The increase is also justified, says the CFF, by the greater number of options travelers have today, in addition to the traditional station window, for buying tickets: online before leaving home, from ticket machines in stations and via mobile phone. (Ed. note: the cell phone service for iPhones will be available in mid-2009).

The new tax on tickets issued on board trains applies only to major lines and trains with conductors on them. The CFF notes that there is no change in ticket upgrades: if you’re in first class with a second-class ticket  you will be charged the difference in price.