Starting July 1st, travelers in Belgium will no longer be able to purchase train tickets directly from conductors on board. The national railway company, SNCB (Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Belges), announced the change on Tuesday, aiming to improve safety for its staff and streamline the ticketing process. This shift, requiring passengers to have a valid ticket before boarding, comes as concerns grow over increasing incidents of aggression towards train personnel. The move to eliminate onboard ticket sales is part of a broader effort to align Belgian rail practices with those of many other European countries.
Currently, passengers who board without a pre-purchased ticket can buy one from the conductor, but this comes with a €9 surcharge. The SNCB argues that this system often leads to disputes, and these disagreements are frequently escalating into violent confrontations. Addressing the issue in a press release, the company stated that eliminating onboard sales will allow train attendants to focus on passenger safety, information, and assistance.
Rising Aggression Towards Railway Staff
The decision follows a significant increase in reported incidents of aggression against SNCB personnel. In 2025, the company recorded 2,602 cases of aggression, a substantial rise from the 2,103 incidents reported the previous year. Alarmingly, more than 40 percent of these incidents involved physical violence. The SNCB believes that a significant portion of these altercations stem from disagreements over ticket purchases and validation. By removing the possibility of buying a ticket on the train, the company hopes to reduce these friction points and create a safer working environment for its employees.
“Grâce à la fin de la vente à bord, les accompagnateurs de train pourront se concentrer sur leurs missions essentielles : assurer un voyage dans les meilleures conditions de sécurité et veiller à l’information, au contrôle et à l’accompagnement des voyageurs,” the SNCB stated, as reported by RTBF. (Translation: “Thanks to the end of sales on board, train attendants will be able to focus on their essential missions: ensuring a journey in the best possible safety conditions and ensuring information, control and support for travelers.”)
Combating Ticket Fraud and Aligning with European Standards
Beyond safety concerns, the SNCB similarly aims to reduce ticket fraud with this new policy. Currently, approximately 7 percent of passengers checked by controllers are found to be traveling without a valid ticket. The company notes that onboard sales accounted for only 1.5 percent of total ticket sales last year, suggesting that the vast majority of passengers already purchase tickets in advance. This move brings Belgium in line with many other European nations where buying a ticket on the train is no longer an option.
Passengers have several options for purchasing tickets before boarding, including online through the SNCB website or app, at ticket vending machines located in train stations, and at authorized sales points. The SNCB is encouraging travelers to familiarize themselves with these alternatives to avoid potential issues when traveling after July 1st. The company is also working to improve the accessibility and user-friendliness of its online and mobile ticketing platforms.
The change is not without potential challenges. Concerns have been raised about the impact on passengers who may experience unforeseen circumstances that prevent them from purchasing a ticket in advance. The SNCB has not yet detailed how it will handle such situations, but officials have indicated that they are considering options to address legitimate cases of hardship.
The implementation of this policy comes at a time when public transportation systems across Europe are grappling with issues of safety and security. Increased passenger numbers, coupled with economic pressures, have contributed to a rise in incidents of petty crime and violence on trains and in stations. The SNCB’s decision reflects a broader trend towards prioritizing the safety of staff and passengers, even if it means implementing stricter rules and regulations.
The SNCB is investing in additional staff training to ensure that conductors are equipped to handle potential conflicts and provide assistance to passengers. The company is also working with law enforcement agencies to increase security patrols on trains and in stations. These measures are intended to create a more secure and comfortable travel experience for all passengers.
Looking ahead, the SNCB will be closely monitoring the impact of this new policy on both safety and ticket sales. The company plans to conduct regular surveys of passengers and staff to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement. The next update on the implementation of the policy is expected in late August, when the SNCB will release preliminary data on the number of incidents reported and the impact on ticket fraud rates.
What are your thoughts on the new policy? Share your comments below and let us know how this change will affect your travel plans.
