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From: hrs@homxb.UUCP (H.SILBIGER)
Newsgroups: net.railroad
Subject: Re: subways / European rail
Message-ID: <1097@homxb.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 4-Jan-86 15:05:02 EST
Article-I.D.: homxb.1097
Posted: Sat Jan  4 15:05:02 1986
Date-Received: Sun, 5-Jan-86 02:17:29 EST
References: <238@decwrl.DEC.COM>
Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 27

The originator of this article exprees amazement at the
"honor system" that the European transit systems seem to use.
In these systems it is usually a variant upon the following
scenario.
1. Buy a ticket, often for multiple rides, at a ticket booth,
newsstand, tobacconist etc.
2. Get the ticket stamped on the platform, bus stop, bus or
tram when you begin your ride.
3. You are now entitled to ride for a set time period. You can
get off and on several times within this period.
4. There are "inspectors" who occasionally get on the vehicle
and ask to look at your ticket.  If you don't have a valid ticket
you can be assessed a fine on the spot ($10-50).  If you don't
have the money you can get arrested!
5. According to local residents, the management keeps enough 
inspectors employed to deter cheating. It takes fewer inspectors,
however, than ticket-takers or conductors.

Many people also have weekly, or monthly, or even yearly passes.
The system allows for fast boearding and entry.  Notice how long
a bus has to wait at the stop to let all board and drop a fare
into the box.

As far as I know, only the San Diego streetcar uses this system
in the US.

Herman Silbiger ihnp4!homxb!hrs