Handy guide: Catching the bus

We've put together this handy guide to help you when travelling by bus.  

Planning ahead 

• Check for service updates on our website or on the app.
• Visit our website to Plan your journey - Plymouth Bus  

Getting on the bus 

• Try to get to the bus stop 5 minutes before it’s actually due – don’t forget you can track the bus in real time using our app.
• Put your hand out clearly and in good time to let the driver know that you want to board.
• Allow people to get off the bus before you try to get on – why not get your app or payment method ready while you wait?
• If you’re paying by contactless, tell the driver which ticket you’d like, then place your card on the machine when they’re ready
• When waiting for the bus at night, use your phone screen light to attract the driver’s attention 

Travelling on the bus 

• Find a seat and enjoy the journey – if it’s a double decker, try to sit upstairs if possible and leave downstairs for those less able
• Remember to be kind – if you’re sitting in a wheelchair or buggy bay, please give up these seats if either a wheelchair or buggy tries to board
• If the bus is getting full and there are no seats, stand towards the rear of the bus – it’ll help people get on/off quicker, and allow more people on too!
• Be considerate to fellow customers – please don’t vape or smoke, don’t eat hot food, drink uncovered hot drinks or open alcohol
• If you’re listening to music or watching a movie, please do it using headphones – your taste in music might not be everyone else’s
• When taking a call, please be respectful of other customers, use headphones rather than loudspeaker 

Getting off the bus 

• Many of our buses will soon have next stop announcements, listen out for your stop being called if you’re unsure where to get off
• Press the bell once to let the driver know that you want to get off – no need to worry if someone else has already pressed it
• Please help us keep our buses tidy, take any rubbish with you when you leave
• Don’t forget to thank the driver when you get off the bus 

Getting on the bus 

• Stand in a safe location, away from a junction if possible and put your hand out clearly for the bus to stop.
• If there are a few people waiting, please try to stand together. 

Getting off the bus 

• Press the bell once and the driver will stop in the next safe location 

Please be mindful of young children when using the stairs. When going upstairs, stay behind them. When going downstairs, go ahead of them.