How to Ride a Public Transportation Bus

Find out the bus routes and pickup times for your city., If you are riding public transit after dusk, be sure you are wearing light colored clothing and/or signaling the driver with a lighted device (for example: a cell phone or flash light). , Find...

29 Steps 2 min read Advanced

Step-by-Step Guide

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: If you are riding public transit after dusk

, You often can go to the main bus depot and purchase a discounted pass. ,,, Don't just go by the route number.

At some subway or train stations that are part way along a route, buses may use the same bay for both directions of travel so if you just go by the route number you may end up on a bus taking you farther away from your destination. ,,, If you're not sure, lean in and ask the bus driver if the bus is heading to your stop. , Let anyone off who is trying to alight at this door, then get on the bus and say "good morning" (etc.) to the driver , If you need a ticket for a transfer to another vehicle after that bus, ask the driver for one. ,, 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. , Hold on to one of the poles or overhead straps. , Pull the cord or push the stop button when you're about a block from where you need to get off of the bus. , Be sure to watch your step.

Step 3: be sure you are wearing light colored clothing and/or signaling the driver with a lighted device (for example: a cell phone or flash light).

Step 4: Find out if you can get a free or discounted pass for buses in your neighborhood by reason of age

Step 5: student status

Step 6: or disability

Step 7: Find out if it would be economical to get a pass or multi-trip ticket for your regular journeys.

Step 8: Find the nearest bus stop with the route that you need

Step 9: and check the pickup time (both usually indicated on the bus stop).

Step 10: Make sure you catch your bus going in the right direction.

Step 11: Dress for the weather so you are not uncomfortable while waiting for the bus to arrive or transferring to other buses.

Step 12: Join the queue

Step 13: and get your money or pass ready.

Step 14: When the bus arrives

Step 15: check the destination sign and route number on the bus to make sure it is the bus you want.

Step 16: Move to the door nearest the driver.

Step 17: Insert your money into the fare-box (little cash machine)

Step 18: or hand it to the driver

Step 19: or show the pass to the driver.

Step 20: If the driver or a machine issues a ticket

Step 21: take it in case an inspector boards later.

Step 22: After paying

Step 23: find a seat.

Step 24: If there is no empty seat

Step 25: move away from the doors and find a suitable standing space.

Step 26: If you need to get off before the last stop

Step 27: then pull a hanging cord or press a button to indicate to the driver that you want the bus to stop.

Step 28: When the bus stops

Step 29: check where you were sitting to make sure you left nothing behind and thank the driver as you get off.

Detailed Guide