Using public transportation is one of the cheapest, and in many places, the best way to get around a city. However, using it can be confusing, intimidating and daunting for those not familiar with it. Even those who are must learn how each system in each city works. Here are some tips I’ve picked up over the years. And don't be too concerned about it, you’ll pick it up quick.
FINDING THE BUS STOP
One of the hardest things about riding the bus from the airport is finding the stop. The quickest and easiest thing to do is ask the attendant at the tourist information booth, the airport information booth, or an airport employee. If you need to find it yourself, find where the passenger pickup and drop off area is for the airport. It is usually somewhere around there. Try the furthest island from the terminal. Look for a small sign with either a bus on it or the abbreviation of the transit authority. A rain shelter or a bench may mark the location. If the pickup/drop off area is two levels, try the top level first.
HOW TO PAY THE FARE
Several fare collection systems exist throughout the U.S. And it seems every system has its own set of rules. First is the cash system, whereby you pay the fare on the bus only with cash. It is safe to assume that exact change is required and that only coins can be used (no pennies). While a good number of public transportation companies now have the ability to make change and accept paper money, many still do not. Assume they do not, and you’ll be fine.
Another system is the ride card, where money is put on a card and is deducted each time you ride. You can “reload” the cards with money as needed. Cities with this system usually have a light rail or subway component where the cards can be purchased at the rail stations, the transportation authority’s office, possibly retail outlets like news stands and drug stores, and often directly on buses. When using ride cards, you want to make sure you do not put too much money on them, only what you think you’ll use. Also, look for day pass options if you plan to do a lot of traveling.
A few transportation companies still use tokens. Tokens must be purchased ahead of time and are dropped into the collection box in the front of the bus. On buses, cash is often accepted in lieu of a token.
A few other tips:
1. Never buy a ride card or token from anyone on the street. It may be a fake, and in some cities, its illegal to sell or resell passes of any kind. 2. Before going through a turnstile in a rail station, watch to see how others pay the fare (where to put the card, how to drop the money). This varies from place to place and you don’t want to cause a backup not knowing how to do this. 3. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask the driver or a transit authority employee a question. That’s their job, and most are more than happy to help.
SIGNALING FOR A STOP
On buses, signaling the driver that you want to get off at the next stop can be done by a number of ways depending on the specific bus. Older buses have a string you pull located above the windows on either side. You will hear the bell, signaling the driver has been notified. Newer buses have bars in various locations, but always near the rear door, that you press to signal the driver. Most buses will have a “Stop Requested” light come on when someone signals for a stop. If you are really new to this, just tell the driver where you want to go and most of the time they will gladly help you and tell you where to get off.
On subways and trains, all stops are made without signaling, unless you are on an “express”. Expresses only make key stops, and usually only operate during rush hour. Only the largest cities (New York, for example) have expresses.
TRANSFERS
Since there are times you may need to take multiple buses or trains to get to your destination, be sure you get a “transfer.” A “transfer” is a free pass to get on another bus or train, going in a different direction, within a given time period. When on a bus (or if you are connecting from a bus) you would typically need to ask the driver for a “transfer”. He will hand you a sheet of paper that you will show the next driver. Sometimes transfers cost something, usually a fraction of the original fare (25 cents is typical). Most transfers are free, however. When going from a bus to a subway, an additional fare is sometimes added. If you go from a subway to a bus, it is almost always free. If you are coming from a subway, transfers must be obtained BEFORE you go through the turnstile. Look around, there may be a machine that stamps transfers on your pass card, or a machine that gives you a transfer slip. Some systems have transfers at the turnstile itself. But be sure to figure it out before you go through or you’ll be paying full fare for your bus connection. If an agent is around, ask him or her how it is done.
For subway systems, lines are connected via tunnels, so transfers can be made to other subway lines without any kind of transfer slip.
KNOWING WHERE YOU’RE AT
One of the hardest things to do in a new city is to figure out where you are while riding a bus. As I mentioned before, telling the driver where you need to go and staying close to him is advantageous. It is always good to have a detailed map and follow along as you ride. If nothing else is available, the route maps, often located behind the driver, can help you navigate. For buses going downtown, it should be fairly obvious when you get there, but you may want to confirm it with the driver. If you are staying at a hotel, ask ahead of time what bus stop or rail station is nearest the hotel.
SAFETY
I have never felt unsafe during any of my time on public transportation. Nevertheless, one should always take general precautions while riding. On a bus, if you feel uncomfortable, move to a seat closer to the driver. Alert the driver if you feel threatened or see trouble. Keep an eye on your wallet, purse and other belongings, as pickpockets find buses and subways, with all their distractions, fertile ground.
RETURNING TO THE AIRPORT
Be sure to allow ample time for your return to the airport. When you look at the schedule for your return route, be sure to look at the time of arrival to the airport, and determine your departure accordingly. Allow for delayed buses and heavy traffic. I’ve cut it close a number of times by taking a bus that got delayed. Be sure you give yourself an “out,” a time that you give up on the bus and hail a cab.
