24 Tips On How To Use Public Transportation Effectively

1) Learn the Bus and Train Lines. Call thein a free seat next to you and not pay attention, you
Transportation Department for your city and ask ifknow what will happen.
they have any maps showing the city or entire region14) Use good common sense - which will cover much
of the area you are requesting route information for.of what is not written here.
You may be able to get it free or pay a fee - it is well15) Pay attention to the Bus number and block number
worth it.which may be in the lower part in the corner of the
2) Visit your State's Transportation Department'sfront window. Just in case you lose something or
Website. These sites have very valuable informationsomething happens.
to the public transportation user.16) Like anywhere else there are con people that use
3) Check for any incentive programs available to getthe bus. It's good to be pleasant but don't provide too
people to use public transportation, or tax breaks tomuch of your intimate details about where you may
company's that your employer may not know about.be going to complete strangers. For example telling
Some states will give you up to a $65 a monthsomeone you are on the way to the bank or shopping,
discount on such programs.this equates in people's mind that you have money.
4) Check to see if you are eligible for a disability or17) Be alert to what's going on around you.
senior citizen discount.18) Keep this in mind. Just because someone is a Bus
5) If you plan on using public transportation frequentlyDriver doesn't mean they know every street in the
buy a weekly or monthly pass - this will save you lotscity, granted - drivers can help you with a lot of
of money in the long run.destinations throughout the regions, but sometimes
6) Keep good records of your ridership - you maythey just don't know or have just started. Sometimes
qualify for tax breaks.the other passengers know more about how to get to
7) Get schedules by calling, online, from libraries oryour destination. If you have no idea of where you are
community centers. You may be able to print thegoing, call the bus company they may have people
schedule online on your printer.that could help you over the telephone.
8) Have good alternatives planned in case something19) If you loose something on the bus check with the
happens to your regular bus route. Learn how to uselost and found department or call the company directly
subways in case of heavy traffic, sporting events,if you have the bus and block numbers.
parades or marathons.20) Keep a close eye on your children both at the
9) Keep your dollar bills as flat as possible, don't ballstop and while getting on the bus. Make sure they are
them up, and make sure your money doesn't havesecure when they are on the bus before the driver
any rips or tears in them. Farebox machines often willpulls off.
not accept torn bills.21) Bring something interesting to read with you.
10) Be aware of what's going on in your city. Sporting22) If you are new to riding the bus try not to go to
events, popular plays, circuses, road construction,sleep or you may miss your stop.
marathons etc. can have a great impact on your23) If possible, try to stay at least 1 - 2 buses ahead of
commute time especially if you work weekends.the one that will get you to your destination by the time
11) If you plan to use strollers, use the light weightyou need, in case a bus breaks down or traffic. A
portable type. Start taking them down the momentgood rule of thumb to use is - The more important an
you see the bus in the distance.event is to you the earlier you want to be there.
12) Keep your hands as free as possible - you can get24) You are saving a lot of money by using public
seriously hurt if you do not secure yourself by holdingtransportation, take some extra money with you in
on, or my get in arguments by falling into people.case you need to take a cab for emergencies. "Be
13) Keep your valuables at a minimum, do not sit themPrepared" as the Boy Scout's Motto says.