Friday Tips: Back to school transit riding tips

Lots of children, youth, and college students will be heading back to school soon. Our public transit buses will certainly be hauling more passengers within the next few weeks as classrooms all over the Inland Empire get up and running. With that, let's review a few basic transit tips courtesy of our local transit agencies:

On the train:

• Arrive at the Metrolink train station at least 10-15 minutes beforehand to allow time to purchase tickets. Be ready at the platform at least 5 minutes before departure. Stops are brief.
• Passengers must a have valid ticket or pass prior to boarding the train. Remember, they are not sold on board.
• Use the handrails while using the stairs or moving around the train car.
• Listen for your station. Get to know the structure of the rail system beforehand.
• Check to be sure you have all your belongings before leaving the train.
• Be ready to exit the train when your stop is approaching. Again, stops are brief.

On the bus:

• Be at the public or school bus stop 5-10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to depart.
• If you're riding public transit, watch for your destination. About one block before your stop, ring the "Stop Request" bell by pressing the strip or pulling the cord between the windows.
• Check to be sure you have all your belongings before you leave.
• Exit through the rear door whenever possible, especially if other passengers are boarding at the stop.
• Wait for the bus to depart before crossing the street at any uncontrolled crosswalk unless the bus goes into layover at the stop.

Safety tips:

• Never run after or next to a moving bus or train.
• Stand back from the curb or platform edge.
• Watch your children and hold onto the young ones when the train or bus approaches.
• Offer the front seats or any other designated spots to senior/disabled riders.