Public transport firms to draw up national list of fare dodgers
An inspector checks commuters' tickets on a train from Lausanne to Brig
Keystone
Anyone caught without a valid ticket on public transport in Switzerland will end up on a national register from April 2019, Swiss public radio, SRF, reports. The aim of the list is to improve the coordination of fines handed out by public transport companies.
CH-direct,External link an association responsible for public transport in Switzerland, confirmed to SRF on SaturdayExternal link that a fare-dodgers register would be gradually introduced in Switzerland to cover the entire country. An individual’s name will remain on the list for two years, it said.
The aim of the register is to improve firms’ ability to prosecute people who repeatedly refuse to buy tickets on different public transport in Switzerland, and to impose higher fines.
At present, transport companies and transport associations – such as the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB/CFF), Bern Mobil or Postbus Switzerland – only keep individual registers of ticket dodgers. In the future, if someone is caught without a valid ticket on a Bern tram for the first time, they will pay the lowest fine there. If they are caught again without a valid ticket on an SBB/CFF train, they will be charged a higher-level fine.
A CH-direct spokesman told SRF that the national register had been jointly agreed by all transport companies in Switzerland. This move represents as change, as until recently many regional transport companies had opposed a national register, SRF said.
CH-direct is in touch with the Federal Data Protection Commissioner to ensure the national list complies with data protection requirements, SRF reported.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Swiss National Bank publishes new banknote designs
This content was published on
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is working on a new series of banknotes on the theme of “Switzerland and its altitudes”. Twelve designs for the new series have been submitted and the public's opinion is now being sought.
US envoy meets Sudan army chief in Switzerland to discuss peace proposal
This content was published on
Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and US envoy for Africa Massad Boulos met in Switzerland to discuss a US peace plan aimed at ending the civil war in Sudan.
This content was published on
Late Shift [Heldin], a film by about overworked nurses, is Switzerland's candidate for the Best International Feature Film award at the Oscars next year.
US tariffs: most Swiss rule out making future concessions, survey reveals
This content was published on
According to a survey published on Wednesday, most Swiss residents are against offering concessions to the US in the current tariff dispute.
Switzerland, EU and over 20 nations call for urgent action to stop famine in Gaza
This content was published on
Switzerland, the European Union and 23 other countries have sharply criticised the "unfolding famine" situation in Gaza and called for urgent action.
Swiss citizens will also participate in flotilla against Gaza blockade
This content was published on
Swiss citizens are also taking part in the worldwide flotilla that intends to break the sea blockade in Gaza. The Waves of Freedom Association (WOFA) plans to leave with five boats loaded with baby milk powder and water filters.
Switzerland commemorates Italian partisans who died escaping fascists
This content was published on
Italian partisans tried to flee to Switzerland in October 1944. However, two died and a third was injured in a hail of bullets between their fascist pursuers and Swiss border guards in Ticino. They are now commemorated by so-called stumble stones.
Switzerland follows the EU with new sanctions against Russian oil
This content was published on
Switzerland is stepping up its sanctions against Russia in the context of the war in Ukraine. The measures are aimed at Russia's oil windfall. The European Union (EU) approved the same package of sanctions, the 18th since the start of the war, in mid-July.
Swiss government makes a case for e-ID ahead of referendum
This content was published on
The electronic-ID is secure and easy to use and its use is voluntary and free of charge: these are the arguments the government made in its campaign for a 'Yes' vote on the e-ID Act slated for September 28.
Switzerland trials muzzles and electric harps against Asian hornets
This content was published on
Scientists have fitted several beehives in Cornol in canton Jura with electric harps and muzzles to electrocute and stop Asian hornets.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss PostBus company claimed millions in illegal subsidies
This content was published on
The Swiss PostBus company has claimed almost CHF80 million in excessive subsidies over the past decade by manipulating accounts.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.