Bus Users, the national bus passengers' organisation, has published a code showing passengers how they can help the bus driver - and their fellow passengers - to enjoy a safe and pleasant journey
A 10 point Passenger Code from Bus Users
1 Pay attention at stops
Keep an eye out for your bus and monitor any real-time information. When a bus approaches, signal clearly whether you want to board or not – a wasted stop takes up valuable travel time. If you have a mobility issue or a visual impairment, use and check mobile apps and stand near the front of the stop so the driver can see you.
Keep an eye out for your bus and monitor any real-time information. When a bus approaches, signal clearly whether you want to board or not – a wasted stop takes up valuable travel time. If you have a mobility issue or a visual impairment, use and check mobile apps and stand near the front of the stop so the driver can see you.
2 Form an orderly queue
When your bus arrives, give people the space to disembark and wait your turn to board. People with mobility issues, hidden disabilities or mental health issues may struggle, so give everyone the time and space to board safely.
When your bus arrives, give people the space to disembark and wait your turn to board. People with mobility issues, hidden disabilities or mental health issues may struggle, so give everyone the time and space to board safely.
3 Have our tickets, passes, contactless cards or apps ready before you board
You can save time by having your ticket or payment ready, and holding your pass flat on the card reader. If someone does hold up the queue, be patient – you have no idea what they might be dealing with and getting angry or irritated won’t help.
You can save time by having your ticket or payment ready, and holding your pass flat on the card reader. If someone does hold up the queue, be patient – you have no idea what they might be dealing with and getting angry or irritated won’t help.
4 Move to your seat as quickly as possible
Some drivers wait until passengers are seated before moving off, so make your way directly to a seat when you board. If you see someone struggling, offer to help if you feel able to.
Some drivers wait until passengers are seated before moving off, so make your way directly to a seat when you board. If you see someone struggling, offer to help if you feel able to.
5 Make way
If you have to stand for your journey, make sure there’s a clear path to the door for people trying to board or exit. If you have luggage, don’t leave it unattended in a wheelchair space.
If you have to stand for your journey, make sure there’s a clear path to the door for people trying to board or exit. If you have luggage, don’t leave it unattended in a wheelchair space.
6 Give priority to passengers who need it
If you’re in a priority seat, or you have a seat on a crowded bus, make sure you offer it to anyone who looks like they may need it. Some needs are hidden, so if you’re asked to give up your seat and you’re able to move, move.
If you’re in a priority seat, or you have a seat on a crowded bus, make sure you offer it to anyone who looks like they may need it. Some needs are hidden, so if you’re asked to give up your seat and you’re able to move, move.
7 Keep your belongings close
Putting your coat or bags on a spare seat in an empty bus is fine. But if the bus is filling up, don’t wait to be asked to move your belongings.
Putting your coat or bags on a spare seat in an empty bus is fine. But if the bus is filling up, don’t wait to be asked to move your belongings.
8 Don’t pollute
Avoid anything likely to impact other passengers, like listening to loud music or talking loudly on the phone, watching videos with inappropriate content or eating strong-smelling food.
Avoid anything likely to impact other passengers, like listening to loud music or talking loudly on the phone, watching videos with inappropriate content or eating strong-smelling food.
9 Get ready to get off
Ring the bell, just once, as far in advance of your stop as is practical. When the bus stops, exit quickly but safely and if you can, offer to help other passengers if you think they may need it.
Ring the bell, just once, as far in advance of your stop as is practical. When the bus stops, exit quickly but safely and if you can, offer to help other passengers if you think they may need it.
10 Thank the driver
Driving a bus is a demanding job. Saying thank you is a small gesture that makes a big difference.
Driving a bus is a demanding job. Saying thank you is a small gesture that makes a big difference.
If something goes wrong with your journey that’s beyond your control, contact the operator. If you’re not happy with their response get in touch with us.
(Locally, you can ask Lancaster Bus Users Group for help via this link)