How to travel by 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.

Dual destination lines finsh at two different destinations. This means that the place they start is the same, but some buses follow the complete route (longer), while others take shorter trajectory and the route finishes a few stops earlier. This way of working allows the line to gain commercial speed.

On the front of the bus, an illuminated sign identifies the line number and the destination. Before getting on, check the information on the front of the bus to make sure that it is going as far as your stop. This dual-destination operation is planned for working days. At the weekends and on bank holidays, there is only one destination, that which corresponds to the longest route.

Currently, the bus routes with a dual destination are H6 and V13.

Once you're at a bus stop, use your hand to signal to the approaching bus and make sure its driver sees you:  they will switch on the bus’s indicator light. 

Drivers can only open bus doors at bus stops, because of safety regulations.

If a bus has just left its stop, do not run up to it or knock on its door. Wait at the stop for the next bus.

Keep a safe distance with the road at the stop and do not wait for the bus at the end of the sidewalk. The rearview mirror can hit you. To avoid this, the vehicle will have to stop further and this will make it difficult for other people to access.

On 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).

As part of its commitment to universal accessibility, TMB App incorporates a functionality that makes it easier for visually impaired people to access the bus.

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.

As your bus approaches the stop you want to get off at, you should request the stop in advance, by pressing the red button.  Make sure the ‘Requested Stop’ notice lights up.

Request your stop giving the bus driver enough time to brake and stop gently.

Remember to get off from the bus’s back doors.

If you have a pram with you, you are advised to get off before the pram. That way it's easier to get it off the bus.

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.