Ticket nipper

Since its beginning, in the 19th century, the railway has contributed to the emergence of new professions, defined by the railway activity. Thus, a new socio-professional class emerged, the railway workers.
They carry out tasks such as supplying the locomotives with water and coal, ensuring the maintenance and conservation of the track, controlling traffic at stations and stops, and signalling and safety in circulation. The skilled labour included different degrees of specialization such as workman, train driver, locomotive fireman, level crossing guards, Switchman, station chiefs, ticket inspector, engineers, among many others.
One of the most recognized professions was the ticket inspector or “pica”, as it would be commonly known in Portugal. It is up to the inspector to confirm that all passengers have a valid ticket or document to travel and that they are used on the correct days, trains, classes or routes. It was also up to them, whenever necessary, to collect fares on board. On a daily basis, the ticket inspector is accompanied by his work tools: the suitcase that carries the tickets and the ticket punch.