Switzerland's Untamed Traveler Database: A Comprehensive Look at Its Functioning
Commuting Chaos: The Unseen Fines
Are you a frequent traveler in Switzerland's public transportation? Be warned! The number of individuals nabbed for taking a ride without a valid ticket has soared to a staggering 1,008,251. But that's just the tip of the iceberg, as many fare-dodgers slip through the cracks to evade capture.
Keep Your Eyes Wide Open, Kids!
Youngsters, particularly those under 26, make up a whopping 35% of the fare-evaders, reports Manuela Ruoss, a spokesperson for the SwissPass Alliance, an alliance spanning 265 transport companies.
Once caught, the consequences are severe. Not only do they have to cough up a fine and cover the price of their unredeemed ticket, but their names also get included in a national register of fare dodgers.
Fare Dodging: A Costly Affair!
Why the harsh response? Well, it's simple: fare dodging costs Switzerland's public transport providers a hefty 200 million francs every year, ultimately leading to a hike in fares for everyone.
The Big Book of Shady Riders: Synserv!
Five years ago, Switzerland's transport operators maintained their separate lists of individuals busted riding without a ticket or with an invalid one. But in 2019, a unified, Swiss-wide electronic list of fare dodgers named Synserv was created, making it easier for authorities to zero in on repeat offenders.
Fines Aren't a Joke!
First-time offenders need to fork over an extra 90 francs (plus the cost of the unredeemed ticket), but it gets costlier for serial offenders. The surcharges for the second and third offences are 130 and 160 francs, respectively. Travelling with a partly valid ticket will set you back 70 francs for the first offence, 110 for the second, and 140 for the third.
Chronic offenders (more than three times) might face a criminal complaint, potentially landing them behind bars. And guess what? The SwissPass Alliance is pushing for a hike in the chronic offender fine to 540 francs to stamp out this practice once and for all.
Why So Many Fare Dodgers? It's Complicated!
There are two main reasons behind the surge in fare dodging, Ruoss explains. On one hand, the prices of public transport have been on a steady increase. On the other, young people (and many others) tend to be more inclined to take chances, especially since ticket checks on buses, trams, and even short-distance trains are sporadic.
[1] Synserv data as of 2024.
- The Swiss-wide electronic list of fare dodgers, Synserv, was created five years ago, helping authorities to easily identify repeat offenders.
- First-time offenders are fined an additional 90 francs besides the cost of the unredeemed ticket, while serial offenders face surcharges of 130 and 160 francs for the second and third offences, respectively.
- Youngsters under 26 make up a significant 35% of fare-evaders, warns Manuela Ruoss, a spokesperson for the SwissPass Alliance.
- The Swiss Pass Alliance is advocating for a significant increase in the fine for chronic offenders from the current 540 francs to discourage this practice.
