Catch an earlier train on same calendar day per booking?

Vooceloash64

Hi,
We have a non-refundable ticket from Basel to Luzern that reaches a bit late. Is it possible to travel on an earlier time, on the same calendar day using the ticket?
Thanks

RolandP

Hello Vooceloash64

A Supersaver ticket that has the exact itinerary including train numbers printed on the ticket must not be used on an earlier service.

A regular point-to-point ticket whose validity starts at 00:00 until 05:0 0 the next morning, can be used on any service while the tickets validity.

Kind regards,
Roland

Vooceloash64

@RolandP
What if we miss the train by some unforeseen situation , are we able to board the next train, same calendar day?

RolandP

Hi Vooceloash64

With a Supersaver ticket:

If it is the railway’s fault, e.g. previous train was late: YES; you can continue on the next possible connection
If it is your fault, e.g. late arrival at the station, flight delay, etc.: NO; you must purchase a new ticket.

Kind regards,
Roland

Vooceloash64

Hi Roland,

Thank you so so much for your quick elp. We are taking the Paris Gare de Lyon -> Basel SBB (the 3 hr nonstop), and the one within Switzerland Basel to Luzern is the Supersaver. Is the rail delay policy honored even if coming from Paris?
First time in any country in the Europe, and so lookig a bit more guidance 🙂 and appreciate your help!

Krist

Vooceloash64 Is the rail delay policy honored even if coming from Paris?

Yes. If the TGV is late you can take a later domestic train, even with a Supersaver Ticket. I have myself been in exactly this situation.

The “Due to a fault of the railway” is interpreted as “all railways”.

However when travelling Paris - Luzern the best thing to do is just book Paris - Luzern as one trip, with eg SBB.

Vooceloash64

Thank you so much! appreciate such a helpful community. and looking forward to out first ever time visitor!!

RolandP

Hi Vooceloash64

SBB is accepting the ticket voluntarily, as a courtesy. There is no accommodation or taxi service offered if you miss the last train connection from Basel SBB, whatsoever.

Krist

RolandP SBB is accepting the ticket voluntarily, as a courtesy.

I don’t think it is just courtesy.

"Bei Verschulden des Transportunternehmens gemäss Anwendungsbereich, so zum Bei-
spiel bei Zugsausfall, Streckenunterbruch, etc. gilt grundsätzlich der Tarif 601, Ziffer 8.
Sparbillette (Flex) und Sparklassenwechsel gelten in solchen Fällen für die nächstmögli-
che Verbindung ungeachtet der Zugsgattung und allfälligem Umsteigen."

I while a go I actually emailed SBB to ask how this is to be interpreted and they basically told me that with “Transportunternehmn” they meant any transport company that operated in, and in to, Switzerland.

So taking the next train when your TGV is delayed is a right. However if you book in this case Paris - Luzern together you in addition indeed have the right to compensation if you are delayed at your final destination, and the railway has duty of care for the whole trajectory. So that is to be preferred.

RolandP

Hi Krist

If Paris - Basel / Basel - Lucerne were booked in two single transactions, the Supersaver ticket Basel - Lucerne is still accepted for travel although not required by the AJC. The Swiss public transport company association (Alliance SwissPass) decided go beyond the AJC requirements, to offer improved passenger rights, and this is indeed a courtesy.

However, if the Paris to Basel train is that late that there is no further connection to Lucerne the same day, passengers do not get a hotel and must purchase a new ticket the next day. They can request a delay compensation for the Paris to Basel train journey.

If Paris - Lucerne was booked in one transaction, they do get hotel accomodation, can continue the next day with the same ticket, and can request a delay compensation.

Kind regards,
Roland