Wait for a Bus

Tips for utilizing public transportation, including suggestions for how best to use the time while waiting or riding.

Steps

If you're just an occasional rider, or are starting on a new route, call the day before your trip. Talk to the human operator about where & when you will be traveling.
Refer to a printed schedule (some are even online and real-time). Arrive at the stop five to seven minutes early, just in case the driver's watch reads a little differently than yours.
At the stop, if you or another waiting passenger has a cellphone, call the number on the sign/schedule. An operator may have info about delays that are going on, and if need be, can direct you to alternate routes.
While you wait:
- Organize--plan with your calendar; carry a small notepad and record your various lists, for example:Books you really want to check out, websites you've been meaning to visit, Christmas gift lists, work on your will, etc.
- Writing--keep a small, nondescript journal to help you make some observations about yourself, your activities, and contemplate some big life questions.
- Do Kegels
- Stretch--do some of those calisthenics from grade school gym class. People will think you like to do exercise and that you are fit.
- Enjoy some music with a portable player.
- Find a curb that's not near traffic to do sets of calf stretches [drop your heels below the street level] and calf exercises [raise your heels above street level].
- Read or study.
- Eat something. You shouldn't eat on the bus.
- Make those phone calls!
- Call for a ride.

Dress in layers for changeable climates.
Enjoy the time to yourself.
Compare public transit when you travel to cities that have well-developed systems such as Chicago, New York, Washington DC, London, San Francisco...
Consider riding your bike as a 'connecting service' to and from. Either lock it up there or in some localities, take it with you on the bus/train.
Schedules and maps may be wrong or hard to understand, so call ahead.

Holiday schedules or holiday routes can be *completely* different--call ahead.
In certain parts of the world there might not be any firm schedule and when the bus arrives, the driver may decide to wait for more riders which may take some hours.
Anywhere and at anytime, if you're 'on the street' stay aware of who and what is around you. People wearing headphones should leave one earbud/phone off the ear.