GENEVA / ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – You’ll finally be able to buy last minute train tickets on main lines in Switzerland starting Monday, but expect to pay a CHF10 surcharge.
Those who have been caught without a ticket on the train since higher fines went into effect at the end of 2011 will view the last minute fee as a good deal compared to the CHF90 fine.
The CFF/SBB rail company in the past charged CHF10 extra for anyone without a ticket who wanted to buy one on the train, but abuse of the system led to the company abolishing it.
The CFF is putting the new system into effect 1 July.
Travelers can buy the tickets from train staff as they are getting ready to board the train, but they still must have a valid ticket once on the train. The new service will mainly help those who don’t have the option to buy a paper-free ticket on a smart phone. Given the short boarding times for main line trains, the service will work best if reserved only for emergency cases.
Rules have eased a bit for smart phone ticket holders since early May, following a number of complaints and discussions between the CFF and consumer representatives. If you’re traveling with a smart phone ticket it is now considered valid if you bought it before the time the train actually starts or the scheduled departure time. And if your cell phone battery runs out, you can show your ticket later, but a CHF30 additional fee is imposed.
The new last minute tickets won’t be available for regional lines, where travelers still need a prepaid valid ticket.