Originally Posted by
Flying Lawyer
I always wonder why I need to pay five dollars (and not just 1,6 euro) for the Airtrain from JFK to the subway....
Given you are from NY the DUS concept should not be a surprise for you.
The only difference between our country and then US is the more philosophical approach that the German system is based on trust (no fare gates) whereas the US system is based on 100 percent control.
This is however a more general approach in this country: we expect our fellow citizens to comply with the rules and do trust that they do it.
We will, however, survive a few guest that don't understand the concept because they don't pay unless they are forced to pay by fare gates.
Again, given that you are from NY you should have no problem to understand that the Acela Express is not the subway and you need tickets for both. Even if you find excuses to avoid the result you don't fancy.
Like you said, the US system makes it very obvious you need to pay. I didn't pay simply because I wasn't aware you even had to pay to begin with. I don't recall any signs stating tickets are required for the SkyTrain.
Given DUS is an international airport with non-stop service to cities in North America and Asia where the public transportation norms are quite different, I think the SkyTrain operators can do a better job communicating a ticket is required.