Re: Metcard Validation

["Michael Walker" <walker@hotkey.net.au>]

My understanding from recent threads on this newsgroup and PTC literature is
as follows:
1. To be on PTC property, you need a valid ticket.
2. The PTC is entitled to check whether or not you have a valid ticket.
3. The way the PTC checks if you have a valid ticket is:
Old system: driver or conductor views ticket prior to travel on tram/bus and
on train it is theoretically checked on your way out to see if you were
entitled to travel (although they could also check on the way in according
to informed sources - an employee)
New system: machine checks your ticket before travel on any mode to see if
you are entitled to travel.

Under the old system, if you were unprepared to show the staff member on the
tram/bus/station that you had a valid ticket then they forced you to buy a
new one. Mr. Martin, under the old system, did you ever refuse to show a
conductor or bus driver or ticket checker/inspector your ticket because you
knew you had one and you had shown the previous PTC employee? Or any of you
other people who seem to think that because YOU know you have a valid ticket
that nobody else needs to know, especially employees of the service you are
currently using?

Assuming none of you refused to show or 'validate' your ticket under the old
system, why suddenly should this change occur because:
a) a machine now checks your ticket.
b) you now have your ticket checked at the entrance to the station instead
of as you leave, a far more sensible idea as people who are genuinely
evading their fare can be caught before using the service instead of using
the service knowing their only problem will be at the other end and even
then only really at city stations.
c) it is easier to thumb your nose at the system proud in the knowledge that
you can do what you like and if the PTC wants to know if you are doing the
right thing then thats ITs problem.

At the end of the day, the only things you have achieved are that you have
fed your own ego by putting down some poor station schmuck and some poor
station schmuck has had his opinion of customers being arrogant idiots
reinforced.

By the way, I showed this reply to a friend who is a PTC employee and he
added that the rule is you need to show it ON DEMAND. If you cannot show
your ticket on demand, you get booked. I assume this includes machines.
Also, the rules are to be changed (and may already have) so if you don't
validate (i.e. show your machine the ticket by inserting it in the slot)
then you may be booked.