>> Jennifer wants to make sure that she got on the right bus, so she asks her driver, making sure that she asks before the bus starts moving, when it's dangerous for the driver to be distracted. Her question answered, Jennifer takes a seat. Seats at the front of the bus just behind the driver are reserved or seniors and people with disabilities. Although other riders may use these seats, those two groups should receive priority. Although the bus's public address system announces stops and connection points along the route, Jennifer watches for landmarks along the route so that she can see when she's getting close to the mall. Maggie's a bit nervous about her first bus ride. She knows that she needs to transfer to another bus route to get to her doctor's appointment, so she looks over her trip plan again to be sure.
Ron, who is listening to the bus's public address system announcing stops and connection points along the route, hears that his exit stop is coming up. He's getting close to the office where he works. He presses the yellow Stop Requested strip on the side of the bus. He sees the lighted sign and hears the audio message that let him know his driver is aware of his request.
Although buses keep to a tight schedule, there are times when they may need to stop for several minutes at a time. This is called a layover. The bus typically is waiting to connect with another route so that riders can transfer over and reach their destination on time. The bus may also be at the end of its route and taking a few minutes' break before beginning another trip. When this happens, you're free to stay on board or get off the bus. Just be sure to let your driver know so that he or she doesn't think you're a new rider when it's time to collect another fare.
Jennifer sees her bus is approaching the mall parking lot. She presses the stop request button to indicate that she needs to get off at the next stop. A Stop Requested light and audio message let her know that her request has reached the driver, and she gathers her belongings. When the bus stops, she exits through the rear door to keep the front door open for people to get on board. Jennifer checks the route schedule conveniently posted on the bus stop pole to see when the next bus will arrive for her return trip home.