I’ve never – or rarely – ridden a bus…how do I ride a bus? - Part 4

I’ve never – or rarely – ridden a bus…how do I ride a bus? 

(part 4)

By Brian Doennebrink

Where we last left off, you made it on the bus, you’ve paid your fare. Now what?

If you don’t know where you’re going or how to get there, ask your driver. Caveat: many drivers don’t know many of the routes in their own system, they only know their route or a handful of routes they’ve driven recently. Some drivers are part-time, while others have a different schedule every day. It’s even more iffy that your driver will know of another transit agency’s routes beyond ones they often have transfers to/from. The odds go down as transit agencies make substantial changes to their routes, as some have lately.

At the front of the bus are seats that are reserved for those with wheelchairs, seniors, and/or disabled riders. If you aren’t in one of these categories, be sure to vacate/offer to vacate your seat to a rider of this type.

Don’t be a seat hog, share your seat.

Use your cell phone sparingly, if at all. Not only are cell phones a favorite target of thieves, but seemingly “normal-level” conversations are often heard at least several feet away.

Beware! Occasionally, you’ll encounter smelly passengers. Other than finding a seat that’s further away – sometimes much further – the only other option is getting off the bus and taking the next one, which may or may not be practical.

Beware! Occasionally, there will be difficult passengers, many with issues. These tend to “occur” near the front or back of the bus. There’s no fool-proof way to counter these, but – especially when riding at night – sit within eyesight of the driver – I go for a seat or two behind the disabled/senior seating.

If you’re a young female, you’re particularly vulnerable, so travel with a friend when possible, especially if you’re riding at night.

Be sure to pull the cord/push the button well in advance of your stop so that the driver has ample time to slow down. Watch your balance as you get off and take care leaving the bus, both in avoiding others’ items on the floor, for example, and when stepping off to what might be an uneven surface.

Always thank your driver where deserved.

Other articles in this series can be found on the front page under Features "Public Transit Choices"

Previous articles on How do I ride a bus?

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

The differences for Bus Rapid Transit, brand named Swift and Rapid Ride, will be covered in the next article.