Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Finding your route
• Part 2 of 3: Get on the bus and pay the fare
• Part 3 of 3: Driving and getting out
• Tips
• Warnings

While it may seem overwhelming to learn how to get from A to B by bus, it is usually relatively easy. After a few rides on the bus, you will travel like a pro.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Finding your route

1. View a bus route map. Almost every public transport bus has a set route that they travel. If you want to know how to get where you want to get, get a bus route map. These usually have different colored lines with dots along them that represent the different buses and stops. The bus route map should also include a timetable showing when each bus is where.
   • You can usually find these bus route maps online at the carrier's website, or at local schools, shopping centers, and businesses along the bus routes.
   • Also look for an additional roadmap for weekends and holidays, as the city you are in may have different schedules or routes on these days.
2. Please refer to the route map timetable for arrival and departure times. Although each bus route map is a bit different, they usually all have a timetable. The timetable should show the times when the buses running along each specific route arrive and depart from each stop. Find the section of the timetable that indicates your route and note the arrival time for the stop closest to your location.
   • Bus times are often colored to show each route. For example, if you look at the map and find that you need to take the yellow route, look for a section of the timetable that is highlighted in yellow.
3. Look for intersecting routes if you think you need to change. If there are no routes that take you directly to where you need to go, check the map for the different routes that stop at your starting location. Then see if those routes intersect with other routes leading to your destination.
   • When you find a place where the routes intersect, identify the stop and check the timetable to find out what time you need to get off your original bus and hop on another bus that travels the second route.
   • Look in the legend for words such as "transfer point" as these can be labeled on the map.
4. Use an online travel planning tool if your city has one. Go online to the website for public transport in your city. Look for a public transit trip planning feature that allows you to type in your starting location, your destination, and possibly the time of day you want to travel. When you send this information, the feature will likely show you which route to take.
   • If you're not sure how to get to your city's public transport website, try Googling your city's name followed by the words "public transport".

Part 2 of 3: Get on the bus and pay the fare

1. Make sure you have a bus pass or cash to pay the fare. You have to pay a fare if you want to ride the bus. Most people who use the bus buy a public transport card and use it for efficiency and convenience. You can usually buy a public transport card from the website and / or the public transport office in the city. If you're not interested in getting a bus pass, you can also pay in cash every time you ride the bus. Just make sure you have the exact amount with you, as most city bus drivers are not authorized to give change.
   • Some public transportation systems offer discounts for seniors and / or people with disabilities. You can request this discounted rate at your city's public transport website and / or office and may receive a special public transport card that allows you to use the bus for a lower rate.
2. Please arrive at the bus stop a few minutes before departure. Most public transportation systems operate smoothly so they are reliable and predictable. Therefore it can be too late to miss your bus in 1-2 minutes. To avoid this, you have to get to the stop at least a few minutes before the bus is due to arrive.
3. Look at the banner to make sure it is the correct bus. Most public transport buses have a digital banner on the front and / or side of the bus that displays the destination of the bus and / or the specific route name or number of the bus. When the bus is approaching, read the banner to make sure it is the correct bus.
4. Wait for passengers to disembark before boarding. Stay by the bus stop even if the bus has come to a complete stop. If necessary, take a step back and allow passengers to get off the bus. As soon as everyone who gets off the bus appears to be getting off the bus, walk through the door that is at the front of the bus.
   • If necessary, ask the bus driver to lower the bus for easier boarding.
5. Pay for the bus. After boarding the bus, you must pay the required fare. If you have a public transport card, show it to the bus driver and / or scan it, if there is room for it. If you don't have a card, give the money to the bus driver.
   • If you are not sure what amount to pay, please check.
6. Ask for a transfer ticket if you need one. You may have to transfer to another bus to get to where you need to be. Often times, if this is the case, you will no longer be charged when you board the second bus, as long as you have a transfer ticket to show the second bus driver. If you think you will have to transfer to another bus later, ask the bus driver for a ticket immediately.

Part 3 of 3: Driving and getting out

1. Sit in a chair and / or hold on. Once you have paid, find a free seat and sit in it. If you can't find one, stand somewhere that keeps you out of the way as much as possible. Hold on to a pole or handle so that you don't fall and injure yourself or someone else once the bus starts moving.
   • Seniors and people with disabilities are given first priority for the seats located at the front of the bus. If a person who is older or disabled gets on the bus and you are seated in the front, get up and offer them your seat.
2. Try to minimize the amount of space you take up. Buses are often busy so it is best to be considerate and accommodating when driving. When you are seated, try to use only one seat and do not place your bag, jacket, or anything next to you. When you are standing, take off your backpack and keep it by your side so that there is more room for others.
   • To get away from the crowd, try to sit or stand in the back of the bus.
3. Pull the signal cable when you are almost at your stop. For efficiency, buses sometimes don't stop at stops where no passengers alight. To communicate your stop to the bus driver, pull the signal cord located just above the windows. Do this about 1 block before your stop.
   • In the Netherlands, buses usually have colored "stop" buttons on the posts instead of signal cables. When pressed, you will hear a beep or bell and a panel on the front of the bus with the words "bus stops" lights up.
   • Pull a signal cable only once or press a "stop" button once. Doing this over and over for one stop is disrespectful to the driver and may even distract them.
4. Go out the back door. Usually passengers get up through the front door and get out through the back door. This makes getting in and out easier and smoother for everyone. Make sure to go to the back door once the bus has stopped at your stop.
   • You can go out through the front door if you are disabled, elderly or want to take your bike out of the bicycle rack.
5. Wait for the bus to leave to cross the street. City buses cannot stop traffic. After exiting the bus, wait safely on the side of the road for the bus to leave. You can then look both ways and cross the street or press the pedestrian crossing button and wait to be signaled to cross the street, depending on how busy the area is.

Tips

• Make sure you follow all bus rules, such as leaving the aisle clear and not eating or drinking on the bus.
• Consider sitting in the front of a public bus the first time, where you can see the different places you pass. This can help you become more familiar with the route.
• Most carriers have an automatic announcer that calls the stops and also have a digital sign that displays it. While driving, make sure to wait for your stop to be announced before pressing stop to avoid stopping the bus too early.

Warnings

• Entering through the back door of a bus is often illegal and, if caught, can result in a fine, regardless of whether you have a valid ticket or card.
• Watch your pockets when standing close to someone - it's easy to get robbed on the bus!