Dressed for work in his dapper suit and tie, he doesn't look like your average fare dodger, reports FRANCE 24.
But, as a ticket checker walks past there is an audible sigh of relief from the young professional on a commuter train to Paris.
"Phew, he didn't stop," he says, readily acknowledging that he is one of a growing number of French people who prefer to risk a fine rather than buy a ticket.
The fare dodgers have become a major headache for the country's train and bus operators.
In the midst of an economic downturn that has squeezed almost everyone's spending power, the phenomenon has reached such a level that authorities are torn over what to do about it: order a genuine crackdown or, more radically, simply give up the fight and make all public transport free of charge.
"Even when paying fines, it's much cheaper than a season pass," the young executive explains as the train makes its way south to the French capital.
Gone are the days when fare dodging was the preserve of deprived youths from the suburbs.
Nowadays, most sections of the population are taking part in what has almost become a national sport.
At some stations in the prosperous western suburbs of Paris, women in Chanel suits are just as likely to be seen jumping the turnstiles as teenagers in hoodies.
Read more of this AFP report published by FRANCE 24.