Well said.....

I agree with Marcus. It is a standard thing in a civilised world that you can buy a ticket on the train for a small supplement. Such a huge fine is unacceptable.

I am curious to see what the conductor would say if I didn't have a ticket and said the machine was broken and ticket office closed. Because in such a situation they are obliged to sell the ticket on the train for no supplement.

On the bright side, I believe I saw adverts that you can buy a ticket using your smartphone via internet and then show the code to the conductor. So if you have one you can just buy a ticket on the train using you smartphone, I suppose? I didn't test the buying of the ticket using a smartphone, but I think I will, to see how it works just in case I need it.

It's true that you can buy a ticket on CFF intrnet site and print or send to your mobile (you will get it as an MMS on any mobile). I did it several times. Haven't tested yet the smartphone version. If you have G3 connection you should be able to buy it even on a train.

There are also ticket machines on each platform, although you need to be patient because touch screans don't work well when it's cold out there.

In the UK the penalty fare is £20 and it only applies if you board at certain stations, usually small regional commuter stops.  On long distance UK trains used by tourists and businessmen there is usually enough time to inspect all the tickets, and you can buy one from the conductor.

On another topic, last night at Cornavin, a group of Chinese tourists wanted to report that they had "lost" one of their bags on the train.  It was only 20:35, and both the ticket office and the Cornavin police station were closed.  There were no station staff to be seen.  This sort of thing leaves the impression that the only thing which is "international" about Geneva is the proliferation of thieves and beggars.

Bag snatch trick at Cornavin:  it works like this:  usually on platform 4 or 6 , in the evenings after 20:30.  They target the single seat by the carriage door.  They are looking for an easy to grab bag, such as a trolley brief case placed next to the seat (trolley=easy to pick up without bending down).  The snatch happens seconds before the train leaves, after the guard blows his whistle.  A decoy starts banging frantically on the window, making signs as if to ask you which direction the train is going. While you are trying to understand what he wants, the accomplice picks up your bag and steps off the train, just as the doors are hissing to close.  You are left trapped on the train which is pulling away, while the thief and your briefcase can take a leisurely stroll down the platform.  This happened to me once (I grabbed my case back just in time, but thieves got away), and i have witnessed it happening to others twice (I was in the middle of the train carriage and could not assist in time).  These thieves are very slick and their timing is immaculate.  The whole operation takes five to ten seconds, then train is moving.  If you look drunk or sleepy, you are probably a target.

Beware of people trying to distract you anywhere.