by InTrieste
Trieste Trasporti will permanently deactivate the mechanical ticket validators on its buses beginning July 14, completing a transition to fully electronic ticket validation that began in 2022.
From that date, passengers will no longer be able to stamp paper tickets using the traditional machines. Instead, all tickets with QR codes must be validated by holding them in front of the optical scanner on the company’s electronic “Eva” validators, which are installed on every bus. A green light and on-screen message will confirm successful validation.
The transport operator is also introducing new digital payment features starting July 1. Passengers can now purchase up to 10 tickets in a single transaction using one contactless payment card or a digital wallet, including Apple Pay and Google Pay. The number of tickets can be selected directly on the electronic validator before payment.
Multi-ride tickets can also now be validated for up to 10 passengers at once by selecting the number of travelers and scanning the ticket’s QR code. The remaining rides on a multi-ride ticket can be checked directly on the validator.
Trieste Trasporti said the changes are part of a broader effort to modernize public transport and align with European Union policies promoting the gradual digitalization of travel tickets. The company said staff will be available on buses in the coming weeks to help passengers adapt to the new system, while instructional videos will be distributed through its website, social media channels and onboard displays.
Passengers using contactless payment must tap their card or mobile device each time they board a bus, even when transferring within 60 minutes. The system will automatically charge the lowest applicable fare at the end of the day based on the number of journeys taken. Season pass holders are not required to validate their passes.
