Tired of getting stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic? Is your work too far away from home to walk or ride a bike? Well then take the bus! Depending on what city you live in, using the public transportation may be a lot easier than actually driving somewhere, plus cabs can get costly especially when you're stuck in traffic, or your work is too far away.
Step 1
Find out the bus routes and pickup times for your city. You could do this by finding a bus route map at the local bus depot, or at most public offices, or on the internet.
Step 2
Find out if you can get a free or discounted pass for buses in your neighbourhood by reason of age, youth, student status, or disability, etc. You often can go to the main bus depot and purchase a discounted pass.
Step 3
Find out if it would be economical to get a pass or multi-trip ticket for your regular journeys.
Step 4
Find the nearest bus stop with the route that you need, and check the pickup time (both usually indicated on the bus stop).
Step 5
Join the queue, and get your money or pass ready.
Step 6
When the bus arrives, move to the door nearest the driver. Let anyone off who is trying to alight at this door, then get on the bus and say "good morning" (etc) to the driver.
Step 7
Insert your money in the little cash machine, or hand it to the driver, or show the pass to the driver. If you need a transfer, indicate so by asking the driver for one.
Step 8
If the driver or a machine issues a ticket, take it incase an inspector boards later.
Step 9
After paying, find a seat. Remember that in some countries, the seats in front are reserved by law for handicapped riders, or elderly people. Only sit in them if you must, but if an elderly or handicapped person comes on the bus, let them sit there.
Step 10
If there is no room to sit, then do not sit down. Move away from the doors and find a suitable standing space. Hold on to one of the poles or overhead straps.
Step 11
If you need to get off before the last stop, then pull a hanging cord or press a button to indicate to the driver that you want the bus to stop.
Step 12
When the bus stops, thank the driver, and get off.
Tips
- When you need to get off the bus, pull the cord (or push the stop button in the UK) when you're about a half a block from where you need to get off at.
- In England, outside of London many tickets may only be used on the company operating that service. If for example your board a Stagecoach Bus and buy a return ticket, and another operator like Arriva takes over at night, you will not be able to use your Stagecoach return unless you purchased a universal ticket, for example System One in Manchester
- If you are alone at the bus stop, and you see the bus approaching is not the route you intend to board, indicate that to the driver (for example, by turning your back to the bus, or waving him away), so he doesn't have to make an unnecessary stop.
- If there is one, try to get off the bus by the back door. This will avoid having to push past people in the queue to board at the front door.
Warnings
- Watch your pockets when you're standing close to someone, it's easy to get pick-pocketed on a bus!
- Always stay seated, or holding on to a pole while the bus is moving.
- If you use a cell phone on the bus, please follow phone ettiquette.
