what's the correct verb?

[dilodi83]

What's the correct verb to use when we, for example, get on a bus or a streetcar and we put our ticket in the machine just to have the date written on the ticket?
And how do you call this machine in English?
Thanks so much.

[riquecohen]

What's the correct verb to use when we, for example, get on a bus or a streetcar and we put our ticket in the machine just to have the date written on the ticket?
And how do you call this machine in English?
Thanks so much.

What you've described is not, to my knowledge, a system used in the US, but I remember doing this in Italy. The verb I would use is "punch" or "validate" and I'd call the machine a "validation machine." Let's see if anyone else has any suggestions.

[SoothingDave]

It sounds to me like punching a time clock. Never seen one on a bus, however.

[5jj]

They are common in Germany and the Czech Republic. I use the verb 'validate'. I call the machines 'the little yellow machines' when I am explaining to guests how to use the public transport system. I suppose 'validation/validating machine/ is the correct expression.