German Bus System

Yesterday I had my first experience with a "controller" - someone who checks for tickets in the German honor system. He and his young apprentice were undercover in civilian clothes. They were easy to spot because the older one stood by the bus driver the whole time, joking and chatting it up with him. I had a ticket, so I had no problem.

I also found last night that the bus atmosphere changes at night. No more honor system: you must explicitly show your card or ticket to the bus driver as you board, and no door will open except the front one by the driver so he can check these. This is strange because with our student ID cards we're supposed to be able to ride for free after 7pm and on weekends. If you should check anytime, it should be in the day when people can get on through any door. Oh wells.