A Bus Driver's Guide for Passengers
Created | Updated Jun 20, 2003
This is a guide for bus passengers, written by someone in the profession.
Boarding:
In order to catch a bus (assuming you know which bus you want and where you are going) you must find an appropriate bus stop. These are clearly marked by a metal flag bearing the words "BUS STOP" and often the route numbers and destinations of any buses that pick up there, positioned at the top of a pole.
There are two types of bus stop:-
Compulsory Stops
These are very rare, and are stops that the bus will stop at every time it passes, whether or not there are passengers to board or alight. These are usually seen on routes served by buses with conductors. These are still best treated as the second type.
Request Stops
These are the most common of bus stops. A bus will not stop at one of these unless someone wishes to board or alight. However, the driver is not a mind reader; if you wish to board a bus, face it and raise your hand allowing the driver adequate time and room to stop the bus safely.
On The Bus
Once the bus has stopped and you have stepped on, you will normally be faced with the driver, waiting to take your fare (unless the bus has a conductor in which case, find a seat and the conductor will come to you to collect the fare). Tell the driver (or conductor) where you intend to get off and what type of ticket you require (adult / child / senior : single / return). The driver (conductor) will tell you how much your ticket will cost. Pay the driver (conductor), using the correct change if at all possible. Drivers and conductors do not have an everlasting supply of change so if a few people get on with notes the change can be depeleted rapidly. (On some buses no change is given so if you don't have the correct change you will lose the difference.) Find a seat (if you haven't done so already) and sit down. DO NOT STAND IF THERE ARE SEATS AVAILABLE! You are much safer sitting than you are standing, if the bus has to stop suddenly. If there are no seats available then a certain number of standing passengers may be permitted. If you have to stand, move to the rear of the bus. DO NOT gather around the rear doors (if fitted) as it makes it very difficult for other passengers to get off.
Leaving The Bus
When you wish to get off of the bus, either ring the bell once or tell the conductor, again allowing the driver time to stop the bus safely. Wait until the bus has stopped and the doors have opened, then step off of the bus and move well away.
