Rules of the Road, and other Places: Volume 3 - Taking the Train

Far prettier than the picture I could have taken.

      Here in Germany, taking the S-Bahn (what we typically use for inter-city travel in the U.S), U-Bahn (subways), and Trams (streetcars) are a way of life for many people, as they are typically the fastest and cheapest way to travel, whether you're trying to go a few blocks, or to another country.  The way that the train system operates is a little different than we are used to in the United States however, so for this week's "Rules of the Road," I'll break down how a train ride works, so that you can avoid having to wing it the I did my first few times.

Shh!  If you don't point in out, no one will notice
that this picture was already on here somewhere else!

   The very first course of action, if you don't know what stop or line that you need to take, is to compare a normal map with the city's tram, U-Bahn, or (in large cities) S-Bahn map.  Determine which stop is closest to your actual destination, then find the appropriate stop.  For the tram, the stops with have a sign with a green "H" in a yellow circle, and typically an illuminated display showing when the next trams are coming.

The actual machines vary, but the all work
similarly.

 
     Next, if you don't have a ticket, you will have to go to a machine like the one shown on the left to purchase one.  If you don't understand enough German to purchase one, click on whichever button shows other country's flags (the Union Jack is typically the one given for English).  Then, decide on what type of ticket you need.  If you plan on riding more than once in a day, it is probably worth it to get a day pass, and if you are staying in a place for a few days or more, there are weekly and monthly passes for purchase (if you are a university student, your school should have a semester ticket available for you to buy).  Be aware however, that if you buy a ticket for a city's trams or buses, it is typically not valid for the S-Bahn (in larger cities where the S-Bahn is the main form of transportation, like Berlin or Munich, the same ticket works for any form).

Don't forget!

     When your desired tram arrives, hop on board!  If the doors don't open, there will be a small button with a hand symbol on, or directly next to, the door.  If you bought a single ride ticket or a strip ticket (strip tickets are basically like buying 5 or 10 individual tickets at a discounted price, but using the same physical ticket), insert the end with the arrows on it into one of the "Entwerter" (ticket validating) machines.  The machine will stamp your ticket to show the stop you got on at.  When you reach your destination, press one of the blue or white "Gast Wunsch" (guest's wish) buttons, as this is what opens the doors when the tram stops.
  And that's it!  Its a simple process, which makes life far easier (and cheaper) while you are in Germany.  I do have a few remaining tips to pass along, but otherwise, safe travels!

Travel Tips:

• Trams can ride on the same tracks and share stops, so make sure that you are taking the correct one, as it can be easy to take the incorrect tram, thinking that it is the only one which can come to a certain stop.
• All trains and Trams are named after their final destination (and line number for intracity travel), not by the next stop, as can happen in the United States.
• Inside every train, there should be a sign or screen showing the upcoming stops; keep an eye on it.
• If you are traveling with a bicycle, stroller, or other large wheeled device, you typically need to buy an "additional items" ticket.  These are located in the "types of ticket" section of the ticket machine's menu.
• The time table for each train varies by the time of day, and by the actual day itself.  When in doubt, they come less often the later in the day and week that it is.
• If there is no ticket machine available at your stop, most trams (and some buses) have a machine on board you can use.  Look for a sign on the door of the tram saying "Ticketautomat an Bord."
• Tickets are not checked at the entrance to any public transportation, rather, there are ticket checking people who are occasionally on trains, trams, and buses.  They are the ones holding the machine that looks like a credit card reader (they may be in plain clothes, but they should have an ID badge of some kind)
• "Schwarzfahren," or "black riding" as it is called here, is riding without a ticket.  If you choose not to buy a ticket, and the ticket checker catches you, the fine is 40 Euros (which believe me, you don't want to pay).  The only exception is if the ticket machine at the stop where you get onto the train is broken, and there isn't one available on the actual train.  If this is the case, tell the driver when you get on board.

Vocabulary that didn't come up in School:

Haltestelle - train, bus, or tram stop

Proverb of the Day:

A group of people was unaware that the "Einwegpfasche" (think American bottle return) 

machine, doesn't take reusable beer bottles.  I am now up 50 cents!