How to Ride the Bus

  1.  

1. Learn About COAST's System

2. Plan Your Trip 

  • Use the Trip Planner (on the right of the page) to help plan every step of your trip.
  • When deciding what time to board the bus, work backwards from the time you need to arrive at your destination.

  • If you need help figuring out how to plan your trip, call our Customer Service Representatives at 603-743-5777, Option 1. We will be happy to help you get started. 

  • Reservations are not required. Space on our vehicles is first-come, first-served. 

3. Wait at the Bus Stop 

  • Be at your stop at least 5 minutes early.

  • If you are waiting for the bus in the dark, wave a lit cellphone or flashlight around to signal the bus driver.

  • Be careful not to stand behind any telephone poles, trees, or other structures that would make it difficult for the bus driver to see you.

  • Make sure you are standing on the correct side of the street for the direction you wish to travel in (Northbound/Southbound, Inbound/Outbound). The bus stop sign will be marked with the direction the bus is traveling in. 

3. Board the Bus 

  • You can help us stay on time by being prepared to board when the bus arrives. 
  • Have your fare or pass ready before you board. 
  • Be prepared to fold strollers and carts. 
  • Don't approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop. 
  • Look for passengers exiting the bus before you begin to board.
  • Let your driver know if you need to make a connection to another bus. 
  • Let your driver know if you have a bicycle on the bike rack. 
  • Safely stow your baggage. 
  • Take a seat, if available. 
  • If you use a mobility device, the driver will help secure the device. 

4. Pay Your Fare

  • It’s important to have your fare, ticket, or pass ready to go before you board the bus.
  • Be prepared to show photo ID with your pass.
  • Remember that bus drivers cannot make change, so bring exact change with you if you plan to pay with cash.
  • Insert your exact fare or Drop Ticket into the fare box next to the driver as you board.

5. Get Off at Your Stop

  • Major stops and transfer locations are announced with audible announcements. If you would like an additional stop announcement, please let your driver know. 
  • Press the yellow push strip or pull the cord along the windows inside the bus to send a signal to the bus driver that you want to get off at the next stop. You'll know that your stop request has been received when you see the scrolling announcement or hear the bell. 
  • COAST bus drivers will only drop you off at a designated bus stop. During the winter, we allow a little more discretion for bus stops when there are snowbanks that make areas more dangerous.

  • Unlike school buses, traffic does not stop for public buses. When crossing the street, always cross behind the bus and take the time to look for any oncoming traffic before crossing the street. It's best to wait until the bus has pulled away so you have the best view of all oncoming traffic from both directions.

 

Could your group or agency benefit from Travel Training? Learn more here!