Types of tickets for public transportation.
According to the APTA (American Public Transportation Association), people in the US save over 1.4 million gallons of gasoline per year by using public transportation such as light rail, trolleys and buses. Traveling by public transport isn't the most glamorous option, but it can save you a lot of money and wear and tear on your vehicle.
When deciding what kind of public transportation to use, figure out about how much money you will save. Factor in parking and fuel fees, the wear and tear to your car, and other things. The Sierra Club provides a handy tool on their website that calculates how much money one can save by using the various forms of public transportation.
Get a map of local transportation routes, as well as a schedule of arrival and departure times. These are readily available at transport stations, or they can be downloaded at the appropriate website. Some of those websites offer a trip planner that provides a map when a starting and destination address are entered.
Map out the most efficient route possible, and determine which mode of transport offers the best schedule based on your commuting needs. Choose an early departure time the first few times you use mass transit, to avoid being late. Doing so will allow you to familiarize yourself with the use of the service, and ensure that you have enough time to arrive at your destination after you leave the station.
An important consideration when choosing public transportation is what kind of ticketing system it uses. On buses, cash can often be used, but on trains, subways and other rail systems, electronic or paper tickets must be validated. Sometimes, discounts can be had when fares are bought in bulk or by the month. If you are disabled, elderly, a student, or a city employee, you may be eligible for a discount as well.
You also need to find out if transfers are included in your public transportation ticket price. If traveling locally, you might need to take a bus from the rail station to your ultimate destination. The transit policy of the city you're in may allow for transfers and rail rides to be made on the same ticket.