Ticket controller (transportation)

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A ticket controller is a person who randomly checks tickets on public transport in systems where one can enter the vehicle without being checked (proof-of-payment system). Either there is a conductor having this as one of his or her tasks, or special personnel.

The system works as follows:

• passenger purchases a ticket
• passenger enters the vehicle and validates the ticket. Sometimes validation is performed when entering the platform (Berlin metro, Helsinki metro)
• while a conductor stays on a train, etc., a controller randomly enters the vehicle and checks tickets. A fine is imposed if a person without a valid ticket is found.

This system can be found on the Berlin metro and largely in Eastern Europe. It only makes sense if the public transport company can maintain a large ticket sale network, and if the execution of fines is possible.

Statistic: in Poznań, Poland, the rate of free-riders varies from 4% to 10%.