I have 3 questions. I think I know the answer to the first one but I'll ask it just for my own confirmation. First: Am I correct that e tickets that I've printed at home do not have to be validated in the machine? If I've understood other posts they do not have to be. Second: I will be purchasing some tickets on "Ter" trains once I get to France. I have some connecting trains where I have e tickets for the first leg of the trip and then will be using a ticket I buy there for the regional routes. My question is can I validate in the machine the ticket for the 2nd leg of the trip at my originating town/train station that wouldn't be listed on the ticket? I'm thinking that I can, that all that matters is that it's date stamped for the actual day I'm traveling, but I wanted to make sure. Hope so, it sure will make a quick train change less stressful. Third: I feel a little silly with this one BUT when you use the machine and validate the tickets does it matter which end of the ticket you stick into the machine? Thanks!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23267 posts
Any ticket that has specific train, date, and time needs not to be validated since it is only good for that train, Open tickets needs the time stamp for validation.. It has been a while for using French tickets, but generally there is a correct way (usually an arrow or something) for inserting in the machine. An old trick, frequently caught, is to stamp on the wrong side and then stamp again on the correct and hope that the ticket checker doesn't turn the ticket over. If you have questions about using the machine, ask the person who just used it. Most are helpful.
Posted by
OP
Ft. Worth, TX, USA
45 posts
Frank, THANKS! I appreciate the info.
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
The answer to your second question is probably no. It depends on whether the ticket is valid for unlimited use for an entire day, or for a one-time use on a train or for a certain period. If you stamp it hours before you ride that train, there is no way for the conductor to know that you have not used it already. This won't delay your transfer by more than 5 seconds. The machines are at the head of each track, which you will have to pass by anyway. As you pass by, just take a step, reach out and stamp it.
Posted by
OP
Ft. Worth, TX, USA
45 posts
Douglas, Thanks for the info - - things I had not thought of!