How to ride bus

Bus Basics: How to ride
Information from the Phoenix Public Transit Department

It's not the number one reason why people don't ride the bus, but "I don't know how" is a big concern. What most people mean is they want to avoid looking foolish because they are not familiar with bus basics. It's a concern, but one that can be easily remedied.

Plan. That's the best tip for taking your first bus ride. Transit customer service representatives are ready to help plan your trip and locating the nearest bus stop to you. They'll help you with the schedule and tell you what it means to transfer buses and how to do it. On your trip, bus operators and fellow passengers can help but you can best help yourself by being prepared.

So if you are a first-time rider who is considering bus riding to save on gas or wear-and-tear of your car, you can watch an Internet video about the basics of riding the bus. Click on the 12 News' I-cast then select "Step-by-step instructions on riding the bus."

Or follow these tips on how to board and deboard the bus:

Have exact fare (cash, pass, or transfer slip) ready to go. It quickens the boarding process for everyone. The one-way cost is $1.25 on local bus and $1.75 on RAPID and Express buses. Many employers offer discount bus passes or you can buy a monthly pass at one of the transit centers.

The fare box is located at the front of the bus. It has slots for bills, coins, tokens, and tickets. For bus passes, slide through the reader located at the top of the farebox.

As soon as you pay, get a transfer slip from the bus operator if you are going to take more than one bus. The transfer will allow you to complete your trip in a certain amount of time without paying again.

Take a seat or if you stand hold on to a strap, rail, or the back of a seat to steady yourself.

Automated announcements or the bus operator call out streets and intersecting bus routes. When you hear your stop or route announced pull the cord hanging by the window; that will tell the bus operator you want a stop. A few buses have a black rubber bar mounted next to the window to push for a stop request.

When you can, exit through the back door. On most buses, there is a button on the handrail near the back door. When that lights up, press it and the door will open. On other buses, passengers need to push the door's bars for it to open.

When you transfer to another bus, make sure you get on one going in the right direction. As you board, show your transfer slip to the bus operator; keep it with you if you take more than two buses to complete your trip.

You can find out about schedules and bus stop locations by calling a Valley Metro customer service representative at (602) 253-5000 or by going on-line at Valley Metro. The Bus Book with route maps and schedules is also available on buses; at transit centers and park-and-rides; and at many municipal offices and libraries.

Passenger Information On-line
Step-by-step instructions on riding the bus: scroll down to Channel 12's video section
Right Time and Route: Choosing a trip
Smooth Ride: Tips for a Courteous Trip
Park your car and ride the bus: Check available parking spaces
Local route chart or RAPID/Express routes: Routes with room.


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