catching the bus

Travelling by bus is simple and great value. Our customers make nearly 40 million journeys a year on Transdev buses across Yorkshire and Lancashire, and we aim to make it a pleasure for you, every time.

We also know that if you’re not familiar with bus travel or our routes, it can seem daunting at first – that’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to enjoying travel with us – read on to find out more!

Know before you go

Make sure you know which route you need to catch, where your nearest bus stop is, and what time the bus is due to arrive there
Remember to check your return journey too, especially in the evenings, so you don’t miss the last bus back

All the information you need to know before you go is right here on our website. Scroll down the page to ‘where can you find us?’ and click on your local Transdev bus company – there are nine to choose from.

When you do, you’ll see a page filled with news about our routes and fares in your area – while along the top of the page, you’ll find a section called ‘timetables & maps’. Click on this to show a list of all the bus routes run by your local Transdev team – select each one to see a route map including where all our buses currently are, and beneath it, today’s timetable for that route.

If you want to change direction or look at another day, just above the timetable are options to show buses going the other way, while clicking on the calendar symbol to the right of today’s date will bring up all the dates for this month – use the up and down arrows above the calendar to bring up more months if your travel date is next month or later.

Above the timetable you’ll also see options to ‘download timetable’ – this is great if you want to print one out, as it looks just like the one you’d pick up on the bus or at an information point.

Below the timetable is a summary of our most popular tickets for your chosen route. If you want more information or would like to see our complete ticket range, scroll back to the top and choose ‘buy tickets’ – you can then choose from a menu on the left of the page.

Just below the route map you’ll also see a ‘service updates’ button – click here for all the latest live information on how your route is running today, and any diversions in place for roadworks.

When you’re on the move, get our free to download ‘Transdev Go’ app from the Apple App Store or Google Play to see live departures from your stop, track buses on your route, buy and use best value tickets, and much more.

At your bus stop

Be sure to leave enough time to reach your nearest bus stop, plus a couple of minutes just in case!
If other customers are waiting, remember they may be travelling on a different route to you, so don’t assume they’ll signal to your bus driver to stop – if they are waiting for your bus, please be kind to those with limited mobility, and form a queue from the bus stop sign, facing the direction of travel
When your bus arrives, always allow any customers getting off the bus to do so before you board – it saves time and helps everyone

All our bus stops are marked with a sign, either showing our bus company colours or those of the local transport authority, such as Metro in West Yorkshire, or the county council in North Yorkshire or Lancashire. Remember, buses may go to different destinations from the same stop, so do check the number on the front of an approaching bus to make sure it’s the one you’re waiting for.

When you see your bus coming to the stop, raise your arm in good time to let our driver know you wish to board. Please make sure our driver has seen your signal and that the bus is stopping (looking for the flashing left indicator on the bus is a good tip). If you don’t give a clear signal, our driver may not realise you want to travel on their bus and may not stop for you.

After other customers have safely stepped off the bus, please board straight away – if you find it difficult to get on board, our drivers can lower the bus for you. Most bus stops now have a raised kerb to make boarding easier – if yours doesn’t have this, you may still need to step up a little as you board.

Getting your ticket

Always clearly state your destination and what type of ticket you want – a single ticket for a one-way trip, a day return or one of our money-saving day, weekly or monthly tickets if you plan to travel more often
Please have change ready to pay the correct fare – this is one of the easiest things you can do to help us run on time. We do give change when available, and you can also pay instantly using your contactless card or Apple Pay/Google Pay on your mobile phone
Our drivers are there to help you – if you’re not sure about anything, including which way your bus goes or where to catch the bus back, please ask

As you board the bus, please tell the driver where you’re travelling to and the ticket you’d like – such as a single or day return. If you’re making journeys in the same area more than twice in a day, you could save money and hassle with one of our best-value day, weekly or monthly tickets – all the information you need is in the ‘buy tickets’ section of our website and on our ‘Transdev Go’ mobile app. Just ask the driver if you’re not sure of the best ticket for you – we’re happy to help.

If you’re using a pass, such as a concessionary bus pass issued by your local council, place it face up on the ticket machine so the driver can see your photo.

If you’re using a ticket bought on our ‘Transdev Go’ app, please have your ticket activated and open when you board the bus, and scan the QR code on the ticket machine. Again, if you’re not sure, just ask our driver to help you.

Always keep your ticket or pass with you throughout the journey – you may need to show it to our staff if they ask to see it.

Take a seat

Your safety is our number one priority – if you feel unsteady on your feet, please ask the driver to wait until you’re safely in your seat before he moves away from the stop
If you go upstairs, please take extra care and always hold the handrail. It’s safest to ring the bell and wait in your seat until the bus stops before coming down the staircase
If the bus is busy, keep hold of the handrail and do take a seat if one is available – if the bus is full, please stand clear of the doors and stairs, and make room for others trying to board
Please don’t stand forward of the partition behind the driver, so they can see the kerb, and do be careful not to distract your driver when the bus is moving

If you get to the bus stop as your bus is pulling away, the driver will normally not pull back in and stop, as this could confuse other road users and cause an accident. Always get to your stop in plenty of time before your bus arrives – you can use our live bus tracker on our website and our ‘Transdev Go’ app to see when your bus will arrive.

When you enter your bus, you’ll see we have some seats at the front reserved for our elderly and disabled customers. Please don’t take these seats if they’re needed by those less able-bodied than you, and be prepared to give up your seat for older people or those with disabilities.

On the move

If you’re unfamiliar with the bus route, keep an eye and ear out for our audio-visual announcements and to see where your bus is on its journey. Our newest buses have high-definition colour screens showing where the bus is, and useful information including connections on other bus and rail services at key interchange points
If you’re not sure where to get off the bus, ask your driver to alert you when you get there – but please don’t speak to the driver when the bus is moving as this could distract them from the road
If you know when your stop is coming up, ring the bell once in good time to let the driver know you want the bus to stop. Look out for the illuminated ‘bus stopping’ sign towards the front of your bus – if it’s already lit, someone else may already have rung the bell so you don’t need to do so again.

Now you’re on the bus, got your ticket and you’re on your way. Keep an eye out for landmarks on your journey so you know where you are, and ring the bell in good time before you reach your destination.

Remember, our buses will only stop at a recognised bus stop, except in areas where ‘hail and ride’ arrangements are in place – these will be clearly marked on the timetable.

The driver will open the doors when your bus has come to a halt at the bus stop. Have a check around to make sure you’ve not forgotten anything as you leave your seat, and please take extra care when stepping down from the bus to the pavement.

Taking a wheelchair, pushchair, shopping trolley or luggage?

All our buses offer easy access, with a low floor suitable for wheelchair users. The bus will have a ramp at the entrance to help you board – please ask the driver to lower the ramp for you
Pushchairs and buggies can also be taken on board: you can place the buggy unfolded into the wheelchair space at the front if it is not already in use. Please remember that if a wheelchair user boards the bus, you will need to fold your pushchair and place it in the luggage rack
Fixed frame (non-folding) cycles cannot be carried on our buses – if you have a folding bike, please stow it safely in the luggage rack

If you’re taking a wheelchair, pushchair, shopping trolley or luggage onto your bus, please always ensure it is stowed safely and does not block the aisle or doorways.

We’re sorry but we can’t carry e-scooters or e-bikes with a fixed frame that cannot be folded, for safety reasons.

If you’re using our buses to catch a coach, plane or train and have luggage, you’re welcome to bring one medium sized suitcase per person onto the bus – please make sure yours is safely stored in the luggage rack and doesn’t fall or block the exit doors or aisles.