Valid ticket but still received a fine

Llouthooboiss27

Hi,
I recently took the train from St. Gallen to Montreux. On the way back, the ticket controller came and I showed her my valid Eurail. She then proceeded to ask for my valid ID. As I did not have my passport on hand with me, I showed her my residence permit. She did not accept it and said I cannot use the Eurail. However, I am an exchange student who is only in Switzerland for less than 5 months and it clearly states on my residence permit that I reside in my home country. After looking at my residence permit and taking down my particulars, she did not say anything and just left. A few days later, however, I received a letter with a CHF230 fine. I am very confused that I received this fine without any warning from the ticket controller and despite having a valid ticket on hand. I also checked the terms and conditions on Eurail and it states that you can use it as long as you are not a citizen or resident of any EU country. Switzerland is not part of the EU so why am I still being fined?

RolandP

Hello Llouthooboiss27

If you are resident of Switzerland or of any other European country, even short-term only, you are not entitled to use Eurail.

It is stated unmistakenly in the first sentence on the Eurail website:

A Eurail Pass can only be used by non-European citizens or non-European residents

https://www.eurail.com/en/help/interested-in-eurailing/do-i-need-a-eurail-or-an-interrail-pass

Unfortunately, further in the text, Eurail is confusing Europe with EU, while they actually mean Schengen countries; however, the first sentence is not misleading. You should forward your feedback to Eurail.

The fine is justified from my perspective as Eurail cannot be used by people holding a resident permit issued by an European country. As a consequence, you did not have a valid ticket. If you do not agree, please contact the number stated on the invoice. Here, on this platform, we are unable to treat your issue.

For future trips in Switzerland, check for the Half Fare Card, Saver Day Passes (online, advanved booking) or the GA travel card for a month. Best to see a counter agent to help you find the best ticket.

Kind regards,
Roland