How to ride the bus

By Rick VanderKnyff

What comes to mind when you think of riding the bus?

• Waiting at the curb. And waiting.
• Five transfers to go 10 miles.
• Strange smells and sticky seats.
• Finding that last open seat next to the grinning guy with the bagged bottle of malt liquor and the "It's OK, I'm a doctor" T-shirt.

But now, with gas prices at record highs, perhaps 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.

Continued: What to do if something scary happens

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