Woman fined more for arguing

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A train passenger in Geneva is challenging an unexpected surcharge after being fined for traveling without a valid ticket.

She says she briefly talked to the inspector as she believed she was entitled to a half price ticket. An exchange she estimates lasted less than two minutes. 

But when the fine arrived, it included an additional 25 francs, listed as time spent processing the case.

Rail authorities say such charges are allowed under existing rules, but only in situations where a passenger’s behavior creates extra work.

The rule, while longstanding, appears to be little known among the public. The woman is now contesting the surcharge, arguing it’s unfair and lacks transparency.

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