Ride the Bus Safely and Enjoy Yourself
We've almost all had to ride the bus at some point in our lives. Whether going to work, cruising across town with friends, getting to school or because we don't know anyone with a car. Buses are one of the only places where we are forced to be around people from all walks of life. Riding a bus can be an interesting experience no matter what happens, but here are some helpful steps you can take to make your bus riding experience safe and enjoyable.
Contents
Steps
- If you live in a city, there will probably be a diverse crowd of people riding the bus. It helps to have an open mind to whomever you may meet on your ride. Keep in mind that some people will be friendly and some will not be.
- Know your bus. The front seats are often designate for seniors and disabled people. The bus driver may not say anything if you sit down in front, but be prepared to give up your seat if some angry old man or woman starts yelling at you. If you see someone who is disabled getting on the bus, give up your seat to them.
- Have a convenient payment method ready. When you get on the bus, try to have the exact amount of money needed for a ride or have your MetroCard or other valid travel document ready. If you have a transfer, have it out and ready. Bus drivers get impatient with dawdlers because you hold up the bus. If you have any type of monthly bus pass, or a bus pass through an agency or school, make sure you have that out and ready too.
- Carry a phone and program the number of the bus company you're traveling with into it. This is especially helpful to those who are taking the bus on daily or weekly occasions. It will allow you to call the company if you're worried about your bus or aren't quite sure what bus you're taking. Another option is to use Google Maps; if your area supports it you can look up when and where your bus is.
- If you can, get a window seat. It gives you a chance to look out at the world if you feel claustrophobic or don't want to talk to anyone. It takes your mind off the busy bus that you are riding. Make sure that you pay attention to where you have your items on the bus if you are looking out the window. On some buses the bests seats are considered to be the ones at the front upstairs.
- If you're getting off soon, an aisle seat might be better so you don't have to climb over other passengers. If the bus is very crowded, and you are able to stand, it might also be wise to stand so that someone else who is traveling a further distance can have a seat.
- If someone tries to start something with you, i.e. a fight, just get up and go to the front of the bus. It really depends what kind of situation you are in. Sometimes bus drivers won't do anything to help you, sometimes they will intervene. If going to sit in the front doesn't help, get off the bus. There will almost always be another bus, and on the off chance that is the last bus for the day, call the bus provider before you get off the bus and explain the situation.
- It is true that the bus most often creates an atmosphere of discomfort and self-consciousness, however, there may be some interesting people who will talk to you. Whether you engage them in conversation or they engage you, be ready for anything to come out.
Tips
- Don't ask for a free ride if you can't find your transfer or don't have enough money. Most bus drivers won't show you any mercy. One in ten might let you ride.
Warnings
- If a ticket inspector boards the bus, have your ticket or pass ready so that he can check that it is valid, don't just dump your ticket somewhere on the bus after you've purchased one.
- Please avoid swearing on the bus, some passengers may be sensitive to bad language and may take a dislike to you if you swear multiple times on the bus.
- Some drivers may be grumpy and may kick you off the bus if you complain to him if he is late.
- If you're female, sit in a window seat at your own risk. Sometimes sketchy men will sit down beside you in the aisle seat and trap you, try to grope you, etc. Don't be afraid to use your fist to extricate yourself if this happens to you; the last thing a sketchy man expects is to be clobbered for his deeds.
