Originally Posted by
Analise
Also, I meant to mention that when taking the S-Bahn and U-Bahn in both Berlin and Frankfurt, no one came into the cars to verify that the passengers had their tickets and that these tickets were validated.
This is common throughout Europe (and perhaps elsewhere). Local transport works mostly on an honour system - people are expected to buy the proper ticket. However, once in a while, inspectors come on and check everyone. Here in Amsterdam, the trams usually stop between halts to pick up the inspectors. Since it does not happen every day or even every month, it is no surprise that you saw no controllers.