This ticket was valid from 03/03/06 to 02/05/06, a month's window. In order that the ticket not be reused, it must be validated before you get on the train. This means you must find a yellow validation machine (you can find a picture in our Italian Train Travel page). You'll stamp your ticket(s) by aligning an arrows labeled "convalida" with the slot provided and pushing until you hear the mechanical whine of the stamp. Then you're set to board your train, which you can do at any time it's in the station. This ticket is good for boarding up to three hours after validating. Note the stamp on the right side of the ticket under the arrow.
Note that this is a Biglietto Treno Ordinario da Convalidare, or an ordinary train ticket that requires validation. On fast trains like the EurostarItalia, where a reservation is required, tickets don't normally require validation.
This is a second class ticket, and no seats are assigned. The cost of the 39km ride from Milan to Pavia is 2.90 Euro.
The bus ticket, shown next, has some of the same validation requirements, but this can usually be done as you board the bus.