Hi edward
,
I have a few answers for North America in general (but not the U.S.A).
Quote:
Originally Posted by edward126
What does it mean when you ask a shop assistant to 'validate your parking'?
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Shops and shopping malls that have gated parking lots or paid parking of any kind do not want you to go elsewhere because you parked your vehicle in their lot. So they provide significant discounts to parking costs to customers who purchase something from them--you get your receipt stamped by the teller or get a special ticket from the teller that you present to the parking attendants/computer and your parking fees are discounted when you pay.
Also, many corporations, schools, hospitals, etc. monitor their parking lots and watch out for non-employees parking and taking up expensive spaces. They will also "validate your parking" by providing special stickers or dash cards, or registering your license plates with security personnel, etc. so you do not get fined or towed because you are parking illegally.
Quote:
Originally Posted by edward126
When someone gets onto a bus they just sit down and the bus continues on with its journey. When and who do you actually pay the fare to?
Cheers from England. |
This depends on the civil jurisdiction you are in. In many cities one pays money/prepaid tickets/tokens into a container beside the driver, or you simple show the driver a purchased bus pass that is good for a set amout of time. Also, in some very large centres where some extended-length buses have more than one entry, it is assumed that anyone entering the area of the bus that does not contain the driver has a valid, purchased pass. (Occasionally, officials board these sections to check passengers for valid passes.)
I have noticed that movies and TV shows rarely show the characters presenting any sort of fare or pass--it is not just you who noticed this lack in N.A. buses ...
I hope this helps,
e.d.