Whether you’re travelling to a foreign country or you’ve just never mastered the art of travelling on public transport, there are a few tips we recommend that will make your journey a lot more enjoyable.

1. Be courteous

If you’re sitting down and there are no available seats when an elderly lady, pregnant woman, or disabled person steps on board, its common courtesy to get up and offer your seat to them.

2. Hand sanitiser

This will be a life saver after you’ve seen the things that happen on public transport. You may not want to touch that pole, but trust me, when the train or bus starts moving forward, you’re going to need to hold onto something for support. Keeping a bottle of hand sanitiser will make doing this a lot easier and you’ll be less likely to catch other people’s germs.

3. Keep alert

When nearing your destination, keep an eye and ear out for the announcement of your destination. You don’t want to risk the inconvenience of missing it and having to find another bus to take you back – or even worse, hop into an expensive taxi!

4. iPods or books make the ride easier

Riding in public transport can get awkward if you have nothing to do other than stare at the person opposite you. Keep an iPod or book to entertain you, but just make sure you check your location regularly to avoid the above point.

5. Cover up

Whether you’re heading to work or on a night on the town, be sure you’re dressed appropriately for all the eyes that are going to be on you. You don’t want to be attracting the wrong attention with a skimpy dress, high heels, and expensive jewellery. Wear a long coat or pack your clothes to change into on arrival.

6. Have a map

Having a map will make finding your way around a lot easier. You’ll be able to plot a route as well as know which destinations are near yours.

7. Keep your possessions close

While it may be tempting to position your bag on the empty seat next to you to deter unsavoury people from sitting next to you, it also makes it a lot easier for these items to disappear. Keep your handbags on your lap and hooked through an arm or a leg at all times.

8. Travel light

Obviously this doesn’t count for those making the great trek from the airport as you’ll likely have suitcases on you. For the rest of your trip, be sure to take only what you need in a manageable bag that you can keep close at all times.

9. Plan your route ahead of time

If you know where you’re going, you’ll feel a lot more secure about travelling on public transport. Bus and train schedules can get pretty confusing so be sure you have plotted the route before you leave the house. This way, you’ll know where to be, when you need to get there, as well as how long you will have to wait. In London, the Transport for London website is great for plotting routes.

10. Make friends

If you’re travelling on long journeys, there is no better way to pass the time than by chatting with your fellow passengers. You never know, you may make a lifelong friend!

11. Snacks

Snacks make any trip more bearable. Just make sure the snacks you pack won’t bother other passengers – i.e. avoid smelly cheeses, egg sandwiches, etc.

12. Avoid the empty carriages

If you can help it, try to pick a carriage that has a few people in it. If you’re travelling late at night and your carriage empties up, switch to a busier one.

13. Be patient

While you may believe you’re the centre of the universe, there are plenty of other people who have just as important meetings, destinations, and plans as you do. Pushing, getting impatient, or swearing at others will only make you and the people around you uncomfortable and not speed up the queue.

14. Use an oyster card

Rather than carrying cash around, use an oyster card. You can use this for all transport needs and it can be preloaded with money. This way, you won’t be carrying around large amounts of cash. If you aren’t using an oyster card, be sure to have your ticket or money ready.

15. Raise your hand

Some buses are courtesy stops which mean that the driver will only stop at the bus stop if you physically wave them down. So don’t be surprised if the bus shoots straight past you if you weren’t paying attention.

16. Carry mace

It’s always good to have something to defend yourself if need be. It will make you feel a lot more secure fi you’re travelling on public transport alone.

17. Cell phone

While you may consider leaving all of your valuables at home, travelling on public transport without a cell phone may be just as dangerous. You should always be able to contact someone if need be, such as if you miss your station, get lost, or the buses are no longer running.

18. Check your direction

Always make sure you’re getting on the bus or train in the right direction.

19. Let people exit first before getting on

Let the people on the bus or train exit before you start pushing your way on board.

20. Don’t stare

Your mother should have taught you that it’s rude to stare – especially if someone has a physical defect.

What other tips can you recommend for using public transport?

Main image by London Underground by the-fabulous (Flickr)