Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Tips on catching the right bus at a stop that serves multiple buses? (self.Blind)
submitted by SugarPie89
Hi everyone. I have an appointmentt on Friday that I will end up missing if I do not catch the bus and go by myself. I am currently in O&M but we didnt get to public transit yet. Like most people here I cannot drive so I have had to rely on my parents to drive me to appointments or catch the bus with me. They will both be busy at the time of my appointment but I would really prefer not having to reschedule it.
So here is the issue. Getting to the appointment will be relatively easy. The bus stop is busy so even though 2 different buses use that stop, the buses always stop there and I am able to either see or hear which bus it is. However the stop to return home serves 3 buses and is not busy at all. Beacause of this, there is a high cchance the buses will not stop if it doesnt appear I am getting on. So I wanna know what I can do to make sure I get on the right bus and get home. The first thing that comes to mind is to have someone tell me when the right bus is there but I will most likely be by myself at the bus stop based on past exxperiene. Ultimately if I have to I will reshedule, but I would really like to do this trip on my own because it would be a big accomlishment forme. :)
Btw the buses in my area only announce the number and rotue when the doors OPEN. That is why it is important for me that the buses stop. Also I can read the signage only when the bus is up close so it would help if the bus would be slowed down by traffic for example, but that relies on luck.
I also forgot to mention that at times all 3 buses show up at the same time which can complicatee things further.
So here is the issue. Getting to the appointment will be relatively easy. The bus stop is busy so even though 2 different buses use that stop, the buses always stop there and I am able to either see or hear which bus it is. However the stop to return home serves 3 buses and is not busy at all. Beacause of this, there is a high cchance the buses will not stop if it doesnt appear I am getting on. So I wanna know what I can do to make sure I get on the right bus and get home. The first thing that comes to mind is to have someone tell me when the right bus is there but I will most likely be by myself at the bus stop based on past exxperiene. Ultimately if I have to I will reshedule, but I would really like to do this trip on my own because it would be a big accomlishment forme. :)
Btw the buses in my area only announce the number and rotue when the doors OPEN. That is why it is important for me that the buses stop. Also I can read the signage only when the bus is up close so it would help if the bus would be slowed down by traffic for example, but that relies on luck.
I also forgot to mention that at times all 3 buses show up at the same time which can complicatee things further.
Tarnagona 7 points 1y ago
Flag down every bus, as if you’re getting on, and then once you know what bus it is, you can either get on, or let the driver know which bus you’re looking for (sometimes, they’ll radio the other bus and let them know you’re waiting for them).
I also have a set of large print numbers, so I can indicate which bus I want, but I don’t even know where those are anymore, and always felt awkward using them (but at busy stations, sometimes it’s the only way to ensure the right bus stops for me).
I also have a set of large print numbers, so I can indicate which bus I want, but I don’t even know where those are anymore, and always felt awkward using them (but at busy stations, sometimes it’s the only way to ensure the right bus stops for me).
TechnicalPragmatist 5 points 1y ago
Couple of things stand by the curb like really really close the buses will all stop for you. Ask each one. What bus are you? Do you go to market and ocean? If they say no the next bus.
TechnicalPragmatist 3 points 1y ago
I came here to say this pretty much.
EyesR4Nerds 4 points 1y ago
At the second bus stop, make it clear you are getting on a bus. This might help ensure each bus stops and opens its doors so you can hear the announcement. If the wrong bus stops, simply apologize and let them know which bus you are waiting on
Also, it might be helpful to you to check the bus schedule online to know about what time the.correct bus is arriving at. If you’re not familiar with doing this yet, just give the local bus system a call and ask for assistance planning a trip, they’re usually very willing to help
Best of luck brave traveler!
Also, it might be helpful to you to check the bus schedule online to know about what time the.correct bus is arriving at. If you’re not familiar with doing this yet, just give the local bus system a call and ask for assistance planning a trip, they’re usually very willing to help
Best of luck brave traveler!
carolineecouture 8 points 1y ago
This. Do what you normally do to signal the bus to stop. Then when the bus stops, step to the doors or onto the step and ask the driver which bus this is. If it's the right bus, pay fare and enter bus. If it's the wrong bus say, "Sorry I want bus X" and move back, step off.
My grandpa always taught me to ask if the bus was going to to my stop no matter what since some buses in my area don't make all stops or go all the way to the stop I want. If you need to say that you couldn't read the sign but I hope most drivers would be patient with someone who might be a new rider, confused, or just need help.
Good luck! You got this!
My grandpa always taught me to ask if the bus was going to to my stop no matter what since some buses in my area don't make all stops or go all the way to the stop I want. If you need to say that you couldn't read the sign but I hope most drivers would be patient with someone who might be a new rider, confused, or just need help.
Good luck! You got this!
River-Song-1986 3 points 1y ago
All of this is good recommendations. Also, do you use a cane? I have found that by having the cane visible the bus drivers are more likely to stop right in front of you. Also, they will ask if you are looking for their bus.
SugarPie89 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
I did plan on taking my cane tho I wouldnt exactly call myself a cae user just yet (not full time at least). Working on getting over my cane phobia lol.
River-Song-1986 3 points 1y ago
At the stop with multiple buses I would highly recommend keeping the cane out that way the bus will stop right in front of you.
SugarPie89 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Will do :)
MaplePaws 3 points 1y ago
Something I often do is if the first bus that stops is not the right bus I will ask if the driver can radio to notify the correct bus that somebody is waiting for them at this stop. Some will do it others won't, but if they will I have found it increases my chances of the bus driver stopping. So perhaps that is something that will help you? Otherwise another strategy I use is to make myself appear like I am watching for the bus, turn my head in the direction they will be coming from, I also tend to track it when it is getting closer as typically the sound of the bus is very distinct from the rest of traffic as it is between the size of personal vehicles and transport trucks. Though I have attempted to get on a school bus before, but my city does not have any speakers announcing the route number so asking the driver is my only strategy.
WorldlyLingonberry40 2 points 1y ago
Bus drivers and the home-station have almost immediate communication with radios. Call the homestation and request the location of the bus you need to take. They could give you an estimation as to the time they'll arrive, and the driver will know to expect you at the stop.
SoapyRiley 2 points 1y ago
You mean the bus doesn’t just stop because someone is standing at the sign?! That is horrifying. I’d be pointing out to the city’s transportation authority that the buses not stopping unless someone gives them a specific signal is very inaccessible. And in the meantime, flag down every approaching bus and ask them which one they are when the doors open.
SugarPie89 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Yeah they dont always stop if you dont step forward. One time I was sitting at a bus stop with my boyfriend and the bus didnt stop. It just drove past cuz we didnt get up in time. Another time we were standing at a bus stop and the bus drove past us because we werent standing in the parking lane (I am assuming they didnt see us because there were some cars parked nearby?) It always depends on the driver and if there is a crowd there or not I think. And there werent crowds in the scenarios I described.
Bsmith0799 2 points 1y ago
You can also use a phone camera to zoom in and it'll work like a magnifying glass if that will help you see the bus number and flag it down in time.
spider_lord 1 points 1y ago
Ask the bus driver when they pull up.
vip-sizzles 1 points 1y ago
I often stand at the front of the bus stop with my cane visible. Drivers here often stop. I also use the MoovIt app to help with planning trips. It provides estimates for the next arrival times & alerts me when my stop is approaching.
niamhweking 1 points 1y ago
I know some bus companies claim they will stop anytime they see a cane user at a stop whether they are hailed or not, I'm unsure if this works in practice though
SugarPie89 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Yeah Im pretty sure my public transit company claims that as well but it isnt true 100% of the time from what ive heard.
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