Bern, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) - The CHF5 you now pay if you’ve rushed onto a Swiss train without buying your ticket in advance will go up to CHF10 on Switzerland’s national day, 1 August. The CFF rail company and public transport authorities have agreed to the increase in order to discourage the growing number of people who get on trains without a ticket, slowing down ticket-checkers and making it difficult for them to complete their tour of the train.

The increase is also justified, says the CFF, by the greater number of options travelers have today, in addition to the traditional station window, for buying tickets: online before leaving home, from ticket machines in stations and via mobile phone. (Ed. note: the cell phone service for iPhones will be available in mid-2009).

The new tax on tickets issued on board trains applies only to major lines and trains with conductors on them. The CFF notes that there is no change in ticket upgrades: if you’re in first class with a second-class ticket  you will be charged the difference in price.

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