's not my first choice for tickets.

Keep in mind that we do very little ticket checking on public transport in Switzerland and many people dodge the fares. So they need to be very strict when checking because many people will have great excuses.... and you can challenge the fine later if you wish.

Examples:
- One person was telling me how great it was that all trams are free!!!
- My neighbour's son has been barred from using public transport he was caught dodging the fares so often...

Hold on, Swiss not following rules?

What has this world gone to.

Years ago when you had to write your daily train trips on your pass, I dutifully filled in Interlaken to Montreux. The conductor was not pleased, I was supposed to break it down into its components. He said it was the only way for each rail segment to get properly credited back to the train operator when my report was analyzed months later at Pass HQ. That was also back when you were strongly encouraged to send your pass in for evaluation, and in return you'd get a little train shaped USB drive.

I want one of those USB drives!

I have one of those USBs! I'll have to look for it. I vaguely remember sending in my rail journeys information.

Hold on, Swiss not following rules?

What has this world gone to.

Truth is that fare evasion is rare. Mostly because as soon as you take public transit a couple of times a week you just get a yearly pass. When I was still commuting I had a "Generalabo", so I could just go everywhere I wanted to, as often as I wanted to. A lot of people have those. In the cities typically half the population or more has a transit pass of sorts. That is indeed why you see so many people just get on, and take a seat, not bothering to buy tickets etc...