Moving to a new area is tough. There are a lot of new things you need to get used to. One of the most daunting is public transportation. Its routes go to unfamiliar places; its payment systems are enigmatic; its timing is patternless on first glance.
However, for many people, understanding the public transit system is a must. And for many others, understanding it could help quicken their commutes and make their lives easier. So, how do you get it down?
- Get maps – The first step is to pick up a map of the system (train, bus, etc.), whether hard copy or online. Study it a bit. Find out where the nearest stop is. Look to see where you need to go.
- Use Google maps, phone – Google maps and other phone maps will help direct you to the nearest public transit options. They’re very useful for beginners and for people in unfamiliar areas. Use the “directions” feature to access public transit info.
- Get app with times – There are countless apps out there that have public transit times. For example, in San Francisco, the app Routesy gives users up-to-the-minute times for BART and MUNI.
- Ask questions – If you don’t know where you’re going, ask the ticket counter (if there is one), the bus driver, or someone at the stop. Public transit is tough, and people are usually happy to help.
- Scope out station, ticket purchase – If you plan on taking public transit to something important, like work, make sure to familiarize yourself with it before the big day. Learn how to buy a ticket and where your train/bus
will arrive, so you don’t waste time when it matters.
- Leave early – Public transit is all about anticipation – anticipating the next train, the next stop, and the walk in between. Anticipate delays and the unexpected, and give yourself ample time to get from point A to point B.
