The Art Of Using Public Transport Abroad

As a new student in a foreign country, you will be faced with many challenges – while some of those challenges might call for cultural adjustments, others will require you to be street-savvy.
Coming from India, you might be accustomed to stepping outside your home and calling a readily available auto or perhaps book an Uber or Ola from the convenience of your home and your schedule.
While you might be familiar with the public transport of busses, trains, and metros in India, public transport abroad will vary from country to country.
Living as a student for abroad studies, you will be living on a strict budget and to save money you can avoid spending it on private cabs and learn the local transport system instead. So to save yourself from any hassles that might present itself the best way to get around in a new country is by using the public transport system.
Advantages
While there may be several advantages in using public transport, two of the most favorable ones are cost-effectiveness and it’s perfect to get to see the best of the city that you are going to settle in.
Most transport systems offer weekly, monthly, and yearly passes with major discounts for students.
The best advice that we at Maven Consulting Services can offer is to buy a yearly pass and make use of students’ concessions.
When traveling with public transport, you can also get to see the city in a whole new way, you will get to see the various different attractions that the City boasts and schedule a free time to visit those places – the perk, you would already know the route to get there!
While most countries boast a reliable public transport system it is important to remember a few measures that will ensure that you have a pleasant experience.
We have curated some of the best tips from students who have studied abroad. Read more about it here:
1. Get a map of the transport line
Every city will have its transport line and map. This will show the number of busses or trains that are scheduled to pass on a certain route at a certain time. Map out your travel plan from your point of start. Match your travel plans to the bus or train that is scheduled for that route and remember the timings.
2. Buy a transport pass
Many transport authorities offer concessions to students for transport passes. You can choose between a weekly, monthly, or yearly pass. These passes will allow you to travel on the mode of transport without having to carry cash for each trip. These passes are most effective when using public transport on a daily basis.
3. Be street-wise
Crime is everywhere and no one is exempted from it. While we may enjoy the privilege of safety in some places, we may not in other places. So it’s better to be street-wise at all times especially when using public transport. This means that you must watch your surroundings at all times, without being frantic about living your best life, you should not be reckless and trusting of every person. Guard yourself in all surroundings. Keep watch of your personal belongings and do not leave your possessions unguarded.
4. Use Transport Apps
In the wake of digital technology, there is a mobile app for almost everything and transportation is no exception. Download the official mobile app for the bus routes or train routes in your local area. These apps are updated regularly and will be able to give you a clearer picture of your travel plan. Such apps allow you to prepare your travel time better.
5 Always keep your transport card on you
Never remove your transport card from your bag/wallet/purse – whether it’s your bus ticket, train ticket, or easily accessible card! Keep it is in a safe place and carry it with you at all times. Perhaps you’re getting a ride with a friend to campus, carry your ticket or card anyway. This will ensure that you always have access to public transport should the need arise.
Traveling abroad is exciting, however, once it’s time to settle down in a new country, the process can be very daunting. However, be rest assured that once you have the public transport system figured out, you will find the settling in process a breeze.
Remember that when you travel by public transport, you are creating a safer and greener environment.
Don’t be afraid to greet people and learn more about them and their culture. At the same time, don’t be too trusting of everyone and be on guard to protect yourself and your belongings. Keep the local police number on hand, should you feel threatened or unsafe at any time, do not hesitate to call.
While the above tips have been shared with you to ensure that you have a pleasant experience using public transport abroad, we hope that you will not only master the art of traveling by public transport, but you would meet wonderful people there too.
Wishing you many safe travels.
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