BOLZANO. From 1 November there will be a tightening of controls on public transport in South Tyrol: in addition to Sasa controllerson urban lines and will not be engaged also Sta controllers.
With the strengthened controls we aim to reduce the number of passengers traveling without a valid ticket. “Our thanks go to the many honest passengers who regularly validate their tickets, thus actively supporting local public transport”, says the provincial councilor for Mobility Daniel Alfreider. “By intensifying controls by Sasa and Sta we are sending a clear signal for greater fairness and demonstrating that compliance with the rules benefits the entire system. In this way, we are creating fair and transparent public transport for all “.
“We are very happy that passengers are responding positively to the increased control measures and that they are generally in favor of controls in local public transport,” says the general director of Sta Joachim Dejaco. “The ability to pay fines directly on site via POS devices simplifies the process and ensures quick processing. In this way, we focus on greater efficiency and convenience for everyone involved.”
“The work of our controllers is often challenging, but fundamental to the smooth functioning of local public transport. We have deep respect and admiration for their dedication and commitment. Our staff are updated on changes in fines and will apply all those who do not have a valid travel document”, says the general director of Sasa Ruggero Rossi De Mio.
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to another edition of Time.news interviews. Today, we’re diving into an important development in public transport here in South Tyrol. Starting November 1, there will be stricter controls on public transportation. To shed some light on this, we have a special guest, Dr. Maria Schneider, an expert in transport policies and urban mobility. Welcome, Dr. Schneider!
Dr. Maria Schneider: Thank you! I’m delighted to be here.
Editor: So, Dr. Schneider, we’ve just learned that both Sasa and Sta controllers will increase their presence on urban lines. What prompted this change?
Dr. Schneider: Well, the key reason behind this decision seems to be the ongoing issue of fare evasion. By enhancing the controls, local authorities like Councilor Daniel Alfreider aim to ensure that passengers who are using the public transport system are doing so fairly, while also expressing gratitude to those who regularly pay for their tickets.
Editor: That’s an important point. Councilor Alfreider mentioned thanking honest passengers, which reflects a positive community sentiment. How do you think this initiative will impact the relationship between the authorities and the commuters?
Dr. Schneider: Absolutely, it’s essential to recognize the compliant passengers. Acknowledging their contributions could foster a sense of community responsibility. However, on the other side, if the enforcement is perceived as overly strict or punitive, it might create tension between authorities and passengers. Transparency in how these controls are enforced will be crucial.
Editor: Great insight. Do you believe that these tighter controls will translate into a significant reduction in fare evasion?
Dr. Schneider: It’s certainly a step in the right direction. Strengthening the visibility of controllers often serves as a deterrent for those considering travelling without a valid ticket. If passengers see that enforcement is active, they may be less inclined to attempt fare evasion.
Editor: Are there any potential downsides to this approach?
Dr. Schneider: There could be some downsides to consider. Increased controls might inconvenience regular passengers, especially if there are lengthy checks or a heavy presence at transport hubs. It’s crucial for authorities to strike a balance between enforcement and maintaining a smooth, efficient service for everyday commuters.
Editor: That’s a valid concern. What measures might authorities implement to ensure this balance?
Dr. Schneider: Communication is key. Clear signage informing passengers about the controls ahead of time, as well as ensuring that checks are quick and efficient, can help. Additionally, providing education about the importance of valid tickets and the impact of fare evasion on public transport funding can promote understanding and compliance among passengers.
Editor: Absolutely. Lastly, how do you see the future of public transport in South Tyrol evolving with these new measures?
Dr. Schneider: If implemented thoughtfully, these new controls could foster a more respectful and responsible culture among passengers. In the long term, I hope this leads to more investments in public transport, improved services, and ultimately, a greater public faith in the system.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Schneider, for sharing your valuable insights. It’s clear that while stricter controls may help address issues of fare evasion, it’s the balance of enforcement, communication, and community involvement that will shape the future of public transportation in South Tyrol.
Dr. Schneider: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these critical issues with you!
Editor: And that wraps up today’s interview. We appreciate your joining us at Time.news, and we’ll continue to keep you updated on developments in public transport. Stay tuned!