Two months later I received an invoice from the Swiss railway company asking me to pay CHF96.40. I was disappointed by their lack of understanding. It all started two months ago. It was my first time to take the train here in Valais. I didn't know how the system works here like many new comers and tourists. I was looking for the ticket machine, unfortunately my train was about to depart. And seeing that the next train would arrive 30minutes later I just hopped on thinking that maybe at my intended destination is where I had to pay. So into the train I went. What's worse was that the train fare here is already ridiculously expensive, Compared to Tokyo. My intended destination is just the next stop, which is less than 10 minutes away and for such a short distance its already costing CHF6.40. I can travel across Tokyo and back for that same amount. 

While seated and enjoying the landscape on my first train ride here. The conductor came and ask for my ticket. I tried to explain that I didn't have one and was willing to pay on the spot if possible. Instead she treated me like I was the worst criminal ever. It nearly ended in a shouting match. She asked for my passport, which of course I didn't have on me. I decided to corporate and hand over my identification card, telephone number and my address. She printed out an invoice of CHF96.40. I was pissed off. I know it was my fault for not knowing the system but cmon! 

I went on my way pissed off and thinking that they should put automatic gates at the stations. Could save the railway tonnes of money instead of hiring conductors to do the rounds. The next day I had to take the train again and someone else got caught. But this time the conductor just let that passenger go without issuing a fee. Because obviously like me, she had a valid reason. My only comfort was that I wasn't the only one. That helped me out the issue to rest. 

Then just yesterday I received their invoice. I consulted the office and they told me that over the months if I don't pay the amount will accumulate til they could take legal actions against me. Not only that but it will become a public information. Any company who wishes to hire me, if they run a background check. This silly information will pop up. 

I feel like all this is just ridiculous. Especially when you have trains that come every 30 minutes and when you are in a hurry buying a ticket would be the last thing you think of. A week after my unfortunate incident, my Mother-in-law also got caught without a ticket. She had to attend an event and she was in a rush and just forgot to buy a ticket. She was also issued a fee of the same amount. 

On this note I think the Swiss public transport sucks especially in Valais. The buses are never on time, the trains are less frequent and unreliable. They should really learn from the Japanese when it comes to Public Transportation period.