Nobody likes the idea of traveling alone in the dark, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. If you have to commute to work or are returning from the city before or after the sun comes up, riding public transportation may seem a little scarier than it is in the daylight. Fortunately, there are some easy steps you can take to ensure your night trip is as safe as possible.
Here are a few precautions you can take to ease your mind when riding the bus at night:
Stay on top of bus schedules.
Thanks to modern technology, there are plenty of ways to look up arrival times and continue to check in for delays ahead of your ride on public transit. If you have to ride at night, stay up to date on the schedule for your route so you can minimize the amount of time you have to wait at a stop or station alone. Also try to choose a direct route to avoid waiting for vehicles in between transfers as well.
Ask your driver about courtesy stops.
If the regular bus stop is a bit of a distance from your final destination, see if the driver would be willing to drop you off closer. When the bus isn’t crowded anyway, most of them don’t mind. This way you’ll spend less time walking alone in the dark.
Check in with someone before and after your ride.
When you have to take the bus or other public transportation at night, it’s a good idea to let someone know where you are, just in case something was to happen. Call or text a friend with your bus schedule, route, and with updates as you board, exit, and arrive at your destination. To be extra cautious, you might even consider calling that friend when you get on the bus and talking to them for the duration of your trip.
Be smart.
All in all, as long as you’re smart and take the right precautions to make your experience as safe as possible, you won’t have to worry too much about your nighttime commute. Here are a few extra common-sense tips to follow to keep you safe on the bus at night:
- Stand in well-lit areas.
- Keep one headphone out (or don’t use them at all).
- Stay alert to your surroundings—especially any people around you.
- Remain visible to the driver upon entry and exit (you may want to keep your phone flashlight on).
Northwest Bus Sales is committed to the safety of bus passengers across the country. That’s why we only offer the highest-quality new and used buses on the market for those in search of passenger vehicles for individual, public, or commercial use.
Contact us today to learn more about our premier bus selection!
