A Guide to Public Transport in for First-Time Visitors

      A Guide to Public Transport in  for First-Time Visitors

 It is interesting to visit a new city. However, to be fair, going around a big, busy city using its public transportation may be a little daunting, particularly when you are in a new locality. It really doesn;t matter why you are here (work, vacation or even being a traveler); it really matters how you manage to navigate and move around [City Name] faster and in a pocket-friendly way.

There are the basics of the city transportation that you should learn and I am going to guide you in that matter in this guide through metro trains to buses to auto-rickshaws in [City Name]. I shall also give you some few tips, and personal experiences that were of benefit to me when I was a new person here. OK, so let us begin

Why Use Public Transport in [City Name]?

 

Frankly speaking, you may save much time, money, and nerves taking a taxi or bus here, as the roads are most of the time at the boil especially at the rush hour. And, it is the best method to have the feel of the local life.

Either you are seeking to access touristic locations, markets or local restaurants, public transport is most likely to be the fastest and cheapest method of transportation

1. Metro Rail: Fast, Clean & Affordable;

One of the best methods of transportation within [City Name] is the metro; it is clean, air-conditioned and it is extremely punctual. The metro network lies in most of the major areas of the city.

Use:

       Purchase a token (travel once) or get a smart card (it is recommended to use it on multiple occasions).

       One can use Google maps or an official metro application to check routes and the timetable.

       One can easily identify the platforms and there are announcements that are mostly in English and local languages.

Personal Tip:

        The first time I rode on a metro in this city, I was lost on which platform to take so someone on board came to my rescue. Individuals tend to be helpful hence do not be afraid of asking.

 2. City Buses: Budget-Friendly Option;

In [City Name] buses are everywhere. They are affordable and span to even the smallest sections of the city. They are however, prone to be crowded during office time.

Kinds of Buses:

                          AC Buses: These are comfortable though a bit costlier.

Non-AC Buses:

                          They are quite cheap, but they may be busy.

Paying Methods:

                          The majorities of buses take cash. Digital payments or travel cards are made also available in some cities.

Pro Tip:

             Do your best to avoid buses when there are high flow peaks (8-10 AM and 6-8 PM) unless you are accustomed to the crowd.

 3. Auto-Rickshaws: Quick Rides for Short Distances;

The old auto-rickshaw: ha! Autos are an easy means of getting a short distance in case you are weary of walking or waiting to get a bus. They are in almost every corner of the streets.

Points to Remember:

               Ask to meter at all times, or negotiate the fare first.

Book with fixed pricing using apps such as Ola Auto, and Uber Auto.

Fun Fact:

              On one of my initial trips, I was charged nearly twice the original rate since I had not inquired on the price prior to the trip. Lesson learned- ask always

4. Taxis & App Cabs: Comfortable but Costlier;

A cab is easily booked either on Ola, Uber, or the local taxi services. It costs more than metro or bus but is worth it when you have to travel a long way, or when you have heavy luggage.

Good For:

                Airport transfers

Late-night travel

Families or groups

English is supported and most cab apps are based on online payments, which makes it convenient even to international visitors.

 5. Shared Autos, E-Rickshaws & Cycle Rickshaws;

There are also shared autos or e-rickshaws in most regions and these are relatively cheaper but follow a fixed route. You share a car with those who are in the same direction.

Cycle rickshaws which are fun, environmentally friendly (though slow) can also be seen in old parts of the city or among the tourist attraction sites.

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How to Plan Your Routes;

Helping citizens to travel smart in [City Name] is so many free apps.

Google Maps -Displays metro, bus, and on foot routes.

City Metro App- To look at the routes, timings and fares of metro.

Ola/ Uber- This is an auto and cab.

Moovit or Transit App - Can be used to get information on the current buses and trains in real time