For years the bus system in Rome has relied on the “honor” system. It was expected you would purchase a ticket and then board and validate your ticket. Now, Rome is thinking of bringing back “conductors,” missing since the 1960’s.

In a recent article published in Il Messaggero, Alessandro Vannini, chairman of the Capitoline tourism, verified that there will be a one year experiment on a few of the most popular, cross-city lines. This experiment will start in late November. Paraphrasing Mr. Vannini, he said, “It’s a method to avoid some of the ticket abuses that exist, but also improve levels of safety and decorum on the buses, which are often frequented by vandals and pickpockets.”

The experiment will start with seven routes that cross the central areas of Rome. These bus lines are #’s 46, 49, 64, 70, 81, 490, and 492. Others may be added later as the scope of the test is enlarged. Tram lines may also be included as the test broadens. These bus lines were selected because these are most populated by tourists (many headed to the Vatican) and by locals coming to downtown Rome.

The “cost” of having a conductor ON the buses will be offset by the expected increase in ticket revenues on these lines… Suffice to say, there is a belief that some folks are not paying! This return to the position of a conductor on the buses evolved from a recent survey taken to create better service, safety, and environments on the buses – and to increase revenues.

So don’t be surprised if you jump on a bus in Rome after November and you’re asked by a uniformed conductor to, “Show me your ticket!”

Ciao,
Ron in Rome

While cynics will say that this is nothing more than a pretext to increase employment in the public section, my own sense is that this is a well-reasoned initiative long overdue, while will (hopefully) improve the condition of these city buses. And tourists will appreciate the benefits of having someone on the bus who can answer the question "where do I get off for ....." Thanks Ron for the posting.

Bring back crew operated buses for London too. They move much faster as the driver does not have to collect fares at the bus stop.

A great idea.

I'm not real sure how well this is going to work when the bus is jam-packed. When you hit those stops where 10 are getting off and 15 are getting on, all at the same time, just how is the conductor going to handle that?

I agree that there are probably a lot of "free-riders", but the "ticket police" are already in place.

Are you going to have one or two conductors? Is the driver going to check the ticket/pass at the front and the conductor in the middle?

As to being able to answer questions, I really doubt they are going to be multi-multi lingual or have the time or patience to do so.

dave

perhaps it will stop poor innocent tourists being abused by elderly locals as they struggle to get past us with their shopping.

I certainly fell foul of a few of them. How was I supposed to know where they wanted to get off?