You'll find different types of tickets in public transport. The most common ticket types are listed below.
tickets on a block
The staff (e.g. the driver) tears the ticket from a block. Sometimes the ticket is validated by using a stamp.
tickets from machines
Ticket machines can be used either by staff or passengers. Ticket machines for passengers can be found on or near the platform or in the vehicle.machines for staff
- AEG
- Almex
- Beckson
- Elgeba
- Wayfarer
machines for passengers
- Ascom
- Elgeba
- Scheidt & Bachmann
- Thales
- Wayfarer
magnetic stripe cards
These tickets have a magnetic stripe on one side of the ticket. When the ticket is purchased data about the validity is being registered on the magnetic stripe Each time the passenger uses the ticket journey related data is being registered on the magnetic stripe.The passenger validates the ticket by inserting it in a reader. These readers can be integrated in a turnstile. When the passenger validates the ticket, the turnstile opens.
smart cards
A smart card contains a chip. On this chip various data (e.g. value for 'pay as you go', history of travel and personal data) is stored.The first type of smart cards is a contact card. The passenger uses this smart card the same way as the magnetic stripe cards. A second type of smard card is contactless. A contactless smart card doesn't need to make contact with the reader to be read. It uses radio waves to communicate.
tokens
Tokens are coins that can be used- as a substitute for paper tickets. The passenger gives the token to the driver or opens a turnstile by inserting the token.
- to buy a paper ticket. If needed the passenger can use 'regular' money as well to buy the ticket.