Date stamping train tickets

[sulu]

I have recently been fined in Italy for forgetting to do this so I thought I would raise awareness. This does not apply to Spain, but many European countries, France being one, and Italy definitely being another, require you to stamp ('composter') your ticket before you travel. There are little machines in stations, these are not always well signed, and for those of us not accustomed to do this it can be a pain to remember, especially if you are tired.
I was fined €9 and my train ticket only cost €5!

 

[Moominmamma]

You're lucky - I was fined over 50 euros when this rule was first brought in and I live in Italy! The reason is that tickets are valid for 2 months from the date of issue, so it's to stop you using them again. You should stamp them even if you have a seat reservation for a particular train. If the machine doesn't work/has run out of ink (a common problem) you can try and explain to the conductor. Some people write the date in themselves but I've not tried that.

 

[naplesdon]

The "fine" in France can include expulsion from the train.

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

The "fine" in France can include expulsion from the train.

While it's moving ?????

 

[JohnnieWalker]

Hola - weekly tickets in Spain need to be validated at those machines in stations - called the Borrador. I jumped the train without using it thinking that the conductor would simply punch the ticket like in the UK. You'd have thought it was a capital offence. I was given a stern warning that any further attempted cheating would result in a fine and being asked to leave the train. Welcome to Spain!

 

[sulu]

Hola - weekly tickets in Spain need to be validated at those machines in stations - called the Borrador. I jumped the train without using it thinking that the conductor would simply punch the ticket like in the UK. You'd have thought it was a capital offence. I was given a stern warning that any further attempted cheating would result in a fine and being asked to leave the train. Welcome to Spain!

Hola! I never new that, you live and learn, but yes, 'por un momento de descuido......' and they do make you feel like you did it on purpose!

 

[hel&scott]

You got off lightly @sulu, when I was in Naples I got nabbed by an inspector and despite my ticket showing the faint marks of the date stamp from the machine (and my three travel mates verifying I had stuck it in the machine, how else would the metro gates open for me) he demanded I hand over 160 euro in cash then and there. I stuck to my guns and asked to be taken to the station office as I felt I was being shaken down, it was a one day ticket after all, and eventually after considerable manhandling and abuse an off duty cop arrived... The fine was reduced to 60 euro, with receipt. I fumed like Vesuvius which Scott thought very funny.

 

[sulu]

You got off lightly @sulu, when I was in Naples I got nabbed by an inspector and despite my ticket showing the faint marks of the date stamp from the machine (and my three travel mates verifying I had stuck it in the machine, how else would the metro gates open for me) he demanded I hand over 160 euro in cash then and there. I stuck to my guns and asked to be taken to the station office as I felt I was being shaken down, it was a one day ticket after all, and eventually after considerable manhandling and abuse an off duty cop arrived... The fine was reduced to 60 euro, with receipt. I fumed like Vesuvius which Scott thought very funny.

Ouch! I think I'd have fumed like Vesuvius too, I think I would have been locked up for abusive language.

 

[Thornley]

While it's moving ?????

In France it would not worry them in the slightest

 

[domigee]

In France it would not worry them in the slightest

Wha'ever...

 

[domigee]

Hola - weekly tickets in Spain need to be validated at those machines in stations - called the Borrador. I jumped the train without using it thinking that the conductor would simply punch the ticket like in the UK. You'd have thought it was a capital offence. I was given a stern warning that any further attempted cheating would result in a fine and being asked to leave the train. Welcome to Spain!

Yes, because those tickets are valid for ANYTIME. If you don't 'validate' them in the machine on your day of travel, you could use them again and again.... Which of course would be fraud. Hence the reaction of the 'officials'

 

[Thornley]

I jumped the train without using it thinking that the conductor would simply punch the ticket like in the UK.

Try that story on the fairy's JW,
Every one who do not stamps their ticket is freeloading on the people who pay , normally the ones who can't afford to.
$200 Au without a tram ticket [120 euro] first offence ,

 

[Bob from L.A. !]

In France it would not worry them in the slightest

LOL ! Please remind me to validate my ticket or not take the train at all !

 

[Felipe]

Yes, in France you have to "compost" your ticket in these little yellow devices (see below). The right way to insert yout ticket is tricky. Just do as everybody does.
If you forgot to validate and remember it in time, go with the train inspector, tell him and it will be no problem. I guess that in the Bayonne-SJPP trail there are so many clueless foreign tourists that inspectors don't care too much, but I would not take a risk.
Upon the SNCF webpage e-tickets don't need to be validated.

 

[sulu]

I guess that in the Bayonne-SJPP trail there are so many clueless foreign tourists that inspectors don't care too much, but I would not take a risk.

I wouldn't bet on that. In Italy they seem to go specifically for trains full of tourists, it's a good way of getting income.