While learning to ride the bus from point A to point B can be daunting, it's usually very simple. You will get used to it after taking the bus a few times.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Finding the Route
Step 1. Find the bus route map
Almost all public transportation has its own fixed route. Therefore, you need a bus route map to reach your destination. These maps usually have various colored and dotted lines to show the different buses and their terminals. Bus routes also sometimes include arrival and departure schedules.
- You can usually find maps of bus routes on the internet or on public transport sites, schools, bookstores, shopping centers, and business centers along bus routes.
- Also, check additional route maps for weekends and holidays as sometimes major cities have different schedules and routes for these days.
Step 2. View the bus departure and arrival times on the route map
Although the maps for each bus are slightly different, some sometimes include departure and arrival times. This schedule can also include the arrival and departure times of buses at each terminal of the line. Look for a schedule table that shows the time for your route and write down the time and location of the nearest bus arrival.
Often, route maps are color coded to reflect each route. For example, if you look at the map and notice that you need to take the yellow route, look for the schedule table that is highlighted in yellow
Step 3. Find an intersection route if you need to change lanes
If there is no direct route to reach your destination, look for the nearest terminal from your departure location. Then, try to see if the route in the terminal intersects with another route to your destination.
- If you find a point of intersection of the two routes, search for the terminal and look at the timetable to determine when you need to get off the bus on the first route and take the bus on the second route.
- Look for keywords like “transfer” or “transit” as they may be listed on the map.
Step 4. Use the online trip planning feature if your city has one
Visit your city's public transport site. Find a public transport planning feature that lets you type in your starting location, destination point, and possibly the day of the trip. When this information is entered, the feature will indicate the best route to take.
If you don't know the city's public transportation site, try entering the city's name followed by the keyword “public transportation” in the Google search engine
Part 2 of 3: Getting on the Bus and Paying the Fares
Step 1. Buy a ticket or pay the bus fare
You need to pay to get on the public bus. For busways in Jakarta, tickets can be purchased by sticking a debit card from an affiliated bank on the device at the entrance to gain access to the shelter (terminal term for busway). For other buses, you can buy tickets at the counter, or when you get on the bus. It is recommended to buy tickets at the counter or pay with cash because the public bus kenek/kernet does not necessarily have change for your ticket.
Some public transport systems offer discounted rates for the elderly and/or disabled. Try looking for more information on the website and/or public transportation office regarding obtaining discounts
Step 2. Arrive at the terminal a few minutes early
For public transportation that already has a schedule, it usually has a system that runs smoothly and reliably. Therefore, being 1-2 minutes late can cause you to miss the bus. To prevent this, arrive a few minutes ahead of schedule.
Step 3. Look for directions on the bus to make sure you get on the right bus
Most public transport has a digital sign or a plain sign on the front and/or side of the bus showing the bus's destination and/or the name or number of the route. When the bus approaches, read these instructions to make sure you don't get on the wrong bus.
Step 4. Wait for passengers to disembark before boarding the bus
Continue to stand at the terminal, even if the bus has stopped completely. Step back a little from the door if necessary, and let the passengers off the bus. If it seems like all the passengers who want to get off have run out, you can only get on the bus.
If necessary, ask the driver to help you get on the bus
Step 5. Pay the fee
After boarding the bus, you have to pay the fare. If you take the busway, the fare has been paid when you enter the shelter. For other buses, you need to show the ticket purchased at the counter, or pay the ticket to the kenek.
If you don't know the bus fare, check at the counter or ask the kenek
Step 6. Request proof of payment if needed
In America, passengers are often free of charge when changing buses if they show proof of payment to the second bus driver. So, if it looks like you need to change buses, ask for a payment slip after boarding and paying the fare. For the busway, you will not be charged additional fees when changing buses as long as you do not leave the shelter.
Part 3 of 3: Get On and Get Off the Bus
Step 1. Sit on a bench and/or hold on
After paying, find an empty seat and sit down. If not, find a place to stand that does not disturb other passengers. Make sure you hold on tight to the handle provided so you don't fall and hurt yourself or others on the bus.
The elderly, disabled, and pregnant women are usually prioritized to sit on the bus seats at the front. If an elderly or disabled person is riding the bus while you are in the front seat, stand up and offer your seat
Step 2. Try to minimize the space you take up
Buses are often crowded with people so practice good manners and tolerance on the bus. When sitting, try to only use one chair, and don't put your bag, jacket, or anything else on the seat next to you. If you're standing, put your backpack in front so there's room for other people.
To get away from the crowds, try to sit or stand at the back of the bus
Step 3. Notify kenek when your destination is near
Except for the busway, public buses will not stop unless they are notified. Therefore, notify the kenek or driver that your drop off is near. Preferably about a block from the destination point. This is nothing to worry about when riding the busway because the bus will stop at every shelter.
Step 4. Exit through the back door
Usually, passengers get off through the front door and get off through the back door to facilitate the entry and exit of passengers on the bus. Therefore, go to the back door when going down. However, sometimes there are changes in this system so it's a good idea to listen to the bus driver announcements.
People with disabilities, the elderly, or pregnant women can usually get off through the front door
Step 5. Wait for the bus to leave before crossing the street
City buses should not cause traffic jams. After exiting the bus, wait patiently on the sidewalk for the bus to leave. Then, you can look left and right or wait for the green light before crossing the road, depending on the density of the road.
Tips
- Make sure you follow the bus rules, for example it is forbidden to eat and drink on the bus.
- Whenever you start taking public transportation, consider sitting a bit in the front. That way, you can see the various places that are passed. This helps you get used to the route you are taking.
- Some buses on the busway are equipped with loudspeakers to announce the name of the bus stop shelter. Once your stop has been announced, be prepared to wait at the bus exit.
Warning
- Take care of your belongings and fill your pockets when you ride the public bus! Many pickpockets happen on public buses!
- In the United States, boarding through a back door is against the law and if caught, the culprit can be prosecuted even if he has a valid ticket.
