Get a bus map from the bus depot, the local library or the chamber of commerce. Most bus lines will have a map that shows the routes, along with a time schedule that tells when the bus arrives at each of the stops. Bus maps also provide contact information for the bus company.
Find the nearest bus stop by using the bus map to locate the closest street to you. Minor bus stops are generally not marked on the bus map, so don't be surprised to find a bus stop sign between two major stops attached to a streetlight or a telephone pole. If no bus stops are immediately visible, contact the bus company using the contact information provided on the bus map to locate the closest bus stop to you.
Make sure the buses are accessible for people with disabilities. Many buses are wheelchair accessible, having both special seating arrangements and the ability to "kneel" hydraulically and extend a ramp for the benefit of the person in the wheelchair. However, some older buses may not have this feature, so contact the bus company to make sure all buses on the routes you need to take can support people with disabilities.
Get a bus transfer. This is very important if you plan on switching routes, as bus transfers allow a passenger to switch between bus routes without paying a separate fare. These transfers are usually free of charge, but only last for a certain amount of time, such as 45 minutes, before becoming worthless. This is done to discourage fraud.
Locate the bus stop signal on the bus. This is usually a brightly colored cord strung up along the wall of the bus, although some models also use bright plastic touch strips to signal to the bus driver that someone wants to be let off.
Ask the bus driver for information. If the bus route goes along your destination but does not make a scheduled stop there, ask the bus driver to stop the bus at the closest stop to the destination.
