Riding The City Bus For Free: Tips And Tricks

Riding the city bus for free is possible in some cases, and there are ways to make your trip cheaper. In New York City, for example, children under a certain height can ride for free, and transfers between intersecting routes are free. In some cities, you can also ask the driver to let you off at a location that isn't a designated stop during late-night hours. While these tips won't always get you a free ride, they can help you save money on public transportation. Additionally, some cities offer discounted rates for seniors and people with disabilities, so be sure to inquire about that at your city's public transportation office or website.

Know the bus routes and schedules

Knowing the bus routes and schedules is essential for getting around the city by bus, especially if you're looking to ride for free. Here are some tips to help you become familiar with the bus routes and schedules in your area:

• Check Local Government Websites: Start by visiting the websites of your local government or public transit authority. These websites often provide detailed information about bus routes, schedules, and maps. For example, King County, Washington, offers schedules and maps on its website, making it convenient for riders to find the information they need.
• Use Online Search Engines and Apps: There are online search engines and mobile applications designed specifically for finding bus routes and schedules. CheckMyBus, for instance, allows you to compare bus routes and find the best deals. You can enter your departure city, destination, and travel date to see all the available options, including arrival and departure times, pick-up and drop-off points, and travel durations. Other apps, such as Transit, offer real-time bus tracking and trip planning features, making it easier to navigate your city.
• Utilize Bus Tracker Tools: Take advantage of bus tracker tools provided by transit authorities or third-party apps. For instance, Pace Suburban Bus offers an online Bus Tracker and a Live Map that shows real-time bus locations and predicted arrival times. Some bus stops may also have digital signs displaying bus arrival or departure times. These tools can help you stay informed and make more accurate predictions about your travel plans.
• Explore International Options: If you're travelling abroad, CheckMyBus and similar platforms can assist with finding bus routes and schedules in other countries. They offer services in multiple languages and cover over 80 countries, making it convenient to navigate new cities.
• Subscribe to Alerts: Stay ahead of schedule changes and delays by subscribing to email or text alerts provided by transit authorities. You can often customize these alerts to receive updates for specific routes and stops, ensuring you only get the information you need.

By utilizing these resources, you can become well-versed in the bus routes and schedules in your city, making your free rides more efficient and enjoyable.

Arrive at the bus stop early

When riding the city bus for free, it is important to arrive at the bus stop early. This is because most public transportation systems run on tight schedules, and being late by even a minute or two could mean missing your bus. Therefore, it is recommended to arrive at the bus stop at least a few minutes before the scheduled departure time. This will ensure that you don't miss your bus and have to wait for the next one, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming.

Arriving early also gives you a chance to familiarise yourself with the bus stop and its surroundings. You can look for the bus stop sign, which is usually a tall, round sign with a bus symbol and route number, or sometimes a blue or green rectangular sign. Knowing the exact location of the bus stop will help you feel more confident and prepared when the bus arrives. It also ensures that you are standing in the correct place to signal the driver to pick you up.

Being early at the bus stop allows you to check the bus route and schedule again. You can confirm that you are at the right stop and that you are heading in the correct direction. This is especially important if you are taking a bus for the first time or are unfamiliar with the area. It can also help you plan your trip more efficiently, as you can check the schedule and estimate the time of arrival at your destination.

Additionally, arriving early gives you a better chance of getting a seat on the bus. If you are one of the first passengers to board, you will have a wider choice of seats and can choose a comfortable spot. This is especially beneficial if you are travelling during peak hours when the bus tends to get crowded.

Lastly, arriving early at the bus stop can help you stay relaxed and stress-free. You won't feel rushed or anxious about missing your bus, and you can board the bus at your own pace. This is especially important if you are travelling with children, elderly individuals, or individuals with special needs, as it gives everyone enough time to get settled and comfortable before the bus departs.

Have the correct fare ready

When riding the city bus, it is important to have the correct fare ready. This ensures a smooth and quick process for both the driver and passengers.

Firstly, it is essential to know the exact fare required for your journey. In some cities, such as New York, local and limited buses have a standard fare of $2.90, while express buses cost $7.00. It is also worth noting that certain groups, such as seniors and people with disabilities, may be eligible for discounted rates.

Secondly, it is important to have the correct payment method. Some buses accept a range of options, including cash, contactless card payments, smartphone payments, and travel passes. If paying in cash, it is crucial to have the exact change ready, as bus drivers usually do not provide change.

Additionally, it is good practice to have your fare ready in your hand as you board the bus. This helps to maintain an efficient boarding process and reduces delays for other passengers.

By following these simple steps, you can ensure that you have the correct fare ready when riding the city bus, making your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Signal the driver to stop the bus

To signal to the driver that you want to stop the bus, you should pull the signal cord or press the 'stop' button. This should be done about one block before your stop. If you are in the UK, buses will usually have coloured 'stop' buttons located on poles, which you should press only once. In other countries, there may be a signal cord located just above the bus windows.

If you are unable to reach the 'stop' button, you can verbally ask the driver to stop. However, this is generally not recommended as it may be considered distracting.

Follow the rules when riding

When riding the bus, there are several rules you need to follow to ensure the safety and comfort of your fellow passengers. Here are some essential guidelines to keep in mind:

Boarding the Bus

When boarding the bus, it is important to arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early. Stand clear of the door, and allow any passengers to disembark before you get on. As you board, have your fare ready, either a bus pass or exact change, as most bus drivers cannot make change for you.

Riding the Bus

Once on the bus, move towards the back to find a seat. If there are no seats available, stand in an area that is out of the way and hold on to a pole or handle to steady yourself. Keep your belongings on your lap or under your seat, and avoid taking up too much space. Remember to give priority seating at the front of the bus to seniors, people with disabilities, and those with young children.

Signalling Your Stop

When your stop is approaching, signal the driver by pulling the cord or pressing the designated stop button. This will ring a bell and light up a "stop requested" signal for the driver. Make sure to do this in a timely manner to give the driver adequate notice.

Exiting the Bus

When the bus reaches your stop, exit through the rear doors unless you require the use of the front door due to a disability or if you need to remove a bicycle from the bike rack. After exiting, wait for the bus to depart before crossing the street.

Additional Considerations

Keep in mind that eating and drinking may be prohibited on the bus, and always be mindful of your fellow passengers by keeping noise levels down and being considerate of their personal space.

By following these rules and being respectful of others, you can help ensure a safe and pleasant journey for everyone on board.

Frequently asked questions