Q&A for How to Ride a Public Transportation Bus

You wait at a bus stop for your bus, then make eye contact with the driver so he stops, then get on the bus and pay.

No. The bus will only stop at designated bus stop locations. If you request a stop, the bus driver will stop at the next official stop.

Use a search engine to look up your local public transportation system (e.g., if you're in Chicago, you'd search for CTA). Click on their website and there, you can find maps and schedules, including . Some also have a tool that lets you see what time the next few buses are coming to your bus stop.

No, it is not necessary to tip a public bus driver in the US.

No, you do not have to travel with an adult on a bus if you are under 18. Most buses will let you travel alone even if you are a child.

You can't get a return ticket. You have to pay for a new ticket or hand over the bills if you don't have a weekly pass or monthly pass etc. (if possible).

This depends on your area. Check the website for your area's public transportation system or find a schedule at a local public transportation center.

Children travel free until their fifth birthday. After that, they pay child fares -- in most places there are discounts for kids under ten.

It depends. Some use tickets, but others use tokens, magnetic cards or coins.

No, there's usually a cord you pull or a button you press that indicates you want the bus to stop at the next stop. You'll see other people doing it.

Buses usually won't be completely filled up, but if there are no seats left, they have bars on the sides and hanging down that you can hold onto while standing. If you're uncomfortable doing so, you could wait for another bus.

Use bus maps to find out where you need to go. Sometimes the bus service will have a website with which you can plan your trip minute by minute online.

In most cities, there is a discount for minors, college students, seniors, disabled, and veterans. Look it up online for your specific city, or call the public transportation office to find out.

Buses run on scheduled routes. You need to review a route map to figure out which bus or combination of buses gets you closest to your destination.

It depends on the city and its public transport system. However, most cities let children under the age of 5 years ride for free.

Most transit authorities have a free online trip planner, where you can input your origin and destination, as well as the time you wish to leave your start point or arrive at your destination.

They may have another means of requesting a stop as a replacement for cords, such as "stop" buttons on the poles to press. If you're not sure, ask the bus driver.

If you use Google Maps or the bus service's route-planning app/website, it will tell you where you need to catch connecting routes.

You may be able to explain the situation, and be permitted to enter the bus. More likely, you will have to pay a normal fare to ride the bus.

It depends on where you live. Call the customer support number on the back of the transit card or ask an employee at the station or bus, they'll know.

Simply explain that you are also disabled and need the seat. Let the person know, as briefly as possible, how your disability affects you. (While you shouldn't have to explain yourself, it's better to be polite and specific about why you need the seat, just to shut down any potential for conflict.)

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency runs all public transport in San Francisco. You can look at their website for a full map and all the other pertinent information. Most people call the bus system "Muni."

There will be a cord you pull (generally by the window) or a button you press that indicates you want the bus to stop at the next stop.

VTA, SF MTA and AC transit buses run in the Bay Area and vicinity.

Yes, San Fransisco MUNI bus route 18 will take you to the Legion Of Honor, and MUNI bus route 7 will take you to Academy of Sciences.

Buses pick up on both sides of the street, if you want a bus that goes northbound or eastbound, you will wait on the right side (US) or if you want a bus that goes westbound or southbound, you would wait on the left side of the street (US).

In most cases yes, however some bus companies offer free transfers to other buses. But to make sure, you have to ask.

It will work if your walker folds up. Board and leave the bus at the front door and sit as near the front as possible. Fold up your walker and store it in your row.

The bus will have a chime cord or a button to push near your seat to alert the driver that you want to get off.

By using your public bus app or by going to the bus stop sign of numbers that is displayed.