We forgot to validate our train ticked from Termini to the airport after our holiday to Rome and got fined 50 euros!! I knew about the policy but promply forgot in the hustle and bustle to get on the train. Several students were on the train and also didn't have their ticket stamped....no sympathy from the conductor. Rules don't seem to apply to driving in Rome but the stamp on the ticket sure does!!!!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
It is the rule but one primary reason on express train to the airport is that its an R train. You have an open ticket good for 60 days. Some locals take chances with these open tickets to ride as often as they can with the same ticket without validating it. On many runs, the conductors don't come through and check.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Joanne,
Your post is a good reminder! I've forgotten to validate a few times (unintentionally of course), but have been lucky so far and they didn't check.
It's also VERY important to ensure that you have a valid reservation if required on the train you're travelling on (if using a Railpass), as one can be fined on the spot for that also. I believe the fine in that case is also about €50!
Cheers!
Posted by
Norfolk, USA
255 posts
On our train trip from Florence to Pisa in 2002, we also forgot to validate our ticket. We knew to do it, but somehow missed the machine when boarding our train. Being in a rush didn't help either. It was only about a 5 or 10 euro fine back then when the euro cost 87 cents US to buy. We laughed at the time and consider it one of our "quirky" souvenirs. I wouldn't laugh at a 50 euro fine based on today's exchange rates.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
If you get on the train and then realize what you've done, GO FIND THE CONDUCTOR IMMEDIATELY. Start walking to the first car on the train and you'll probably meet him there or on the way. Throw yourself on his mercy and he can, if he chooses, write down the day and time on your card and give you a little lecture, but no fine. It's your good faith gesture to show that you're not trying to get away with anything. I did this on the train from Assisi (I think) and we got off with a lecture and a little laugh from him.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA, USA
88 posts
On a side note, a bus I was on in Italy was checked by a string of fare inspectors. The locals all started scrambling for their unvalidated tickets and stamped them right before the inspectors got on board--no penalty. The fare inspector attempted to ticket two American tourists who didn't understand the validation procedure. They got into a big fight with the fare inspector, who took them to talk to the police at the train station. At the train station, the police scolded the fare inspector to leave the couple alone and sent the tourists along on their way! So, no sympathy from the inspector--but plenty of sympathy from the police!