Fare evasion on Swiss public transport has reached a record high, with over 1 million cases recorded in 2024—a nearly 10% increase from the previous year and part of a steady upward trend since 2019, when just over 411,000 cases were reported.
This surge is partly attributed to a rise in ticket inspections, which have become more frequent across trains, buses, and trams.
The data, reported by Tages-Anzeiger and confirmed by Alliance Swisspass, reveals growing concerns about revenue loss, repeat offenders, and the effectiveness of current enforcement measures.
Under Switzerland’s open-access system, passengers are trusted to purchase tickets without entry barriers. However, according to Alliance Swisspass, this model cost operators an estimated CHF 200 million last year due to unpaid journeys.
The national fare dodger register, Synserv, was introduced five years ago to track offenders. Nearly half of those listed in 2024 had been caught three times or more: 47% had three or more violations, 14% had two, and 39% were first-time offenders. Repeat violations result in higher surcharges, but the trend continues upward.
“Younger people, especially those under 26, are most commonly caught,” said Michaela Ruoss, spokesperson for Alliance SwissPass. “We’re also seeing more checks and a shift in attitudes toward risk-taking.” In fact, fare inspections have increased in frequency across trains, buses, and trams. Fare evasion was notably higher in French-speaking regions compared to German-speaking areas, and men were fined more often than women.
Sociologist Rolf Becker from the University of Bern suggests that many fare dodgers weigh the risk and reward. “If the chance of being caught is low and the penalties aren’t too harsh, people will take the risk,” he said. He warns that relying only on passengers’ intrinsic motivation is unrealistic long-term: “That’s a nice idea, but it won’t work in the long run.”
Despite mounting losses, Alliance Swisspass has no plans to introduce access barriers. “The system is meant to be open and should remain that way,” said Ruoss. But as fare evasion rises, critics warn that relying solely on passenger honesty may no longer be enough to protect revenue and public trust.
Read the full article here: https://www.srf.ch/news/schweiz/alle-billette-bitte-kein-zugticket-geloest-warum-fahren-so-viele-ohne-billett
