10 Dos And Don'ts Of The Rutgers (Or Any) Bus System

Did you just get accepted to Rutgers? Are you already a student? Do you use public transportation? Here are the top 10 Dos and Don'ts of the Rutgers Bus system that will make your next bus ride more enjoyable!

1. Do stand behind the white line while the bus is in motion.

@xl_95z1 on instagram / Via instagram.com

It is the first thing the disembodied voice asks you when the bus starts moving, why would you not listen to her!

2. At a bus stop DON'T get on the bus until everyone has gotten off the bus for that stop

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Always let the people come off of the bus before you attempt to get on the bus! While we know you are in a rush to get to your next destination, you will not be able to fit on the bus if people do not get off. (This also applies to elevators, trains, and trams!)

3. Do pick up your backpack from the seat next to you if the bus is crowded!

i-am.rutgers.edu / Via i-am.rutgers.edu

If the bus is crowded move your bag. It creates more space on the bus and you will probably make someone's day who now gets to sit down. You don't have to put your bag on the floor, put it on your lap that way it doesn't get dirty but you still save space!

4. Don't keep your backpack on if you are standing and the bus is crowded!

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Have you ever been on the bus and someone keeps on hitting you with their backpack? The answer is most likely yes! When you get on the bus and you are standing please take off your back. You can rest it on your feet so that it is not sitting on the floor. Not only does this keep you from accidentally body slamming someone with your backpack, but it also creates more room on the bus. A win-win!

The picture above shows a crowded Rutgers Bus from the 1970s

5. Do step off the bus to let people off if the bus is to crowded!

Flickr / Via Flickr: 115965036@N07

People will not be able to get off the bus if you are blocking the exit. By stepping down you are allowing for people to deboard the bus much quicker, meaning that you will be along to your destination quicker as well! You will be first in line to reboard the bus making it a hassle-free way to make sure everything runs more smoothly.

The picture above shows a EE bus taken between 1979-1991

6. Don't vape, juul, or e-cig on the bus!

Safety Sign / Via safetysign.com

While you might not have a problem with it, those surrounding you might. Some people might even be highly sensitive to the vapor that your device is giving off. You would not smoke a cigarette on a bus so why would you smoke something else.

7. Do stand up and offer your seat if you see someone who needs it more than you!

Edmonton.ca / Via edmonton.ca

The Rutgers bus system is open to everyone within the community, this means people that might require to sit while the bus is moving. Not only is this the right thing to do, but it is also a law. A key about public transport is being considerate of other travelers, just as you hope they will be considerate of you.

8. Don't play things on your phone obnoxiously for all to hear!

Flickr / Via Flickr: 75898532@N00

Another key of any public transit system is using headphones. While we understand you have a great taste in music, not everyone else might think so. By using your headphones to listen to music or talk on the phone you are being considerate of those around you, especially when you are on a crowded bus.

9. Do hold on to something!

Flickr / Via Flickr: 115965036@N07

Everyone has almost fallen over while on the bus, its almost a rite of passage. To minimize the risk of this, please hold onto something! It will keep you from injuring yourself and those around you. If you cannot reach the top bar to hold on ask to switch places with someone who can.

The D and B busses in front of the College Avenue Gym, taken sometime after 1992.

10. THE MOST IMPORTANT RULE OF THE RUTGERS BUS SYSTEM - DO THANK YOUR BUS DRIVER!

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No reasoning needed.

The photo above has no date just the name Charley on it. It was most likely taken during the 1970s-1980s. The bus shown is the A bus, which use to run between College Ave, Livingston, and Busch.

Want to see some more cool flashback Rutgers Bus System photos? Click here and here!

Written by: Deanna van Woerkom