Just wondering - has anyone ever been checked on the trams in Basel? I have been using the trams daily and have only been checked twice within a timeframe of one year...

I've always bought a ticket for all my trips but I would assume its more economical to pay the 80 CHF fine twice a year....

Any experiences?

It's only 80 Fr. for the first time, the second time it's 120 and then 150, at least in canton Zurich and in trains. Also the BVB will slap every fare dodger they catch with an administrative fee, apparently this is so common that the Basel court mentions it in its FAQ. Bottom line it's only economical in the beginning...

Why not invest in a U-Abo (http://www.tnw.ch) . Even if you make only a couple of zone 1 journeys per day, it still works out cheaper. Plus you can use it on trains, buses etc. And you don't need to fiddle with change at the ticket machine.

Cheers,
Nick

Not pay for going on the tram , shocking! Its a great service particularly if you live out of town, even if it is 67 CHFs a month. So get out there and support the trams...

Seriously you must have got lucky, as I always get checked the days I forget the freaking pass at home... and on producing it at the BVB they still charge you 20 francs for being forgetful!

Some routes are more favoured than others such as the number 10 from Fluh in to town, as they pass the Hüslimatt depot and this is where they all seem to hang out! Bus 61 too again its the Hüslimat effect..

Risky strategy but then maybe I've been here too long and the rebel in me has been extradited. I'm on No.10 line direction Fluh/Rodersdorf and didn't get checked much up until about 2 months then got checked 3 times in a fortnight. However, I should also point out that I use my bike thru the day and mostly only use trams at night/w-ends.
Good luck with your chosen strategy.

The tram service in Basel is really good, and is one of the expensive things you pay in Switzerland but it deservs...
Change your mind and avoy to act this manner of not paying for the tram, get what is good here.

I think I've been checked once or twice. As for paying, well, I don't want the hassle, and I ought to be a good example for my sons.

And with the 1/2-tax card, I don't find the prices unreasonable.

/Martin