Choose a Safe Place to Wait for a Bus

Confirm the actual stop

Begin by locating the marked stop for the route and direction you need. A sign across the street may serve buses going the opposite way, and a nearby shelter does not necessarily mark the correct boarding point. Check the route number and direction on the sign or in current route information. Metro rider tools include line schedules and real-time arrival information, which can help verify that you are waiting for the intended service. [1]

If signs are difficult to read, compare the stop name or cross street with a trip planner. Stand where the bus can see you and where boarding is permitted. Do not wait in a traffic lane, cycle path, driveway, or place that blocks a sidewalk.

Compare visibility and shelter

Consider how easily you can see approaching traffic and how visible you are to the driver. A stop near a lit storefront or open public area may feel more comfortable than one screened by a wall or dense landscaping, depending on the location and time. Look for shade or a shelter that can make a long wait more comfortable, but keep the path to the curb clear. If a shelter is crowded or uncomfortable, choose another safe position at the same marked stop where you can still see the vehicle.

For example, two possible places to stand may be beside the shelter or several steps behind it near a clear sightline. Compare shade, visibility, and room for other riders instead of choosing only by distance to the sign.

Check the crossing

Look at how you will reach the stop and what happens after you get off. Is there a marked crossing or signal? Does the sidewalk have a curb ramp? Would the route force you to cross a busy street between vehicles? A closer stop can be a poor choice if reaching it requires an unsafe crossing. If you are traveling with children, a stroller, bags, or a mobility device, give extra attention to curb access, sidewalk width, and a place to stand without blocking others.

If construction or a temporary obstruction blocks the sidewalk, use a designated alternate path rather than stepping into traffic. When uncertain, check local signs or ask transit staff or a trusted person familiar with the street.

Wait with a plan

Before leaving, check the arrival estimate and any service alerts so you know whether a long wait is likely. Keep your phone or written route details accessible, and identify a nearby place where you could wait indoors if conditions become uncomfortable, while staying close enough to return to the stop in time. Avoid crossing to another stop without confirming that it serves the correct direction. Once the bus approaches, signal clearly and board from the marked location. These small checks help make the wait more predictable while respecting the stop’s rules and the needs of other riders.