Pupils
This section is designed for pupils who are looking for more detailed information on how to use public transport and buying tickets.
How to use public transport
If the first time you use public transport is to get to school then this section of the website contains everything you need to know to help you use the bus, train or Metro tram. It covers everything from reading timetables to finding out about the bus, train or Metro tram routes that serve your school, as well as knowing which stop you will need to get off at.
Before you start
Do your homework; it is worth doing some research so that you know when and where to catch the bus, train or Metro tram.
For all bus, rail and Metro tram enquiries in the West Midlands please call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or visit www.networkwestmidlands.com and use the Journey planner then enter where you are travelling to and from and click on plan journey. For further information on how to use the online journey planner please view our online journey planner leaflet:
A guide to using the online journey planner (196k)
Timetables
Bus, train and tram timetables help by telling you what time your bus/train/tram will arrive at the stop and what time it should arrive at school or another destination.
Bus and train timetables are available from Network Travel Information Centres (TICs) which are in the following locations.
- Birmingham - New Street Station
- Coventry - Pool Meadow Bus Station
- Dudley - Merry Hill Centre
- Wolverhampton Bus Station
- Walsall Bus Station
Or alternatively log onto www.networkwestmidlands.com/Timetables/timetables.html
How to catch a bus
There are many bus operators within the West Midlands. Buses stop at existing bus stops which are shown by a bus stop flag on a post on the pavement, bus shelters and by bus stop or similar markings on the road.
The street name or location of the bus stop may be shown on the flag. This will help you to remember the name of your stop for your return journey. If more than one bus uses a stop, the flag may show the numbers of all the buses that stop there. Some bus stops have a shelter that may display bus timetable information.
Getting on and off the bus
When you see your bus stop approaching the stop show the driver that you wish the bus to stop by holding out your arm. The service number and destination are displayed on the front of the bus.
When you want to get off the bus, press the bell on the handrail or ceiling to alert the driver that you would like to get off at the next stop. Wait until the bus stops and then move towards the front of the bus.
How to behave at the bus stop and on the bus
- Stand well back from the road
- Avoid playing and pushing others around at the bus stop
- If you wish the bus driver to stop you can signal by holding out your arm.
- Be polite to the bus driver
- Behave well on the bus by not being noisy or disturbing other passengers
- Never drop litter or chewing gum on the bus
- If standing please hold on to the rail to help you keep your balance
- Consider adults standing and be ready to give up your seat
- Always wait for the bus to stop moving before getting off
- Remember to take your belongings with you when you leave the bus
- Do not cross the road behind or in front of the bus as you may not be able to see traffic.
- Never use emergency exits unless it is a real emergency
How to catch a train
Trains stop at all advertised stations on the route of their journey. When the train stops you need to press the 'open' button at the side of the exit door. This will open the door and enable you to leave the train.
Many local train stations have stands to park your bike. Visit the 'train' section of www.networkwestmidlands.com/train/train.html for more information. To find out where your nearest local train station is telephone Traveline on 0870 200 22 33.
Catching a Metro tram
The Metro tram operates between Wolverhampton St Georges and Birmingham Snow Hill every 8 minutes in the daytime and every 12 minutes after 7pm.
The Metro calls at all stops on the line, so you do not need to tell the person working on the tram when you want to get on or off.
Metro trams are easy to use for disabled people as well as for parents and pushchairs. Bicycles are not allowed on board the Metro tram apart from fold down cycles kept in their carrier. However all Metro stops have cycle parking facilities available.
You are not allowed to eat or drink on the Metro tram. To find your nearest Metro stop telephone the Traveline on 0870 200 2233 or visit the Metro section of the Network West Midlands website at www.networkwestmidlands.com/Metro/tram.html
Vandalism
Damage and vandalism on buses is a serous problem. Each year students cause a lot of damage to both school and regular buses. Many buses now have CCTV which will catch people on camera who are behaving badly or damaging the bus. Please report any incidents to the driver, teacher or your parent / guardian. Do not attempt to tackle people behaving badly yourself.
Buying a ticket
Bus
You can buy a bus ticket on the bus. Most buses require you to pay for your ticket with the correct money as drivers do not carry change. Tell the driver where you want to travel to and the driver will tell you the price. Tickets are issued automatically from a ticket machine located near the bus driver on the bus.
Train
You can buy train tickets on the day you travel from the train station booking office. If there is no-one at the station to sell you a ticket you need to buy a permit to travel from the machine on the platform before boarding the train. The conductor on the train will exchange this permit for a real ticket and if the ticket costs more than you have already paid for the permit, you can pay them the difference in the fares. The conductor can also give you change.
Metro Tram
If you are paying for individual journeys on the Metro tram you can buy your ticket (single or return) from the tram conductor who can give you change.
Further details on public transport passes in the West Midlands
Walking and Cycling
Walking is the most sustainable transport mode of all. It keeps you fit, doesn't harm the environment and can reduce congestion. Walking is easy, you don't need any special equipment and it is free! Why not try walking instead of using the car? Here are a few tips for walking safely.
- Wear light coloured clothing in winter or even reflective bands so that you can be seen.
- Use pedestrian crossings and pedestrian streets where possible.
- Keep to well lit routes and keep your valuables safe.
It's social so you could walk with your friends and catch up on the latest gossip and enjoy your local environment.
Or you could try cycling. Cycling is a good way to keep you fit and it is 4 times quicker than walking. Why not see if your school offers cycle training so that you can learn how to cycle safely?
