Different rules depending on the train – SBB imposes heavy fines: Class changes are “always spontaneous”, right?

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Wednesday afternoon right away. A man rides the S11 to Zurich-Stadelhofen in Winterthur. The journey takes 21 minutes. When the 29-year-old – let’s call him Gabriel Tobler – wants to work. Since it cannot find a place in the 2nd class, it opens the SBB application and initiates the class change. It’s four francs for breadth and silence.

As soon as the laptop boots up, a controller appears. It says class change is invalid. Gabriel Tobler is confused: “I regularly move into 1st grade, it’s never been a problem.” He was not informed of any restrictions on the app, and the SBB website also promises that “you can always decide on your own whether you want to travel in 1st class”.

In a conversation with the controller, it turned out that only those on the right train are allowed to upgrade. In Intercity, where Tobler usually works, change is no problem. But on the S-Bahn.

Tobler must pay a fine of 90 francs

Why is there a difference? “Basically, passengers should always have a valid ticket for the respective class with them before the train leaves,” explains SBB spokesperson Luana Quinter. This also applies to changing classes.

With one exception: If you’re traveling on an accompanying long-distance train, you can purchase the upgrade on the go. These include Intercity (IC), EuroCity (EC) and other long-distance trains. The distinction does not arise from SBB, but has to do with national regulations.

First, Gabriel Tobler must pay a fine of 90 francs. Ridiculous, he finds: “As if I had never bought a ticket – there were even two!” The inspector finally shows tolerance. 75 francs is okay because it has a “partially valid ID”. Media spokesperson Luana Quinter confirmed that this is the usual procedure.

the site has been changed

Tobler is not satisfied with this. Complains verbally and in writing after the trip – to no avail. But when he mentioned a phone call with the observer, SBB promised to reconsider its case. The fine has now been removed. “As a gesture of goodwill,” as Luana Quinter wrote. However, there is no right of goodwill: “SBB reviews each case and takes into account the equal treatment of all passengers.”

Gabriel Tobler is happy he doesn’t have to pay. SBB’s explanation doesn’t make much sense to him: “Often you only realize on the train that all the seats are occupied. Isn’t it in SBB’s interest to relieve the 2nd class?” The railway company does not comment on this, but the media spokesperson apologizes for the statement on its website. “Always decide for yourself” is not clear enough, a regulation has already been initiated.

Source :Blick