How to travel by bus

A series of bus stops indicated by a pole or a shelter marks the route taken by each bus.

Many stops also have a platform to provide easier access to the bus.

The number of the bus is shown on the front and on the sides of the bus.

This is a stop where two buses may simultaneously let passengers on and off the bus. Double stops can shorten the time the buses are halted, and hence reduce the total time of the route.

A double stop consists of a central section, formed by one or two bus shelters, and two posts that indicate the two different stopping points. These posts indicate number 1 or 2 as applicable.

The first bus reaching the bus stop halts at stopping point 1, as long as this is possible. If another bus arrives when stopping point 1 is occupied, this bus halts and lets on passengers at stopping point 2. The bus that halts at stopping point 2 will not halt again at stopping point 1 and continues its route, except in the case of blind passengers. If a blind passengers wants to get on this bus, it will halt at stopping point 1, even thought it has already stopped at point 2.

If you are waiting at a stop and you see the bus you are waiting for approaching, make a signal with your hand to let the driver know that you would like to board.

As of 14 September, access to buses through the front door has been restored. Drivers can also exchange damaged cards and apply disinfection products after each exchange.

 On buses with four doors (bi-articulated buses and four-door articulated buses) you can enter through the two doors at the front. To get off the bus, use the three rear doors. As on any bus, you should request the stop in advance and, once the bus has stopped, press the button to open the door. Doors close five seconds after the last passenger has alighted; warning of closure is given with an acoustic signal and light.

If you are a wheelchair user or are travelling with a twin buggy, you should ask the driver to activate the ramp. If you use the ramp you will enter and leave the bus through the same door, the one that has a ramp (the front door on a bi-articulated bus and the second one on other buses with more than one door).

If the bus has made its stop and is pulling away, the driver is under no obligation to open the doors again.

As part of its commitment to universal accessibility, TMB has developed technological support tools for people with disabilities. Find out more in the Innovation and Projects section.

Remember that it is compulsory to validate the transport card at the machine. In order to allow access to other passengers and to save time at the stops, you should have your pass ready.

If you do not have a ticket, you can buy a single bus ticket with the TMB App.

On the double-articulated buses, you can also buy single bus tickets from the sales machine inside the vehicle. These ticket machines have a functionality that allows the blind to buy single tickets and have contactless technology for easy payment.

Remember you can also purchase single tickets (valid for both the metro and buses) from the ticket machines around the metro network and that there are also ticket machines at different bus stops.

Move up inside the bus towards the rear, where you may be able to find a seat. Do not stand at the door, as you will prevent other passengers from boarding.

Each bus has a number of seats reserved for the elderly, pregnant women and passengers with reduced mobility. These groups should always be given priority access to seating.

Passengers travelling in a wheelchair must use the safety belt provided. The chair should be positioned facing in the opposite direction to the direction of travel, leaning against the support provided for this purpose and with the brakes on.

If you are travelling with a baby in a buggy, carry the baby and fold the buggy. If you cannot fold it, place it in the space intended for wheelchairs, if it is not occupied, and put the brake on.

When the bus is approaching the stop where you want to get off, you should let the driver know by pressing the red button.

Remember you should leave the bus by the rear door.

If you have a pram or buggy with you, it's best if you get off first, that way it will be easier to get the pram off.

If there is an incident or you need help, tell the driver. On bi-articulated buses you can contact him via the intercom.

The driver will contact the Traffic Regulation Centre (CRT), which will record the basic details of the person affected (symptoms, approximate age) and connect the call with external health services, who will carry out a first assessment, based on which the most suitable medical team will be dispatched.