Contact the city public transit authority, which is the municipal public sector agency, such as the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority, that administers the city's public transit systems. Its website may have an online trip planner where you can type in the starting and destination addresses, the departure or arrival times, and the system will generate one or more transportation options. You should also be able to get schedule and trip planning assistance over the phone, either from a customer service officer or from an automated messaging system.
Use Google Maps, which is a free mapping service for several cities provided by Internet search engine company Google. Enter the destination address in the search box to see a scrollable map in the main part of the page. Click the "Get Directions" menu option in the upper left hand side of the page or the "Directions" option just below the photograph of the location in the left hand side of the page; then click on the bus symbol in the upper left menu to view the available public transit options. Click "Show Options" to choose from the available transit options, such as bus or subway. Enter the starting address, arrival or departure times, and click "Get Directions" to review some of the public transportation options. Note that this Google service may not be available for your area.
Review maps and schedules posted on bus and subway stations. You can pick these up from transit authority offices. Video monitors in main bus and subway stations often display schedule information. You may also ask bus drivers or subway attendants for help on how to get to major landmarks in the city, such as malls and government buildings.
Visit the website of the destination location for directions. Private and public sector organizations often provide detailed directions on how to get to their facilities. You can also contact the reception desk at these buildings for assistance.
Ask colleagues who use public transportation for tips. If you are a tourist, talk to the rail and airport tourist information kiosk agents for information on how to use the public transit system.
