The Belgian railway company SNCB will eliminate the option to purchase tickets directly from the conductor on board trains starting July 1, 2026, as part of a broader package of measures to combat fraud.
According to the operator, the change aims to clarify the rule that every passenger must hold a valid ticket before boarding the train.
Fraud and staff safety, the main reasons
SNCB argues that compliance with this rule contributes not only to a better environment for passengers but also to staff safety and the company’s financial stability.
The operator notes that the financial impact of fare evasion amounts to tens of millions of EUR annually. At the same time, disputes during ticket inspections regarding the purchase of tickets directly on the train are considered one of the main causes of assaults on onboard staff.
In 2025, SNCB recorded 2,602 cases of assault against staff, equivalent to approximately seven per day, up from 2,103 cases in 2024. According to the company, more than four out of ten cases involved physical violence, while the remaining situations involved insults or threats.
Conductors will focus on ticket checks and passenger information
By discontinuing onboard ticket sales, SNCB says train staff will be able to better focus on essential duties: travel safety, passenger information, ticket checks, and passenger assistance.
The company believes the measure will also reduce instances where some passengers only purchased a ticket at the time of inspection if they were caught without a valid ticket.
SNCB emphasizes that, with this decision, it is aligning with the practice in most European countries, where purchasing a ticket directly on the train is no longer possible.
The measure will apply to all trains in Belgium
The elimination of onboard ticket sales will apply to all trains operating in Belgium, as well as most cross-border routes.
At the same time, the company is strengthening its inspection policy. SNCB states that, thanks to the measures taken, the number of inspections has increased by 50% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Fines of up to 500 EUR for repeat offenders
During an inspection, anyone unable to present a valid ticket is committing an offense. Initially, the passenger will be able to resolve the issue by paying a sum of EUR 90 EUR.
If they fail to do so, they may face an administrative fine of EUR 250, which can rise to EUR 500 in the event of a repeat offense.
More than 90% of tickets are already purchased digitally
SNCB reports that, in recent years, ticket purchasing options have been expanded and simplified, and today more than 90% of tickets are purchased through digital channels—website, mobile app—or from ticket vending machines.
On-board sales already account for a very small share, representing less than 1.5% of total sales last year.
The company announced that by the end of June it will launch information campaigns to notify passengers of the change, and until then, train conductors will continue to warn those who still purchase their tickets directly on board.
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