Passengers in Athens buses and trolleys will have to pay higher prices, if they purchase their tickets from the drivers of these two public transport means. Bus- and trolley drivers will sell the tickets at 1,50 euro. Currently the prices are: 1,40 euro for the combined ticket for more than one public transport means and 1,20 euro for single tickets.
At the same time, drivers will allow passengers to enter bus and trolley only from the front door so that they will check whether the passengers have indeed a ticket or a monthly card.
The measure is expected to be implemented by end of June 2013.
The higher prices in tickets purchased by the driver are aimed to scare dodgers and force them to buy tickets in advance.
I hope that before they implement this measure they will finally decide to set up ticket stands around Syntagma Square and not only. I was not long time ago forced to take the tram because there was no opportunity to buy a ticket (OASA stands, kiosks) around Syntagma square, the most vibrant place of Greek capital. Not even at the bus end station.
Of course, I still wonder, why the decision-makers believe that the residents of Athens find the money on the streets and they have to pay higher prices for everything.
Ok, I have this silly picture popping up in my head that several passengers try to get off the bus front the front door, while a large group pushes to get into the bus on a hot summer day, so around 3 p.m. But that’s silly me, as usual.
PS I hope the difference of 0.10 and 0.30 euro will not be collected in order to pay to the drivers an extra allowance for selling tickets…. 😛
What system (bars, swinging out only?) will hinder the “clever” ones to get on (from the middle and back doors) by “sneaking in” the crucial minute these doors do open for those who want to get off?
How the driver will check whether the front door entering passengers have indeed a (validated on the spot?) ticket or a monthly card? What if the “clever” one, although he/she simply presents a ticket to be allowed in from the front door, “forgets” to validate it inside the bus / trolley?