by Dr. Radut

The travel rules

With these rules, Tper aims to communicate the main company regulations regarding the use of public transport; in this way, it seeks to facilitate access to the service, promote civil coexistence between passengers, foster cooperation between citizens and on-board staff, and ensure the safety of the journey.

The Travel Regulations

Art. 1 - Information - go to details
Art. 2 - Boarding, journey, disembarking - go to details
Art. 3 - Travel documents and verification - go to details
Art. 4 - Transporting children - go to details
Art. 4.bis - Passengers with disabilities - go to details
Art. 5 - Transporting animals - go to details
Art. 6 - Transporting luggage - go to details
Art. 7 - Penalties - go to details
Art. 8 - Payment methods for penalties - go to details

The rules for staff in contact with the public - go to details

Art. 1 - Information

Tper informs citizens about travel services, fares, and schedules on board, through its infrastructure, and other dedicated information spaces.
Tper publishes timetables for the routes promptly and in easily accessible locations.
In case of route changes due to scheduled events, Tper will notify passengers in advance of any deviations from the standard service. In the event of an unexpected disruption, passengers will be informed of alternative routes and how to proceed with their journey.

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Art. 2 - Boarding, journey, disembarking

To board:

  1. Passengers waiting to board should signal their intent, helping drivers avoid unnecessary stops, thus contributing to a better service quality.

  2. Passengers must use the designated boarding doors as indicated by the signage.

  3. Boarding is not permitted at non-designated stops or when the vehicle is in motion; at stops, passengers should not approach the bus until it has fully stopped and the boarding door is open.

During the journey:

  1. Passengers are not allowed to occupy more than one seat.

  2. To make optimal use of space, passengers should avoid standing near doors and ticket validation machines.

  3. It is not allowed to lean out of the windows or throw objects out of the vehicle.

  4. Smoking and vaping are prohibited on public buses.

  5. All passengers are expected to avoid causing discomfort or disturbances during the journey by behaving in a manner that is respectful.

  6. Passengers should show respect and cooperation towards drivers to assist them in carrying out their duties.

  7. Passengers may approach the driver for information, but should not distract them from their driving duties, ensuring the safety of all passengers. Drivers must display their identification badge visibly and provide their staff number upon request, ensuring their recognisability and traceability during the journey.

  8. Tper aims to provide citizens with a  comfortable travel environment, ensuring hygiene and cleanliness standards for vehicles: everyone must contribute to maintaining cleanliness by not littering, not leaving waste, and not damaging, removing, or tampering with vehicle parts or equipment.

  9. Emergency devices should only be used in cases of necessity for safety reasons.

  10. Flammable materials may not be transported, except for small quantities packed in compliance with legal requirements.

  11. Weapons, loaded and not disassembled, may not be transported (this rule does not apply to law enforcement officers).

  12. Without authorisation, passengers are not permitted to distribute, post, or display items or prints, engage in commerce, or sell or offer items for advertising purposes; begging is not permitted on company vehicles.

  13. Items found on vehicles must be handed over to the driver, with the passenger providing their details; lost property will be sent to the appropriate offices.

  14. On extra-urban routes outside built-up areas, seated passengers must use safety systems (seat belts), where available, in accordance with current regulations.

To disembark:

  1. Passengers must signal in advance, near the requested stop, their intention to disembark using the stop request button. Use of the stop request signal is not allowed without necessity.

  2. Passengers should use the designated exit doors as indicated by the signage.

  3. Passengers should not request to disembark at non-designated stops, as disembarking is permitted only at defined areas.

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Art. 3 - Travel documents and verification

  1. At the start of the journey, the passenger must be in compliance with the rules for using travel documents: validation of standard or multi-ride tickets, adherence to the rules for using various types of subscriptions (e.g., inserting the ID number when required, ensuring monthly passes are valid until the last day of the month of validation, etc.).

  2. For services offering ticket sale on board, passengers can obtain a travel document on board, but only at the start of the journey. The ticket must be kept intact and visible throughout the journey.
    After validation, it is advisable to check the accuracy of the timestamp (date and time) and immediately inform the driver if there is an error. For QR code tickets or the use of contactless ticketing with bank cards, to verify the validation, it is sufficient to select the "i" button on the same validator and then validate the ticket (or pass the bank card) again. The display will show the ticket information.

  3. According to Article 40, paragraph 3 of Regional Law Emilia-Romagna No. 30 of 2/10/98 and subsequent amendments and integrations, passengers are required to show their travel documents to the company's inspection, control, and verification staff, who, in performing these duties, are Public Officials: the document must be intact, visible, and in no way tampered with or altered. In case of irregularities with travel documents, the inspection agents are authorised to identify the passenger (Article 40, paragraph 9)

For further details, refer to the page on fines and penalties imposed on board.
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Art. 4 - Transporting children

  1. Children under one metre in height, accompanied by an adult passenger, travel free of charge.

  2. On suitably equipped buses, clearly indicated by signage, it is possible to board with children in strollers or prams, following the instructions. On buses that are not equipped, strollers and prams must be folded. Strollers and prams, even when open, are transported free of charge.

For special services, out-of-route services, rentals, and permanent or seasonal tourist services, Tper may set specific rules based on the particular characteristics of the journey.
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Art. 4.bis - Passengers with disabilities

  1. Passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility can travel on company vehicles under the conditions set out in the vehicle’s circulation documents at the same fares applied to all other passengers. Any additional services and assistance provided by the operator to facilitate access to the service must not incur additional charges for disabled passengers.

  2. On buses suitably equipped with ramps and clearly indicated by signage, passengers with wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or similar devices may board. The system is designed to accommodate wheelchairs weighing up to 350 kg and with standard dimensions (112x70x109 cm).

  3. In boarding, during the journey, and disembarking, exceptions to Article 2 of these regulations may be made if necessary to receive appropriate assistance and ensure better travel conditions for the passenger’s disability.

  4. The driver must provide the necessary assistance to disabled passengers, helping with boarding and alighting using the vehicle’s equipment, providing additional information, and requesting the cooperation of other passengers. Drivers are not permitted to deny access to transport for disabled passengers, except for justified safety reasons.

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Art. 5 - Transporting animals

  1. Small dogs and other pets may travel free of charge if carried in arms or within carriers or containers measuring less than 55x40x20 cm (the limit for items transported without a travel document); larger dogs may board, subject to payment.

  2. Dogs being transported must always wear a muzzle and lead.

  3. Each passenger is allowed to bring only one pet.

  4. Animals must not block entrances or exits and cannot occupy seats.

  5. If the animal soils or damages the vehicle, or causes harm to people or property in any way, the owner or person responsible must compensate for the damage.

  6. Wild animals of proven danger may not be transported on public transport.

  7. Guide dogs accompanying visually impaired passengers may board freely and free of charge on company vehicles.

The driver cannot prevent access to the service or remove passengers from the vehicle. For safety reasons, the driver may alert Tper's operations centre to request intervention from the police.
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Art. 6 - Transporting luggage

  1. Baggage measuring less than 55x40x20 cm can be carried free of charge.

  2. Luggage larger than this may be transported subject to payment for a ticket and must not exceed the maximum dimensions of 40x60x80 cm.

  3. Each passenger may carry no more than two pieces of luggage.

  4. Luggage must not contain dangerous, flammable, explosive, or foul-smelling materials, or anything that could cause problems for other passengers.

  5. Luggage should be stored or held in such a way as not to obstruct passage and should not occupy seats.

For special services, out-of-route services, rentals, and permanent or seasonal tourist services, Tper may set specific rules based on the particular characteristics of the journey.
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Art. 7 - Penalties

Violations relating to travel tickets (Article 3) are subject to administrative sanctions as provided by Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna no. 30 of 2nd October 1998 and subsequent amendments or additions, Article 40, paragraph 4.

Other penalties are applied according to the same Regional Law of Emilia-Romagna of 2nd October 1998 and subsequent amendments or additions, Article 40, paragraphs 12 and 13:

  • For violations under Article 2, point 6 (throwing objects out of the vehicle), a fine ranging from a minimum of 20 Euros to a maximum of 50 Euros is foreseen.

  • For violations under Article 2, point 7 (smoking is prohibited), a fine ranging from a minimum of 27.50 Euros to a maximum of 275 Euros is foreseen.

  • For violations under Article 2, point 11 (maintaining cleanliness, not damaging, removing or tampering with parts or equipment of the vehicles), a fine ranging from a minimum of 103 Euros to a maximum of 309 Euros is foreseen (in addition to compensation for damages).

  • For violations under Article 2, point 12 (related to emergency devices), a fine ranging from a minimum of 258 Euros to a maximum of 1549 Euros is foreseen.

  • For violations under Article 2, point 14 (carrying firearms is prohibited), a fine ranging from a minimum of 77 Euros to a maximum of 232 Euros is foreseen.

  • In case of non-compliance with the rules established in Articles 2, 4, 5, and 6, which are not specifically mentioned in this Article 7, penalties ranging from a minimum of 20 Euros to a maximum of 50 Euros are foreseen.

For further details, refer to the page on sanctions imposed on the vehicle.
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Art. 8 - Payment Methods for Sanctions

Sanctions related to the "Rules of Travel" may be paid:

  • Directly to the inspecting officer or within 5 days from the date of the report at the minimum rate (i.e. for the minimum amount indicated for each individual penalty in the previous article);

  • Within 60 days from the date of the report at the reduced rate (i.e. for the most favourable sum for the customer, between double the minimum amount and one-third of the maximum amount indicated for each individual penalty in the previous article);

  • If payment is not made within 60 days at the reduced rate, a maximum amount order-injunction will be issued (i.e. for the maximum amount indicated for each individual penalty in the previous article).

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Rules for Public-facing Staff

Tper has established certain conduct guidelines for its internal staff, aimed at promoting greater attention to the quality of the service offered and the needs of the customers.

The goal is to build a relationship of trust and cooperation between citizens and Tper. The public-facing staff (drivers, ticket inspectors, operations staff, telephone service operators, ATCittà point staff, parking inspectors) are committed to adhering to these "rules of conduct":

All public-facing Tper staff:

  • Demonstrate willingness in their interactions with citizens and do not hinder their exercise of rights;

  • Respond to information requests courteously;

  • Avoid arguments, maintaining a respectful and helpful attitude;

  • Refrain from behaviours that are inappropriate for the role they are assigned in delivering public services or that contradict company policies.

In regard to travel, the driver:

  • Does not smoke in the vehicle;

  • Does not use personal mobile phones or other devices with or without a headset;

  • Avoids any other behaviour that could reduce attention to driving or the safety of operations;

  • In the presence of waiting passengers, even without specific signals, slows down to ensure a safe stop, even if the intention to board is expressed at the last moment;

  • Assists passengers boarding by opening all bus doors;

  • Maintains a correct posture during service, consistent with safety and the image presented to the public;

  • Provides their employee number when requested;

  • Avoids conversing with colleagues near the driver's seat, to facilitate access and movement for those using the front doors;

  • Turns off the engine during stops at the terminus;

  • Appropriately updates the line and destination indicators;

  • Uses onboard devices and systems correctly (e.g. air conditioning, wheelchair access ramps, ticket machine indicators, etc.);

  • Provides personal details when requested by law enforcement or, in case of an accident, to the involved parties.

Transparency and Traceability

All public-facing staff wear an identification badge, clearly visible during their service.
Telephone service operators at 051 290 290 can be traced and identified by their personal ID number, which is announced at the beginning of each call.

Personal Grooming

Public-facing staff:

  • Pay attention to their personal appearance;

  • Wear neat, clean, and appropriate clothing;

  • Wear the service uniform as prescribed by company guidelines.