any advice for a 1st time bus rider

[quietmaroon4]

I'm ashamed to admit this, but I've never taken the bus. A combination of fear, circumstance, and being sheltered have prevented me from doing this, but I need to. Over the past year, I've made progress in getting out of the house, walking, and going to the local grocery store and shops, but I've realized there are many places I practically can't travel to on foot. I wish I could be like any other person, purchase a bus pass, get on the the bus, and go; But, I 'm terribly afraid of buying the wrong pass, or getting lost, not having enough to pay the fair, missing a connecting route, or holding up the bus and angering everyone if I need to ask the driver questions.

These thoughts are irrational, but I can't overcome them. I worry that because I'm an adult, everyone will expect that I should know what to do, but I don't.

Being able to ride the bus would help immensely though. It would be a monumental accomplishment for someone like me. I'd even cry prolly.

So, if anyone reading this deals with, or has dealt with anxiety/fear taking public transit, do you have any advice? If not, that's okay too. Thanks for taking the time to read if you did.

[gajh]

Congratulations on the progress you have already made with getting out of the house.

My advice would be to break it all down into baby steps and do just one thing at a time before you try doing it all at once. Just buy a pass without taking the bus. Just to get comfortable buying the pass. Then you could buy a pass and get on the bus, but get right off. To get comfortable getting on the bus. Then get on and ask the driver a question. Then get right off. Take your time getting comfortable. You don't have to do it all at the same time. It is totally ok that you are not "like any other person, purchase a bus pass, get on the bus, and go." You are doing amazing just to be willing to give it a try.

[quietmaroon4 in reply to gajh]

Hello and thank you for the comment. Sorry for the late response. Breaking the process into chunks sounds very helpful, and practical. I have a habit of overwhelming myself with worst case scenarios and endless thoughts, so I will try my best to apply your advice.

[gajh in reply to quietmaroon4]

I saw your other reply that you are planning on taking the bus this weekend. I wish you the best of luck. Will you please let us know how it goes? We can celebrate with you.

[quietmaroon4 in reply to gajh]

Aw thank you. I'll be sure to come back with an update.

[quietmaroon4 in reply to gajh]

Hey again. As much as I'd like to come back with a great story to tell, I just couldn't push myself to do it. A call to the information center was all I could manage. I'm disappointed in myself, but I just froze and never left the house. I'm sorry.

[gajh in reply to quietmaroon4]

No don't be disappointed. You tried that is what counts. Maybe next time. Don't be hard on yourself you are doing great. You are getting out of the house. You have made so much progress. You don't have to take the bus. I am proud of you. Thank you so much for the update. Do something kind for yourself.

[quietmaroon4 in reply to gajh]

Hey gajh. I have good news. I took the bus today! It was petrifying and I made a few mistakes; But planning, deep breathing, and positive self talk helped out. And the bus driver's friendliness immediately put me at ease when I boarded. I even made pleasant conversation with the clerk at the game store I went to.

So, I just wanted to thank you for your kindness and encouragement. Because it was instrumental in taking this step; I thought about you and everyone else on this thread as I rode. It'll take more trips to truly get comfortable, but I know that I am capable of doing it at least.

[gajh in reply to quietmaroon4]

AWESOME!! I am so excited for you! You did it! Thank you so much for telling me. It is inspiring. Next time will be easier. The first time is the hardest. Well done!

[quietmaroon4 in reply to gajh]

Thank you.

[Downinil in reply to quietmaroon4]

Hi quietmaroon4, you are taking the first step in this journey so be optimistic @ taking one step at a time and you’ll eventually succeed.

[blackcat64013]

Hi,Well done you so far. 👏

There are a number of phone applications that can help you plan your trips. I use Move It.

The passenger transport authorities may also have a call centre number for assistance and have trip planners on their websites.

To be sure you are going in the write direction, write the place down on a piece of paper as a safety net.

You can always fake being a tourist. Most people are happy to help 😊

[quietmaroon4 in reply to blackcat64013]

Hello. First, I apologize for the late response. The fake tourist suggestion made me chuckle; I generally look lost anyways so I would probably be convincing.

And my city's transit does in fact have an 'Information Specialist' line, so I'm gonna force myself to make a call this weekend. Thank you for commenting and sharing advice.

[Hidden]

If you feel you may me overwhelmed by sounds (people talking loudly on speakerphone) and smells, consider using noise canceling headphone and a mask.As far as your fear of getting lost, put the destination in a navigation app like Google maps for bus number, schedule and confirmation you're headed in the right direction.

Make a plan B for each of your fears. Best of luck!

[quietmaroon4 in reply to Hidden]

Hello traymomm. I apologize for the late response. I'm planning to take the bus this weekend, so I'll be sure to keep your advice in mind. PLAN B'S especially.

Even though I'm worried about getting lost, I've had to remind myself that the route is straight line down one road-and-back, a few miles from my house. So at worst I'd be taking an extended walk back home, or to my stop I suppose.

Thanks for commenting and be well.