Is it acceptable to flag down a bus that is between stops?

Question

Being spoiled by automobiles, I must brave the bus system for the first time. I have to walk a few blocks to a stop, though I have three possible routes that'll take me to where I need.

In walking to the stop, it's possible to pass by a bus that is following one of the routes I need. Is it good etiquette to flag the bus down and have it stop in mid-travel to pick me up? Or should I just continue hoofing it to the stop and wait for the next scheduled stop?

I just don't want to commit a bus faux pas.

Answer 1

it's not a faux pas, it's just not do-able. the driver can't keep his schedule that way.

i've often seen the bus driver pick up someone if he's waiting at a red light, but never seen him stop for someone flagging him down.

Answer 2

I doubt the driver will stop in between scheduled stops. He's not a taxi. Go to the bus stop before the bus gets there and get on like everyone else.

Answer 3

No it is not acceptable because the bus is on a time schedule. What your going to have to do is get out of your house a little earlier giving you time to make it to the bus stop. Now can you flag down the bus between stops...you sure can and it is entirely up to the bus driver if he/she will stop and pick you up or not. If you don't get picked up you can't get mad because they don't have to. But if you do get picked up make sure you thank him/her.

Answer 4

Don't worry about etiquette. Try it. If the bus stops for you, you're OK. If it doesn't, it doesn't. If it does stop and the driver yells at you, don't do it again. My guess is the driver isn't allowed to pick up passengers in between stops for safety and reasons as well as for keeping on schedule.

Answer 5

Depends on the driver, most of the time they will stop for you, but there is allways some jerk driving that can care less.