A 34-year-old man has been convicted and fined after physically assaulting a public transport official during a routine ticket inspection in Ostermundigen. The incident, which occurred on an RBS bus, escalated after the passenger was found to be travelling without a valid ticket.
Key Takeaways
- A 34-year-old passenger assaulted an RBS ticket inspector on a bus in Ostermundigen.
- The confrontation began when the man was found without a valid ticket and was told he could not purchase one after the inspection had started.
- The man grabbed the inspector by the collar and pushed him against the bus door before a second inspector intervened.
- He was found guilty of hindering an official act and received a 600 Swiss franc fine, plus an additional 650 francs in procedural costs.
Details of the Incident on RBS Line 44
The event took place on a Monday afternoon in early June. At approximately 1:15 PM, a 34-year-old resident of Biel boarded an RBS bus operating on line 44 at the Dennigkofen stop in Ostermundigen. After he took a seat in the rear of the vehicle, a ticket inspector approached him and requested to see a valid ticket for his journey.
The passenger did not have a ticket. He then stood up with the intention of moving to the front of the bus to purchase one from the driver. However, the inspector informed him that it was too late to buy a ticket once an inspection was underway. This is standard procedure for public transport services to prevent fare evasion.
Public Transport Regulations
In Switzerland, public transport regulations state that a valid ticket must be held before a journey begins. Attempting to purchase a ticket after a control has been initiated is generally not permitted and can result in a fine. Inspectors are considered officials carrying out their duties, and interfering with them can lead to criminal charges.
Confrontation Escalates to Physical Altercation
According to the report from the public prosecutor's office, the passenger reacted angrily to the inspector's explanation. The inspector then moved to block the man's path, concerned that he might attempt to exit the bus to avoid providing his personal details for the fare evasion report.
The situation quickly escalated. The passenger grabbed the RBS employee by the collar of his T-shirt and forcefully pushed him backwards against the bus door. The inspector defended himself by also grabbing the man's shirt and attempting to push him away.
The physical struggle required a second ticket inspector to intervene and separate the two individuals. Following the altercation, the bus driver immediately contacted the police to report the incident.
Police Intervention Required
The involvement of a second inspector and the subsequent call to the police highlight the seriousness of the confrontation. Such incidents can cause significant delays and distress for other passengers on board.
Legal Proceedings and Financial Penalty
The case was handled by the public prosecutor's office, which determined that the passenger's aggressive actions were a deliberate attempt to obstruct or prevent the ticket inspection. Consequently, he was formally charged with and found guilty of hindering an official act.
The court imposed a financial penalty structured as a conditional fine. The specific sentence was:
- Fine: 20 daily penalty units of 30 Swiss francs each.
- Total Fine Amount: 600 Swiss francs.
- Procedural Costs: The man was also ordered to cover the costs of the legal proceedings, which amounted to 650 Swiss francs.
In total, the incident will cost the 34-year-old man 1,250 Swiss francs. This penalty serves as a reminder of the legal protections afforded to public transport staff and the serious consequences of interfering with their duties. The case underscores the importance of cooperation during routine inspections to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the public transport system.