Statement of irregularity and ticket purchased on board the train
Have you boarded the train without a valid ticket or have you purchased a more expensive transport ticket that the value of the on-board train fare? Or have you been issued with a statement of irregularity (C170) by the train conductor? Why? How can you avoid this? Here are some answers to your questions.
The On-board fare came into force in February 2015. It applies to all passengers, whether they are occasional passengers or not.
We strongly advise you to buy your ticket before boarding the train, as your ticket will cost € 9 more (only electronic payment from 01/05/2023). Avoid fines and travel with a valid ticket. The conductor may cancel this extra charge.
Occasional passengers:
If you fail to buy a ticket at the On-Board Fare for whatever reasons, the train conductor will be required to issue a Penalty Fare Notice of € 90 and you can continue your journey. The penalty amount must be paid online, at the ticket vending machines or at the ticket office of your choice within 14 calendar days (including the date when the event happened). If you pay within this period, you will avoid an administrative fine of maximum € 500.
In case of falsification, the penalty amount to be paid within 14 calendar days will be € 150. If you pay on time, you will avoid an administrative fine of € 300.
Regular passengers:
Buy a ticket at the On-Board Fare (normal ticket price + € 9) from the train conductor (only electronic payment from 01/05/2023). If you do not have the means to pay, the train conductor will be required to issue a Penalty Fare Notice (€ 90). Then you have 14 calendar days (including the date when the event happened) to go to the ticket office of your choice with your season ticket/railcard which was valid on the day of travel, and you will be reimbursed in full or the Penalty Fare Notice will be cancelled.
You can always contact Customer Service if you feel that there were legitimate reasons why you could not present a valid ticket or buy one at the On-Board Fare.
To avoid paying any extra, buy your ticket ahead of time from our multiple sales channels.