Hints and Tips

Top tips for travel

People all over the UK take many millions of trips on public transport every day, and of course not all of them go to plan. We have all been put on the spot before with the problems that life throws at us, but it’s best to be prepared.

Here you will find some tips and ideas to help put you on the right track:

Plan ahead

If there is one golden rule about having a successful and enjoyable journey on public transport, it is to plan ahead. Planning ahead is the most important thing you can do. Take a look at our sections on help with planning and interactive journey planners, and at our transport links section, for more advice. Some transport companies ask you to inform them in advance if you are going to need extra help so they can prepare for you - find out how to contact them in our transport links section.

Practice the trip

If you have a big job interview, meeting or a hot date, the last thing you want is to arrive late or not at all because your journey went horribly wrong. If you know that you find public transport difficult, why not think about trying out the trip in advance to check that you can do it?

Take a mobile phone

If you do run into problems, there’s nothing worse than not being able to call a friend of family member for assistance. Make sure you have your phone with you and that the battery is charged up. To help ensure you don’t run out of juice, GOJO is offering mobile phone chargers to people who have their GOJO travel diary published on the website.

Go with friends or family

It can be daunting to take public transport at certain times of the day, for example late at night. Why not see if someone can join you if you are apprehensive about the trip you are taking? Anyway, it’s more fun to travel with other people.

Identify route landmarks

If you have problems knowing which stop you should get off at, try to remember some well-known buildings or other features on the route that will give you a cue.

Be ready for action

If you have a travel pass, such as a concessionary fares ticket, make sure you have it ready to show the driver or conductor. If you don’t have a pass, try to have the correct fare ready if possible.

Be prepared for changes to service times

If a bus or train doesn’t arrive exactly as scheduled, don’t stress out. This can sometimes happen and is frustrating for everyone. Look out for updates or ask a member of staff for an update on when the next service will be along.

Communicating with travel staff

While most bus drivers, train stewards and other travel staff want to help out, we’ve all had good and bad experiences of customer service. Try communicating as clearly as possible. If the person you are communicating with doesn’t understand you, take a deep breath and try again. Take your time and remember that they are there to provide a service and help you as much as they can. If you really do have a bad experience, check out our rights section about what to do.

Communicating with other passengers

Public transport is just that – public. So you’ll get all sorts of different people travelling on your tram, bus or train. Everyone has the right to use public transport, just like you. If you are nervous about particular passengers, such as large noisy groups, you can always move to another part of the carriage. You could also try zoning out by reading a book or listening to music. To help you tune in and zone out, GOJO is offering MP3 players if your travel diary is posted on this website. If other passengers give you aggravation, then this is not acceptable. You could ask a member of staff to help if they are around, or perhaps ask another passenger. Most people will be happy to give you a hand. Check out the rights section of this website for further advice.

Think about travelling at off-peak periods

If you don’t like hectic services with lots of people, have you thought about scheduling appointments and journeys at quieter travel times when possible? The busiest times on transport services are when lots of people are trying to get to and from work or school (before 9.30 in the morning and between 4pm and 6pm). The busiest day of the week is a Friday as people head away for the weekend. Planning trips for off-peak periods might not always be possible, but it could help reduce your stress levels.

Know what you’re entitled to

Everyone likes to save a bit of money, so why not check out what offers are available to you. Get advice and links on fares.

Safety and security

Incidences of crime on public transport are extremely rare, but it’s best to be prepared in case you do get into trouble. Before your journey you should tell a trusted person (such as a parent, carer, friend) where you are going and try to plan your route. When out and about, look and act confidently, and keep any valuables hidden from view.

If you do feel threatened, get away as quickly as you can, or make a noise to attract attention. You could consider carrying a personal alarm. Many buses, trains and stations have emergency alarms - use them if you need to. There is lots of information out there on this issue. Try:

• Suzy Lamplugh Trust
• Metropolitan Police
• Personal safety

Case study: Sabrina Whitby, 19, from Stayley Bridge in Manchester

I’m in my first year at Loreto College and I’m absolutely loving it, even though I get every form of public transport to college – the bus, the train and the tram! It takes me over an hour and a half every day, but it’s definitely worth it. When I started college I was nervous about the new bus routes so I worked with my teachers to memorise my new journey. I learned what bus numbers I needed, what stop I needed to get off at and when my buses and trains would come.

My mum was worried when I started at college too, so we practiced the route together and my college talked to me about things like personal safety to make sure that if anything does happen I know who to go and get help from someone. I also make sure I carry a mobile phone with me in case anything does go wrong.

Of course it doesn’t always go according to plan, but I always try and laugh and make sure I try it again! I’m much more independent now and feel like I’ve become an adult. I can get around Manchester by myself, go to college and the cinema, just like my friends and everyone else.

Some tips for other people:

• Don’t rise up to it if people give you agro on the bus
• Carry a mobile phone in case anything goes wrong
• Know who to ask for help and make sure you ask someone if you’re stuck