No car, no problem: Dos and don’ts of public transportation in the US

Headed to the bright lights of a big city but you don’t have a car? No problem. While hailing a cab or car service like Uber or Lyft is easy to do in more and more cities, why not opt for public transportation?

Some cities like Chicago and New York City have great transportation systems while others, like Miami, are working to improve their slim options. A variety of smartphone apps are also making it easier to navigate cities and reduce the anxiety of traveling by public transport in a new city.

• Citymapper lets you plan your journey by train, subway, bike or car from start to finish in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
• Transit App works in 101 metropolitan areas and gives real-time information about when the next bus or train is coming, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
• Hate waiting for the bus? Zoute app gives real-time information on where buses are plus has detailed schedules, route map and stop sequences for buses in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, Ore., San Francisco and Washington, D.C.
• A community of 20 million riders helps power Moovit, an app with transit info for 600 cities in 55 countries.

No matter what your comfort level is with taking public transportation, we offer some dos and don’ts that will let you travel like a local.

Boston, Massachusetts
Chicago, Illinois
Los Angeles, California
Miami, Florida
New York, New York
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Portland, Oregon
San Francisco, California
Seattle, Washington
Washington, D.C.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston’s public transportation system, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) runs via rail (Commuter Rail), bus, subway (the T) and boat. There are 12 commuter rail lines, five subway lines, and three commuter and inner harbour ferries.

DO

• Call the subway system the ‘T,’ a nickname prompted by the T station signage.
• Learn about the ticketing options. CharlieCards and tickets are both reusable and rechargeable, but the plastic, stored-value Charlie Card is more affordable, versatile and convenient.
• Take advantage of the Back Bay Logan Express, which takes riders to and from the Hynes Convention Center and Copley Square to all airport terminals and back.. Rides cost $5 with a credit card or Charlie Card. Cash is not accepted.
• Be in the know: Even though the Silver Line is considered to be a part of the subway system, it is actually a bus. (And it offers round trip free rides from South Station to Logan Airport.)
• Know that you can travel anywhere on the Blue, Orange, Green, Red and part of the Silver Line for the same price.
• Enter landmarks or stations in the Trip Planner tool to plan your subway journey. Enter your address in the Service Nearby tool to see all nearby bus routes.
• Sign up for T-Alerts by email or text message to get notifications of delays and disruptions plus advanced notice of service changes.
• Consider downloading one of several independent apps that let you know where the bus or train is and when it will arrive. T-on-Time for the subway and Catch the Bus for the bus are great ones to try. mbtaGo provides an MBTA tracker, finder, schedule assistant and alerts for Apple users and MBTA Scout for Android users are also worth considering.
• Bring your pet during off-peak hours if you wish. “During off-peak hours, non-service dogs are allowed at the discretion of T vehicle operators. Dogs must be properly leashed and are not allowed to annoy riders or take up a seat.  For safety and convenience during rush hours, small domestic animals must be carried in lap-sized containers and out of the way of exits,” according to the MBTA website.
• Use the free Wi-Fi on the commuter rail. MBTA’s Commuter Rail Connect initiative has equipped 258 commuter rail coaches with Wi-Fi. Look for the MBTA Wi-Fi logo posted on Wi-Fi enabled coaches.
• Seek out Keytar Bear, a public transit musical sensation.
• Consider buying a seven-day pass for $19, but if you’re staying for a longer period of time, the Charlie Card is less expensive than the printed passes.

DON’T

• Try to stop at Government Center station (on the Green and Blue lines); it is closed until March 2016.
• Get stranded. Hours of operation vary by subway and bus route.
• Assume the Green Line’s lettered routes all go the same way. Pay attention to their lettered lines, they all connect within the city but go to different destinations.
• Focus too much on “inbound” versus “outbound” trains. It is more important to focus on the final destination. For example, if you are on the Red Line and you want to get to Cambridge, you head towards Alewife.
• Forget that Boston is a walking city. Particularly in the Downtown/Back Bay area, sometimes walking from one place to the other can be closer than you think.

Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Transit Authority operates the U.S.’s second largest public transportation system serving the City of Chicago and 40 neighbouring communities. Options include eight trains lines, some elevated, that stop at 144 rail stations and buses that operate on more than 100 routes. For those visiting tourist hot spots, water taxis are also an option. Chicago also has Divvy, a bike sharing program.

DO

• Refer to the CTA train system as the “L,” a nickname used by locals because of the elevated tracks that loop around the Downtown area.
• Go to the back if you want a seat. At most train stops, the train cars near the end are usually emptier than the ones right in the middle of the platform.
• Text the number listed on bus stop signs to get the next arrival time.
• Check out the public art; it is phenomenal.
• Go to the back of the last train car if you want to take photos; it is ideal to take them from the conductor’s window.
• Look for Santa on the special holiday train in December.
• Bring your bike, but only during certain times.
• Leave extra time if boarding during rush hour. You may have to wait, especially if you have lots of luggage.
• Stand back. Buses come close to curbs.
• Pay cash for single trip rides or purchase a reloadable Ventra Transit Card or Unlimited Ride Pass to save money.
• Have exact change that is required for cash fares on the bus.
• Take a water taxi if you are visiting Windy City tourist attractions like Chinatown, Museum Campus, Willis Tower, Michigan Avenue and Union Station.
• Consider downloading the free mobile app RideScout, which gives real-time information about Chicago’s public transportation options. From Divvy bike ride share stations and CTA train/bus routes, to parking spots for your car or taxi pick ups, the app provides total transportation time, cost and nearest point of access.

DON’T

• Be surprised if you see a performance at the Jackson or Washington Blue Line Station or on the Red Line at Roosevelt or Jackson. These singers, musicians and dancers provide great entertainment.
• Worry too much if you miss a stop. The stops in the “Loop” are generally a block or two apart.
• Be surprised if your call drops on the L.
• Go hungry. Most train stations have great coffee shops and quick food options right outside on the same block.
• Block the doors. Move to the back of the bus or further into the train aisles.
• Try to board before letting riders get off.
• Stand on the left of train station escalators. Move to the right if you don’t intend to walk up.
• Feel pressure to go home early. Two train lines operate 24 hours a day: the Blue Line, which connects the airport and downtown, and the Red Line, with service between the North and South Sides via downtown. Several bus lines also operate 24 hours a day.

Los Angeles, California

With so many historic landmarks, interesting neighbourhoods and exciting attractions, Los Angeles can be a bit overwhelming to navigate. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority provides subway train, light rail and bus services to locals and visitors alike. Metro Rail is Los Angeles’ rapid transit rail system, with six lines serving 80 stations across Los Angeles County. Metro Rail connects Downtown L.A., Hollywood, Westside, Culver City, the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena, East L.A. and the Beach Cities. Also, three types of bus service are available in LA: Metro Local, Metro Rapid and Metro Express, with routes all over L.A. Public transportation is Los Angeles can be daunting to navigate, but with a little planning, patience and vigilance, it can be a helpful tool when visiting this popular West Coast destination.

DO

• Take advantage of L.A. Metro’s Red Line, one of the most popular metro lines as its Hollywood/Highland station brings travellers directly to Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theater, Dolby Theater, Madame Tussauds Hollywood and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Other special interest attractions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Universal Studios Hollywood are also easily reachable by bus or metro.
• Purchase the TAP card to use the metro and remember to tap the card to the machine before entering the metro station.
• Consider using public transportation to avoid traffic on game day as L.A. Metro offers two complimentary express services to Dodger Stadium from Union Station and South Bay stations. The express connection service is complimentary for Dodger game ticket holders.
• Bring your bike. Bikes can be brought onto all Metro Rail trains and transported via bike racks on Metro buses.
• Check out the self-guided “car free” vacation itineraries made by the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board.
• Plan your trip before you go. Most bus and rail lines start running at 4 a.m. and stay running past midnight.
• Use the Metro Trip Planner, which generates a customized itinerary letting riders know what line to take, where to catch it, where to exit and what the trip costs.

DON’T

• Attempt to skip fares and remember to keep the TAP card on you at all times in case of inspections.
• Miss the public art on the Metro’s Purple Line, which runs from Union Station to Wilshire and Western.
• Leave home without some digital assistance. The Go Metro 3.0 app features live maps and real-time arrivals, alerts, a trip planner and ability to remember previous trips.

Miami, Florida

Miami offers three low-cost options for getting around the city: Metrorail, Metromover and Metrobus. Metrorail is a 35-kilometre, 22-station commuter rail line extending from Hialeah south to Downtown Miami south to Dadeland. Metromover is a seven-kilometre tram that loops around Downtown Miami and interconnects with Metrorail and Metrobus. Metrobus operates nearly 1,000 buses on more than 90 routes. The new Airport Flyer (Route 150) express bus runs every 30 minutes from MIA to South Beach via 41st Street and Collins Avenue. Fliers heading downtown or elsewhere can transfer to Metrorail at the Earlington Heights station.

DO

• Skip the rental car if you’re going to Miami Beach. The South Beach Local (Route 123) is a circulator route that only costs 25 cents per trip. It drives through the heart of the Art Deco District. It has stops at or near more than 20 points of interest within South Beach’s 23 block radius.
• Download the Miami Dade Transit App to track your bus and get alerts and TSO Miami Beach Trolley to track when the next trolley is arriving.
• Listen for Metrorail’s public address system; a female voice announces the northbound train and a male voice announces the southbound train.
• Bring your pets on Metrorail but they need to be in an enclosed container. They aren’t allowed on the Metromover.
• Bring exact change for the bus. EASY Pass and EASY Ticket are also accepted.
• Take the Metrorail from Miami International Airport. Metrorail’s Orange Line is the most affordable choice for getting to and from the airport.

DON’T

• Worry about money on the Metromover, service is free. Miami Beach also offers a free trolley service too.
• Bring cash for the Metrorail; only pre-paid cards are accepted and can be bought at stations with credit card or cash.
• Get lost on Metrorail. Northbound trains travel to two different final destinations north of Earlington Heights Station: the Orange Line to the Miami International Metrorail station and the Green Line to Palmetto Station. Look for the GREEN LINE or ORANGE LINE sign at the front of an approaching train. On northbound Orange Line trains, train operators also will announce the final destination via the train’s public address system.
• Don’t eat or drink on Metrorail, Metromover or Metrobus; it isn’t allowed.

New York City, New York

In the city that never sleeps, there are plenty of transportation options: subway, buses, a tram, ferries, water taxis and a bike share program. The iconic New York subway runs 24/7 and covers most of the five boroughs and buses cover nearly every corner. The tram, ferries and water taxis provide scenic rides.

DO

• Know the subways and buses run 24 hours a day in the Big Apple.
• Know you need a MetroCard to ride the subway. Riders can buy a pay-per-ride card, an unlimited MetroCard or a SingleRide card—the last of these costs $3, is sold at vending machines only, doesn’t allow transfers and must be used within two hours of purchase.
• Know there is a $1 surcharge on new MetroCards, pre-paid cards that you need to ride the subway. Hang on to your refillable card.
• Know you must put a minimum of $5.50 on the MetroCard when you initially buy it (each ride costs $2.75).
• Know that an Express bus ride costs $6.50.
• Know kids ride free. Up to three children with a maximum height of 44 inches each can get on subways and buses for free when they are travelling with a fare-paying adult.
• Know that buses reach destinations not convenient to a subway stop.
• Enter and pay at the front of the bus except on SBS (Select Bus Service) routes, where payment kiosks are on the sidewalk next to the bus stop.
• Scan the QR code at the bus stop to receive information about when the next bus is expected to arrive.
• Know when the bus stops. Buses generally stop every other block on avenue routes and every block on cross-street routes. Late at night, from 11pm to 5am, bus drivers will stop wherever you ask them to—as long as they feel it’s safe.
• Bring your pet. Only small-size pets in carriers are allowed on buses, subways and trains and taxis. Taxi drivers may, at their discretion, pick up dogs without carry cases.
• Take the Staten Island Ferry, a eight-kilometre, 25-minute free mini-cruise with great views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor and Lower Manhattan.
• Hop on a bike. If you’re visiting Central Park, try Citi Bike, New York City’s bike sharing program. Beyond the park, the entire city is bikeable. Ride the City can help you find the safest route to your destination.

DON’T

• Worry if you miss your stop. Subway stations on the same line are generally about 8 to 10 blocks apart.
• Don’t try to take the subway to Staten Island; it doesn’t go there. Take the Staten Island Ferry instead.
• Get lost. Subway lines sometimes change routes or temporarily stop running—especially on weekends and late nights during weekdays—so be sure to check for up-to-date MTA service information at www.MTA.info. Check the route sign on the front of the bus before and ask the driver if it’s making all stops or only “limited” stops (the limited buses don’t make all stops along the route).
• Try to use paper bills on the bus. All city buses accept the MetroCard and exact coin change (no pennies or paper money).
• Miss out on taking the Roosevelt Island Tram to Roosevelt Island, located in the East River between Manhattan and Queens. The Roosevelt Island Tram gives travelers an aerial view of Midtown East along its path from 59th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan, making for great souvenir photos.
• Don’t guess about your trip. Download Ride on Time NYC, an app for Apple and Android that let’s riders know the current status of the subway, buses, Long Island Rail Road, Metro North train and bridges and tunnels.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The City of Brotherly Love is a walkable city but the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, the fifth largest transit system in the U.S., has a comprehensive commuter rail, subway, and bus system plus Philadelphia has INDEGO, a bike share program with 600 bikes and 60 stations across the city to use on the city’s 700 kilometres of dedicated bike lanes.

DO

• Buy an Independence Pass, a one-day pass that allows unlimited travel on all SEPTA buses, trackless trolleys, the subway and trains.
• Hop on SEPTA’s Airport Line that connects the airport with downtown.
• Take advantage of PATCO train line, which connects Philadelphia with parts of southern New Jersey.
• Use SEPTA’s Trip Planner to help you map out your journey.
• Learn how SEPTA’s SMS text messaging system works if you want to get transit schedule information or find a specific stop.
• Have your fare ready for inspection on regional rail lines.
• Observe the QuietRide Car guidelines when travelling on weekday trains with three or more cars open for passenger use.
• Hop on the PHLASH, a special bus that stops at 22 Philadelphia attractions. 

DON’T

• Put your feet on the seats.
• Don’t block the doors when you are standing.
• Drink from open containers or cans on any of Philly’s public transit; only drinks with sturdy, resealable lids are allowed.
• Don’t eat cooked or prepared meals on public transit; light snacks are okay.
• Stand in the front of buses or trolleys; move to the rear and exit from the rear.
• Run in any stations or transportation centers.
• Forget to download SEPTA’s official app for Apple and Android, which includes schedule information, real-time updates, trip planning, fare options, social media connections and customer service information.

Portland, Oregon

Portland has three main forms of public transportation: MAX Light Rail train, which connects Portland City Center with Beaverton, Clackamas, Gresham, Hillsboro, North/Northeast Portland, and the Portland International Airport, The Portland Streetcar and an extensive bus service.

DO

• Know that Portland is a major biking city. Bring your bike on all public transportation in the city.
• Know that TriMet, the governing body of transportation in the region, operates a Trip Planner that provides exact directions and timing to get anywhere in the city.
• Do use TriMet’s TransitTracker to see when the next train is arriving,
• Do use TriMet’s mobile ticketing app that has a ticketing function which allows travellers to avoid using machines and paper tickets.
• Know the MAX Light Rail train also travels to several suburbs near Portland that are worth visiting.
• Bring your bike on buses, MAX Light Rail and the Streetcar
• Bring your pet but it must be in an enclosed carrier.

DON’T

• Get stranded. The MAX Light Rail train and Portland Streetcar end service around midnight most nights.
• Don’t ride without buying a ticket. Although it is easy to get on public transportation without a ticket, the trains are patrolled and the fines are steep.
• Eat on public transportation in Portland; it’s not allowed.
• Forget to download Arrival, an app that gives access to TriMet train and bus arrival times. 

San Francisco, California

Although San Francisco is a highly walkable city, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency makes it simple for locals and visitors to get around the city with ease by Muni buses and light rail, historic streetcars and cable cars. There are dozens of Muni bus routes, six metro light rail lines, two streetcar routes and three cable car lines. Boasting the largest fleet of hybrid taxis in the country, there are also car services like Lyft, Uber and Flywheel. The bottom line: You probably don’t need to rent a car when you’re coming into San Francisco as parking is at a premium and you may pay more to park a car than to rent it!

DO

• Know the latest news about the City by the Bay’s iconic cable cars. As of July 1, 2015, a ticket on the San Francisco’s iconic cable cars costs $7 per ride (no transfers).
• Buy a Visitor Passport that can be purchased for one, three or seven consecutive days of unlimited rides on Muni, Muni Metro, historic streetcars and cable cars. Single-ride cable car tickets are also available.
• Ride a historic streetcar and take the E Embarcadero Line to the Ballpark and Caltrain Depot. Muni riders are familiar with the historic F Market line, but on Aug. 1-2, 2015 the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency is launching a new historic streetcar line along the length of the Embarcadero. The E Embarcadero and F Market lines will run together from Fisherman’s Wharf to the Ferry Building, but while the F line turns inland and heads out Market Street to Castro, the E line will continue along The Embarcadero and King Street to AT&T Park and the Caltrain Depot. It will share tracks with the N- and T-line light rail vehicles south of Folsom Street and has its own low-level boarding platforms and accessibility ramps at one end of each light rail station. Regular Muni fares apply; the E Embarcadero will operate on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Seven-day service on the E Embarcadero is still slated for early 2016.
• Save money on cable car rides with the San Francisco CityPASS. Each CityPASS ticket booklet, which saves up to 45 percent off combined admission to San Francisco’s top attractions, includes a seven-day Muni Transportation Passport, good for a week’s worth of unlimited rides on all Muni buses, light rail trains, streetcars and cable cars.
• Sign-up for Muni Alerts, email and text alerts about specific routes and lines you want to take.
• Find your bus stop (Bus stops will either have a shelter or yellow paint on a signpost or telephone pole).
• Use NextMuni, which helps you find when the next bus, light rail, streetcar and cable car is coming.
• Board the bus from the front or rear doors. If you are paying in cash, you must board at the front door and have the exact fare in bills and/or change. If you have a Clipper card, you can enter through either the front or rear and tap the card to the card reader. Riders with visitor day passes and CityPASSes can enter at the front or back. If you have a transfer, you can enter at the front or rear doors.
• Bring your pet. On the bus: “We welcome animals on Muni as long as their owners obey the rules: if your pet is not a service animal, you must pay a fare equal to yours for your pet. Dogs must be leashed and muzzled. Only one large pet is allowed per vehicle during off-peak hours; during peak hours, no large pets are allowed. Small animals should travel in a carrier, according to the SFMTA website. On the light rail: “One large pet is allowed per car, except during rush hour, and dogs must be leashed and muzzled. You must pay a separate fare for your pet,” according to the SFMTA website.
• Request to be let off between bus stops. After 6:30 pm, riders can request to be let off between scheduled stops. Tell your driver the street at which you would like to exit and remind him/her when you pull the yellow stop request cord.
• Exit buses through the rear door. Step down into the stairwell and press the bars on the door or the red button on the pole in front of the door to open the door.
• Know that Muni Metro stops are either above-ground platforms in the middle of the street or underground stations adjacent to the BART stops along Market Street. If your stop is underground, you need to buy a ticket before you board.
• Remember to wait for the green signal at the crosswalk before making your way to the above-ground station platform to board the light rail. At above-ground stops where there are no platforms, look to the left of the train before stepping out into the roadway to board. Same goes for streetcar stops which are on island-like platforms in the middle of the street.
• When your train arrives at the above-ground platform, board at the front door of the train and feed exact change into the fare box with bills and/or change. Clipper cards and transfers are also accepted on the light rail.
• Pull the stop cord along the windows of the light rail train to request a stop. Exit through the nearest door and, at above-ground and street stops where there is no passenger platform, look to the right for approaching bicyclists and vehicles before you exit.
• Listen for a bell ringing—it will be a cable car signaling its arrival.
• If you want to hop on a cable car mid-line, wait on the sidewalk and wave to request the Grip Operator, the driver, to stop. You can enter on either end or side of the car. You can’t board if it is overly crowded.
• Pay the cable car conductor directly with cash and/or coins. The conductor is located toward the rear of the car. Cable car tickets cannot be used as transfers to regular Muni buses and streetcars. If you are riding round-trip or plan to transfer to Muni, purchase a 1-Day Visitor Passport, visitor passes,  Visitor passes, Clippercash and monthly passes are accepted for cable car rides.

DON’T

• Take a taxi from the airport. Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), a regional rail service, offers service from both San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport. This can be the fastest, least expensive way to get into the city. Chances are that your hotel will be located within walking distance (or a quick Muni or taxi ride) from a BART station.
• Try to use a transfer on the bus after it has expired. You must complete your trip before your transfer expires, even if it was valid when you boarded. Transfers are valid for 90 minutes.
• Don’t load a bicycle on a bus whose bike rack is full; wait for the next bus.
• Don’t bring a full-size bicycle on the light rail or streetcars. Folding bikes are okay but must be folded and carried.
• Get misunderstand traffic signals. Cable cars are quiet. When crossing cable car intersections, the green “X” traffic signal is the “go ahead” signal for cable cars, not pedestrians.
• Expect a seat on a cable car; they are limited. Riders may stand on the running boards and hang onto the outer poles as the car moves.
• Do not stand behind the Grip Operator on a cable car and keep yellow floor area clear as Grip Operators need this area clear to operate the cable car brakes.
• Go it alone. Consider downloading some independent smartphone travel apps to make your travels easier. Catch the Bus is invaluable for folks taking the bus.

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Seattle, Washington

Seattle has four public transportation options: Link Light Rail, Kings County Metro Transit, South Union Streetcar and Seattle Center Monorail plus Pronto, a bike share program with 500 bikes and 50 stations. Link Light Rail whisks travellers from Sea-Tac International Airport to downtown while Kings County Metro Transit buses serve downtown and outlying neighbourhoods. The South Lake Union Streetcar makes 11 stops through the South Lake Union area. The Seattle Center Monorail travels between Westlake Center in downtown and Seattle Center at the base of Queen Anne hill.

DO

• Know that a second streetcar line will open this year. Similar to the South Lake Union Streetcar, it will connect the diverse and vibrant residential neighbourhoods and business districts of Capitol Hill, First Hill, Yesler Terrace, Central Area, Chinatown-International District and Pioneer Square.
• Have cash for the Seattle Center Monorail as tickets can only be paid in cash.
• Consider buying a pre-paid ORCA card for the bus. Simply tap on a sensor as you enter the bus. This option makes loading the bus much quicker.
• Travel light and wear comfy shoes. Seattle is a public transportation city, especially coming and leaving downtown Seattle during rush hour. Count on standing room only buses, light rail and streetcar.
• Sign up for transit alerts via email or text to stay in-the-know about delays. You can choose general alerts and select specific routes.
• Do use the online trip planner to help you plan your journey.
• Bring your bike on Link Light Rail.

DON’T

• Try to take the bus to the airport; Kings County Metro Transit buses no longer go to the airport.
• Expect to get change. Change is not given when paying on the light rail, bus or streetcar.
• Don’t miss your stop. Often buses are “Express” and stops are skipped. Know or ask whether your destination is served by an “Express” bus.
• Guess when the next monorail, bus, train, light rail, streetcar, ferry or water taxi will come. Download the Puget Sound Trip Planner app for Apple and Android, which eliminates guesswork.

Washington D.C.

Metrorail and Metrobus are the public transportation options in the nation’s capital. The Metrorail is the second busiest system in the country running six lines that travel to 91 stations in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. With 338 routes running throughout the city and greater Washington area, Metrobus has 11,500 bus stops and provides connections for placed not reached by Metrorail. There is also Capital Bikeshare that has 3,000 bicycles and more than 350 stations in Washington, D.C., Montgomery County, Md., Alexandria, Va. And Arlington, Va.

DO

• Take the DC Circulator, a special bus that runs on five routes in Anacostia, Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Woodley Park/Cleveland Park and U Street neighbourhoods for $1 per ride.
• Use the Fare Finder to determine how much your ride will cost on the Metrorail as the price varies by time of day, distance travelled and whether or not a SmarTrip® card is used.
• Consider buying a rechargeable SmarTrip card to use on Metrorail and Metrobus as these riders get the cheapest fares. Save on a One Day Unlimited Metrorail Pass: A SmarTrip® card with a pre-loaded Metrorail One Day Pass is less expensive when purchased online.
• Look for flashing lights on the train platform. These indicate the train is arriving.
• Check the destination of the train by looking above the side windows.
• Listen for chimes that indicate the train doors are closing; train doors don’t open automatically if you or your stuff gets stuck in them.
• Keep your train ticket. You need to use the same card you entered the system with to exit the system.
• Use the Trip Planner for planning your bus trip. You can also use the Service Nearby website to see where there is a rail or bus station within one mile of a street, intersection or landmark.
• Check the bus destination before you board. The route number and destination are displayed above the windshield and on the boarding side of the bus.
• Buy a SmarTrip card if you want to transfer between the subway and bus or vice versa. Using the rechargeable card means you will get a rail-to-bus or bus-to-rail discount or transfer free from bus to bus. With a SmarTrip card, Metrobus transfers are free and Metrobus-to-Metrorail transfers are discounted.
• Check the train and bus Alerts & Advisories webpage to ensure your there are no detours on your route. You can also sign up for MetroAlerts for email or text messages about delays.
• Bring your bike on the bus (allowed at all times and placed on the bus’ bike rack) or train (Bicycles are permitted on Metrorail weekdays except 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 7 p.m. and all day Saturday and Sunday. Bicycles are not permitted on Metrorail on July 4th, Inauguration Day or other special events or holidays when large crowds use the system. Folded bicycles are allowed on Metrorail during all operational hours. Enter and exit through the first and last, not the centre emergency, doors of each rail car).
• Stand behind the white line on buses.
• After exiting the bus, wait until the bus leaves to cross the street.
• Use Next Bus to see when the next bus is arriving and use Real Time Arrivals to see when the next train is coming. Use ELstat Elevator Alert System to see if elevators are in or out of service at the train stations.

DON’T

• Eat, drink, smoke or litter in Metrorail station or on trains and buses as Metro Transit Police routinely patrol and issue citations or make arrests to enforce these rules.
• Talk to the bus driver when the bus is moving.
• Overpay on the subway. Two children under age five may travel free with a paying passenger.
• Pay more than you have to on buses and the subway. For an additional fee, Metrorail accepts paper farecards and Metrobus accepts bills and coins (exact amount only), but why pay more when you don’t have to? Metrorail trips are $1 less each way with a SmarTrip® card.
• Forget to make your trip easier by downloading DC Metro and Bus, a free app with maps and realtime train and bus tracking for Apple and Android.

(Main Image: San Francisco Travel)