Be willing to hang out at your destination.
Early is better than late. If you miss your bus or there is an issue you might be as much as an hour late.
Have a packed bag
- Do not unpack your bag. it comes with you every time and stays stocked.
- A book or game to kill time while you are waiting.
- Extra cash in ones. The bus does not give change!
- $5 in assorted change (quarters are best) will serve you very well, between bus fares and incidentals. Plus you’re less likely to spend it than emergency bills.
- Water bottle.
- Umbrella.
- Wall USB Charger and battery for phone. Get comfortable plugging your stuff in literally anywhere there is a chair. A $1 random item from a cafe or fast food place will justify enough time to charge your phone back from the dead.
- Written phone numbers for emergency contacts.
Know your Route.
- Become familiar with common routes, it is better to know stuff than look it up every time.
- See the landmarks on google maps street view. Know where you need to get off.
- You often need to request that a bus stop at a given stop.
- If you are uncertain about the bus route or when to get off, sit up front and ask the driver.
Use the Transit app. If you are low income they have a discount program.
- Mid Mon Valley Transit - half off fare with SSI card.
- Pittsburgh Regional Transit - a discount program for low income and for disability.
Sitting on the bus.
- If you are uncertain about the bus route or when to get off, sit up front and ask the driver.
- If you have the capacity to stand or sit further back, give up close to the front seats to elderly or disabled folks.
- If there is a fully empty row, sit there rather than next to someone.
- Avoid talking to strangers on public transit, ESPECIALLY if they have headphones on or are not men. Every non man Kayte knows has been harassed on public transit.
Walking can be dangerous.
- You need to have a way that you can hear what is going on.
- Sometimes there is not a good sidewalk, prioritize your safety over staying out of people’s yards.