Elderly Woman Fined for Using Outdated Bus Ticket in Florence
Florence, Italy – An 87-year-old woman was issued a €40 fine for using an outdated €1.50 bus ticket, a penalty her daughter argues is both excessive and unjustly applied, particularly given the woman’s age and apparent good faith.
The incident occurred last Saturday on a Line 2 bus bound for Calenzano. Annamaria,the 87-year-old passenger,used a ticket that had been invalid for two years,opting for the older €1.50 fare rather of the current €1.70. While technically a violation, her daughter, isabella, has appealed to Tuscan Autolinee, the local transport company, for leniency and a review of their enforcement practices.
“My mother genuinely believed she was in order,” Isabella stated. “If she had intended to travel without paying, she wouldn’t have validated the ticket at all.The controllers could have handled it with more understanding, recognizing her age and likely mistake.”
Annamaria paid the fine promptly but was reportedly more distressed by the public embarrassment of being sanctioned in front of other passengers. Isabella expressed frustration that the ticket controllers seemingly targeted an elderly woman who would have difficulty contesting the penalty, rather than addressing other potential fare violations.
Further compounding the issue, isabella claims the official report contained meaningful inaccuracies. “The surname was wrong, and they listed her date of birth as July 26, 1977, making her appear 48 years old,” she explained. “My mother was born in 1938. The report also falsely stated the ticket hadn’t been validated, when it clearly had the date stamped on it.”
While acknowledging that the incorrect data prevents a formal appeal, Isabella remains deeply disappointed by the perceived injustice and the lack of empathy shown by the transport officials. she has vowed to ensure her mother always uses the correct tickets going forward, but the experience has left a bitter taste. Tuscan Autolinee has been contacted for comment.
