The bus is a wonderful way to get around town. It's cheap, it's convenient, and it gets you where you need to go.
So many people rely on the bus to get them to and from work and to run their errands. For those of us that don't have a car, the bus may be the very thing that is making it possible to get to our jobs.
If you're an infrequent bus rider, though, you may not be used to the daily commute, and you could delay or complicate the very thing that so many people rely on.
There are some things that you definitely should know if you plan to take the bus. Whether it's for the convenience of others, your own safety, or the efficiency of the trip, make sure you are aware of these 11 tips before you step foot onto a bus ever again.
Are you guilty of any of these? Did we miss anything from the list? Let us know in the comments and please SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook.
1. Always Move To The Rear
Getting stuck on the curb when you can clearly see room at the back is so frustrating. Think of the people behind you and go to wherever there is room so that as many people can fit on as possible.
2. Don't Bring Stinky Food
Riding the bus can bring on a bit of motion sickness as it is. Don't add the stench of leftover Chinese food to the nausea cocktail for fellow passengers.
3. Look At A Transit Map Beforehand
Try not to hold up the driver by asking where they're headed. Buses run on a schedule and hit enough traffic already. It's easy enough to look at a map or ask a fellow rider for advice once you're on the bus.
4. Don't Leave Your Trash Behind
It really isn't that difficult to carry your own garbage to the nearest trash can. It is irresponsible and rude to leave it lying around on the floor and seats for others to deal with.
5. Don't Ride After A Large Shopping Trip
Try to get in touch with a friend who has a car if you know you'll be picking up a large item, like an air conditioner or patio furniture from the store, or making a large grocery stop. There simply isn't enough room on a busy bus to lug things like that around. If you cannot find a friend with a car and you can't afford a cab, try to plan your pick-up during a lull in the day to avoid rush hour.
6. Don't Yell At The Driver
Drivers know what they are doing, and they have a lot of things to focus on — they don't need your attitude added on top. Say “hello” and “thank you” to brighten their day.
7. Offer Your Seat To Someone Who Needs It More
If you see a pregnant woman or an elderly person, offer them your seat! Unless you too are disabled, these folks need to sit down more than you do.
8. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
The bus is the perfect place for pickpockets to steal your wallet or phone. Keep your purse in front of you and zip up your pockets if you can.
9. Wear Headphones
Even when you do wear headphones, try not to blast music too loudly. I'm not sure whether or not full-on blasting music without headphones is worse than the tiny sound of drums coming through loud headphones.
10. Don't Touch The Bottom Or Back Of The Seat
The bus most likely gets spot cleaned at the end of its route, and then it gets a more thorough cleaning at the end of the day. However, it won't get a truly deep clean every day, and places like under and behind the seat are likely to collect the most germs and bacteria.
11. Don't Primp And Prune Yourself
Clipping nails, applying perfume, or even makeup can be offensive to other riders. Dust from your blush can get on other passengers' clothing, perfume can be overwhelming for others, and clipping nails in public is downright wrong.
Did we miss any bus rules or tips from our list? Let us know in the comments and please SHARE with your family and friends on Facebook!
