Mastering The Art Of Standing On A Moving Bus

Riding a bus while standing can be challenging, especially if you have to maintain your balance in a crowded bus. Here are some tips to help you ride a bus while standing:

- Choose a good place to stand: Stay near the front of the bus to anticipate sudden turns and stops. Avoid the back of the bus, and try to stay clear of other people to give yourself more room to adjust your footing.

- Find a good handhold: Look for handholds at hip or chest level instead of reaching overhead. Keep at least one hand free to grab the handhold quickly if you lose your balance.

- Keep your feet and legs active: Stand with your weight on the balls of your feet, and keep your heels on the floor. Bend your knees slightly to lower your centre of gravity.

- Lean into turns and brakes: During accelerations, lean into the direction of travel. When the bus brakes or stops, bend either your forward or rear knee to compensate for the change in momentum.

- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to the ride, and note how fast the bus is moving. Watch out for upcoming stops, traffic signals, and other vehicles. Know your route, and be mindful of fellow passengers.

Choosing a place to stand

When choosing a place to stand on a bus, there are several factors to consider to ensure your safety and comfort. Here are some tips to help you decide on the best spot:

• Stay near the front of the bus: Keeping an eye on the driver and the road ahead can help you anticipate sudden turns and stops. The effects of braking and turning on your balance may be more pronounced at the back of the bus, so it's best to avoid that area if possible.
• Maintain a safe distance from other people: Give yourself enough room to adjust your footing without stepping on someone else or their belongings. Standing near people with bulky items like purses or backpacks can also affect your balance.
• Find a stable handhold: Look for handholds at hip or chest level instead of those that require you to reach overhead. Keep your centre of gravity low. If you prefer not to hold on, stay within easy reach of a handhold and keep at least one hand free to grab it if needed.
• Position your feet strategically: Place your feet about a foot apart in a "T" shape. Point the toes of the foot closest to the front of the bus in that direction, and keep your rear foot perpendicular to the direction of travel. This stance will help you maintain balance as the bus moves.
• Stay active with your feet and legs: Keep your weight on the toes and balls of your feet, ready to adjust your stance if needed. Bend your knees slightly to lower your centre of gravity and absorb shocks from bumpy rides.
• Be mindful of others: If you're standing near the door, be prepared to step off the bus temporarily to let others exit, especially if the bus is crowded. Offer your seat to the elderly, disabled, or pregnant if there are no priority seats available.

Keeping your balance

Standing on a moving bus can be challenging, but with a few simple techniques, you can easily keep your balance. Here are some tips to help you stay upright on your next bus ride:

Choose a Good Standing Position

Select a spot with a good handhold, ideally at hip or chest level. Keep your centre of gravity low and try to stay near the front of the bus, where you can anticipate turns and stops more easily. Face the side of the bus and position your feet in a "T" shape, with your toes pointing forward. This stance will give you a stable base and help you absorb any bumps or shocks during the ride.

Keep Your Feet and Legs Active

Maintain an active stance by standing on the balls of your feet, with your weight forward. Keep your heels in contact with the floor but avoid putting all your weight on them. Bend your knees slightly to lower your centre of gravity and help absorb any shocks. This stance will allow you to spring into action if needed and adjust to the bus's movements.

Adjust Your Stance with the Bus's Movement

As the bus accelerates, bend your forward knee to lean into the direction of travel. During deceleration or braking, bend either knee to compensate for the change in momentum and maintain your balance. When the bus turns, lean into the turn and use your rear foot for lateral stability. By actively adjusting your stance, you can stay balanced and avoid being thrown off-kilter.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Pay attention to your fellow passengers and any potential obstacles. Give yourself enough room to adjust your footing without stepping on someone or their belongings. Keep an eye on how many people are boarding and exiting at each stop, and be prepared to move towards the back of the bus if needed. Stay alert and avoid distractions so you can anticipate the bus's movements and react accordingly.

Being aware of your surroundings

Resist Distractions

Put away any books, devices, or earbuds that might distract you and prevent you from noticing visual or audible clues about sudden turns, stops, or accelerations. It's important to stay focused on your surroundings and avoid missing crucial cues that could help you maintain your balance.

Monitor Fellow Passengers

Pay attention to how many people board or depart at each stop. If the bus becomes crowded, move towards the back to avoid congestion and give others more space. Keep an eye out for passengers moving up or down the aisle while the bus is in motion, as this could affect your balance or require you to make way.

Observe the Ride

Watch for upcoming bus stops, traffic lights, stop signs, and other vehicles or obstacles that might cause the driver to brake, switch lanes, or turn. Staying alert to these external factors will help you anticipate the bus's movements and adjust your stance accordingly.

Note the Bus's Speed

The speed of the bus and the severity of braking will impact your balance. Faster speeds can lead to more abrupt stops, so prepare yourself for sudden movements and be ready to adjust your stance or handhold.

Know Your Route

Familiarize yourself with the bus route, especially if it's your first time riding it. Check the route map, timetable, and any specific stop locations. Knowing when and where the bus is likely to slow down, brake, or turn will help you stay balanced and avoid accidents.

By following these tips, you can enhance your awareness of your surroundings and improve your overall bus riding experience while standing. Stay alert, anticipate movements, and be considerate of your fellow passengers to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.

Boarding the bus

Now that you've found your nearest bus stop, it's time to board the bus. Here are some tips to help you with the process:

• Arrive early at the bus stop: Buses usually stick to a schedule, and they may arrive a little early or late. It's a good idea to get to the bus stop about 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
• Check the bus banner: As the bus approaches, make sure it's the right one by checking the digital banner on the front or side of the bus, which displays the destination and route information.
• Wait for passengers to disembark: Once the bus comes to a complete stop, wait for the passengers to get off before you board.
• Pay the fare: After stepping onto the bus, pay the required fare. You can use a bus pass or exact change in cash. Some buses also have ticketing cards that you can load money onto.
• Ask for a transfer slip: If you need to transfer to another bus, ask the driver for a transfer slip, which will allow you to board the next bus without paying an additional fare.
• Find a seat or standing position: Look for an open seat and sit down. If there are no seats available, stand somewhere out of the way and hold onto a pole or handle to maintain your balance.
• Be considerate: If you're sitting, try to use only one seat, and avoid placing your belongings on the seat next to you. If you're standing, take off your backpack and hold it by your side to make more room for other passengers.
• Offer your seat to those who need it: Give priority to seniors, people with disabilities, pregnant individuals, or anyone who may need a seat more than you.
• Be mindful of reserved seats: Some seats may be reserved for specific groups, such as the elderly, disabled individuals, or pregnant women. Be prepared to give up your seat to those who need it.
• Follow bus rules: Stay behind the designated lines, avoid obstructing the driver's view, and refrain from leaning against doors or standing in stairwells.

Exiting the bus

As you reach your stop, be sure to ring the buzzer in advance so the driver can stop safely. Then, carefully make your way to the doors, preferably using the handrails for support. If you are unsteady on your feet, wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before moving. When stepping off the bus, be cautious to avoid tripping on the curb or in the street.

If you are exiting a double-decker bus, make your way to the lower level before you reach your stop. Always use the handrails when descending the stairs.

If you need to retrieve your bike from the bike rack, be sure to remind the driver before you exit. It's also important to wait until the bus has left before crossing the street.

If you happen to leave something on the bus, don't panic! Your local transit system will typically hold lost items in Lost & Found for a minimum of 14 days. Simply call the Lost & Found number listed on the Rider's Guide or website.

Frequently asked questions