Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
need to go to the ticket window. Be aware that the lines at ticket windows can be very long so
try retrieving them a day or two before you depart so you don't accidentally miss your train.
Additionally, you must bring the same bankcard that you used to purchase the ticket to be
able to pick up the tickets.
Don't forget to validate your ticket or you risk being fined.
If you have an individual ticket, you may be required to validate it before you board the
train. Look for a small box (they're usually orange, yellow, or red) with a ticket-sized slot. All
you do is stick the ticket into the slot and it will stamp it. If you forget, you could get fined by
the train controller when he comes around checking tickets. If you do forget, you'll want to
quickly seek out the controller and ask him to stamp it of he'll assume you're trying to ride for
free.
When it's time to board the train you can usually sit anywhere unless you have a reserved
seat. If you do have a reservation, your ticket will indicate the car and seat number. Train staff
will be on hand to assist you.
ON THE TRAIN
Once you board the train, all you need to do is find your seat and store your bag. I prefer to
store my bag in the overhead luggage rack. If you're too short to place your bag in the rack,
someone is usually willing to help you. Alternatively, sometimes there is storage space behind
the seats or between train cars.
Make sure you have your ticket or rail pass ready to show the controller. Sometimes it will
take them 10 to 20 minutes before they come by to check tickets. If you need to use the re-
stroom, make sure you wait until the train is moving because the toilet often empties on the
tracks. As you start to get comfortable, resist the temptation to put your shoes up on the seat
across from you—you'll probably piss off a train employee.
However, the most difficult part of the train journey is knowing when to actually get of the
train. I still get confused. The confusion arises because most large cities have a few smaller
stations that service the suburbs but the station name will still have the name of the city. So
when you stop, you see the city name and assume that you need to hop off. If you do this you'll
just have to wait for the next train. As a rule of thumb, if everyone else is still on the train,
