Tweet
Public transportation has its own etiquette and set of expectations. Knowing what to do and when can get you to your destination faster -- and a lot cheaper than if you drove.
With gas prices at record highs, you're ready to take a deep breath and tackle your fears. You'll find buses quieter and more comfortable than in years past. The biggest hurdle for many first-timers is simply not knowing the ropes.
Adventures on the bus
Federal figures show that riders of public transportation are a pretty representative cross-section of America -- a wide range of ages and ethnic backgrounds.
Anytime you put a big group of strangers in a long metal tube and send it charging along city streets, you're bound to see an occasional interesting situation.
At one time in my career, I spent about a year riding the bus and rail lines intensively. In that period, I saw my share of impromptu theater. But with the proper mind-set, you can consider rubbing shoulders with your fellow human beings one of the perks of riding. Most people are kind and respectful, even friendly, and are just as interested in a quiet and uneventful ride as you are.
I never once felt my safety threatened, nor did I see any other passengers fall into harm's way. Buses ran on time, and drivers ran their rigs with a firm but fair hand. And I always got to where I wanted to go, on time (mostly) and in one piece.
But getting started as a first-time rider can be intimidating.
The right route
Bus systems vary across the country, but these tips should serve in most situations. With the Web, you can also study the particulars of your own system before climbing aboard.
Check with your employer: Employers, particularly large ones, often give information as well as incentives (such as fare subsidies) to transit commuters. Check there first in weighing your options. The university where I worked charged a stiff monthly fee for parking; bus and train riders avoided that fee and got 10 free parking passes per quarter (because sometimes you just need your car).
Research your route: Virtually all major transit systems now have online trip planners that can help you figure out a route in just a few minutes and print out the itinerary. If you don't know the Web address for your local service, you can probably find it here.
Most systems still have trip-planning phone help as well, in which actual humans can help you work out your route. And printed bus and train maps are typically available at libraries and other civic locations. Once you know the route, note the fare.
Remember: If bus or train routes don't turn out to be practical, you can also explore carpools and vanpools, which may be organized or facilitated by the local transit agency or your employer.
Hop on
Find your stop: Now that you have an itinerary, it should be easy to find the marked bus stop. Get there at least five minutes before the posted time. And here's an extra tip: Make sure you're standing on the correct side of the street. You don't want to get on a bus heading the wrong way.
Spot your bus: Most buses will display the route number and final destination in front (as a sign in the window or a digital marquee) and on the curb side. If you see your bus coming, put out an arm to let the driver know you're waiting to be picked up. (I used to catch a bus before dawn on an unlighted street, and found that a flashlight was needed to get the driver's attention.)
If you have any doubts about the route, ask the driver before boarding.
Exact change? Unless you bought a pass, you need exact change for most systems. If you're unsure of the fare, bring single bills and a pocketful of quarters to make sure you're covered. Some city bus routes vary the payment routine (some buses in Seattle are pay-as-you-leave, for instance), so be ready for surprises your first time out.
Where to sit? There's an art to sitting on the bus that can be learned only with time. If there are open benches, the answer is easy, although you still have a choice: Sit closest to the window if you don't want someone clambering over you for a seat, or sit on the aisle so you can get up and out more easily when your stop comes.
Only single seats open? Decide whom you'd most like to sit with and plop yourself down. Some people put their bag on the open seat beside them and carefully avoid eye contact with people boarding the bus. When dealing with these passive-aggressive types, just asking them politely to move their stuff will usually do the trick. Or you can just perch on the edge of the seat until they move their things with a sigh.
Sometimes you have to stand. Move toward the back, so you can be in position to grab a seat when one opens. And remember that most seats near the front are reserved for older or disabled passengers. If you do sit down, you will be asked to move if a needy passenger climbs aboard (but hey, don't wait until you're asked).
Next stops
What if something scary happens? Buses can take in a wide range of social types, classes and temperaments, and some awkward moments can arise. I once got off a bus because a loud argument between passengers caused the driver to repeatedly park the bus and intervene. I just waited 15 minutes for the next bus. In almost all cases, though, drivers are in control and will move quickly to evict unruly passengers.
If someone sitting next to you acts inappropriately or just makes you uncomfortable, get up and move to another part of the bus. If the behavior persists, report it to the driver.
How do you transfer? If you are going to need to switch to another bus, ask the driver for a transfer when you first board. In most cases, these are good for a set time period (usually an hour) from when you first board. When you board your next bus, show the transfer to the driver.
I had a morning transfer at a transit station -- with a 15-minute gap between buses. Transfers can quickly add time to a trip and are often cited as a reason not to ride. I took it as a chance to get my morning coffee.
How do you get off? Most buses have a cable that runs above each row of windows. Pull the cable a block before your stop to let the driver know you want to disembark.
If it's your first time and you're unfamiliar with the route, grab a map on your way into the bus and find the two previous stops so you can gauge when your exit is coming. Drivers typically announce major stops and intersections. If you're still nervous, tell the driver when you board which stop you are looking for, and try to sit near the front of the bus. If it's not too busy, they'll usually try to help.
Be sure you know the rules of the bus you're on. Some bus systems require that riders exit at the back. And once you're off, don't cross the street until the bus has pulled away.
Once you've learned the ropes
Bus riding, like many things in life, can seem mysterious at first -- but it's not so hard after you've done it once or twice. Once you're a regular, you may even know more than your driver, who may move between routes.
One predawn morning, I had my head buried in a book on the first leg of my morning ride. When I looked up, I realized we weren't on the usual street. I made my way to the front of the bus and asked the driver what was up.
He admitted he was filling in for someone, and, well, he was lost. I guided him back to the right road and on into the station.
.. Rick Vanderknyff
With gas prices at record highs, you're ready to take a deep breath and tackle your fears. You'll find buses quieter and more comfortable than in years past. The biggest hurdle for many first-timers is simply not knowing the ropes.
Adventures on the bus
Federal figures show that riders of public transportation are a pretty representative cross-section of America -- a wide range of ages and ethnic backgrounds.
Anytime you put a big group of strangers in a long metal tube and send it charging along city streets, you're bound to see an occasional interesting situation.
At one time in my career, I spent about a year riding the bus and rail lines intensively. In that period, I saw my share of impromptu theater. But with the proper mind-set, you can consider rubbing shoulders with your fellow human beings one of the perks of riding. Most people are kind and respectful, even friendly, and are just as interested in a quiet and uneventful ride as you are.
I never once felt my safety threatened, nor did I see any other passengers fall into harm's way. Buses ran on time, and drivers ran their rigs with a firm but fair hand. And I always got to where I wanted to go, on time (mostly) and in one piece.
But getting started as a first-time rider can be intimidating.
The right route
Bus systems vary across the country, but these tips should serve in most situations. With the Web, you can also study the particulars of your own system before climbing aboard.
Check with your employer: Employers, particularly large ones, often give information as well as incentives (such as fare subsidies) to transit commuters. Check there first in weighing your options. The university where I worked charged a stiff monthly fee for parking; bus and train riders avoided that fee and got 10 free parking passes per quarter (because sometimes you just need your car).
Research your route: Virtually all major transit systems now have online trip planners that can help you figure out a route in just a few minutes and print out the itinerary. If you don't know the Web address for your local service, you can probably find it here.
Most systems still have trip-planning phone help as well, in which actual humans can help you work out your route. And printed bus and train maps are typically available at libraries and other civic locations. Once you know the route, note the fare.
Remember: If bus or train routes don't turn out to be practical, you can also explore carpools and vanpools, which may be organized or facilitated by the local transit agency or your employer.
Hop on
Find your stop: Now that you have an itinerary, it should be easy to find the marked bus stop. Get there at least five minutes before the posted time. And here's an extra tip: Make sure you're standing on the correct side of the street. You don't want to get on a bus heading the wrong way.
Spot your bus: Most buses will display the route number and final destination in front (as a sign in the window or a digital marquee) and on the curb side. If you see your bus coming, put out an arm to let the driver know you're waiting to be picked up. (I used to catch a bus before dawn on an unlighted street, and found that a flashlight was needed to get the driver's attention.)
If you have any doubts about the route, ask the driver before boarding.
Exact change? Unless you bought a pass, you need exact change for most systems. If you're unsure of the fare, bring single bills and a pocketful of quarters to make sure you're covered. Some city bus routes vary the payment routine (some buses in Seattle are pay-as-you-leave, for instance), so be ready for surprises your first time out.
Where to sit? There's an art to sitting on the bus that can be learned only with time. If there are open benches, the answer is easy, although you still have a choice: Sit closest to the window if you don't want someone clambering over you for a seat, or sit on the aisle so you can get up and out more easily when your stop comes.
Only single seats open? Decide whom you'd most like to sit with and plop yourself down. Some people put their bag on the open seat beside them and carefully avoid eye contact with people boarding the bus. When dealing with these passive-aggressive types, just asking them politely to move their stuff will usually do the trick. Or you can just perch on the edge of the seat until they move their things with a sigh.
Sometimes you have to stand. Move toward the back, so you can be in position to grab a seat when one opens. And remember that most seats near the front are reserved for older or disabled passengers. If you do sit down, you will be asked to move if a needy passenger climbs aboard (but hey, don't wait until you're asked).
Next stops
What if something scary happens? Buses can take in a wide range of social types, classes and temperaments, and some awkward moments can arise. I once got off a bus because a loud argument between passengers caused the driver to repeatedly park the bus and intervene. I just waited 15 minutes for the next bus. In almost all cases, though, drivers are in control and will move quickly to evict unruly passengers.
If someone sitting next to you acts inappropriately or just makes you uncomfortable, get up and move to another part of the bus. If the behavior persists, report it to the driver.
How do you transfer? If you are going to need to switch to another bus, ask the driver for a transfer when you first board. In most cases, these are good for a set time period (usually an hour) from when you first board. When you board your next bus, show the transfer to the driver.
I had a morning transfer at a transit station -- with a 15-minute gap between buses. Transfers can quickly add time to a trip and are often cited as a reason not to ride. I took it as a chance to get my morning coffee.
How do you get off? Most buses have a cable that runs above each row of windows. Pull the cable a block before your stop to let the driver know you want to disembark.
If it's your first time and you're unfamiliar with the route, grab a map on your way into the bus and find the two previous stops so you can gauge when your exit is coming. Drivers typically announce major stops and intersections. If you're still nervous, tell the driver when you board which stop you are looking for, and try to sit near the front of the bus. If it's not too busy, they'll usually try to help.
Be sure you know the rules of the bus you're on. Some bus systems require that riders exit at the back. And once you're off, don't cross the street until the bus has pulled away.
Once you've learned the ropes
Bus riding, like many things in life, can seem mysterious at first -- but it's not so hard after you've done it once or twice. Once you're a regular, you may even know more than your driver, who may move between routes.
One predawn morning, I had my head buried in a book on the first leg of my morning ride. When I looked up, I realized we weren't on the usual street. I made my way to the front of the bus and asked the driver what was up.
He admitted he was filling in for someone, and, well, he was lost. I guided him back to the right road and on into the station.
.. Rick Vanderknyff
Comment