Category: Quick Guide / Transportation

⚡ Staying Safe While Waiting for Transportation

Whether you are waiting for a bus, train, taxi, rideshare, paratransit vehicle, or someone you know, choose a safe location and continue paying attention to your surroundings.

If the area becomes unsafe, move to a better location and update the person or company picking you up.

1. Choose a Safe Place to Wait

Whenever possible, wait somewhere that is:

• Well lit
• Open to the public
• Visible to other people
• Away from moving traffic
• Near employees, security, or other passengers
• Protected from dangerous weather
• Accessible for your needs
• Close enough to see your transportation arrive

Safer options may include:

• Designated bus shelter
• Station waiting room
• Staffed information area
• Rideshare pickup zone
• Hotel lobby
• Library
• Grocery store
• Pharmacy
• Restaurant
• Hospital entrance
• Open business

If the official waiting area feels unsafe, move to a nearby staffed location. Tell the driver or dispatcher exactly where you will be.

2. Stay Away From Traffic

While waiting:

• Remain on the sidewalk.
• Stand behind safety lines on train platforms.
• Stay out of driveways and traffic lanes.
• Watch for vehicles backing out of parking spaces.
• Use marked crosswalks.
• Keep children and pets close.
• Wait for the vehicle to stop before approaching.

Do not step into the road to look for a bus or run through traffic because your ride has arrived.

3. Stay Aware

Continue noticing:

• Vehicles approaching
• People nearby
• Station announcements
• Service changes
• Available exits
• Open businesses
• Weather conditions
• Your belongings
• Anything that makes you uncomfortable

Keep headphones low enough to hear traffic and announcements. Consider using only one earbud.

Look up from your phone regularly.

4. Keep Your Phone Ready

Use your phone to:

• Check arrival times
• Receive service alerts
• Contact the driver
• Verify a rideshare vehicle
• Call someone you trust
• Access your ticket
• Arrange another ride
• Call emergency services

To preserve the battery:

• Turn on battery-saver mode.
• Lower the screen brightness.
• Close unused apps.
• Avoid streaming video.
• Screenshot tickets and directions.
• Carry a portable charger.

Do not leave your phone unattended while charging.

5. Tell Someone Your Plan

For an unfamiliar, late-night, or longer trip, tell someone you trust:

• Where you are waiting
• What transportation you are using
• When it should arrive
• When you expect to reach your destination

You might send:

I’m waiting for the 8:15 bus at Main Street and Central Avenue. I’ll text you when I get on.

If transportation is delayed:

My train is delayed, but I’m safe inside the station. I’ll send another update in 20 minutes.

Share your live location only with someone you trust. Do not post publicly that you are waiting alone.

6. Keep Your Belongings Close

• Keep bags closed.
• Wear backpacks securely.
• Place your wallet in a front or zippered pocket.
• Keep identification and payment cards out of sight.
• Place luggage beside or in front of you.
• Do not ask strangers to watch valuables.
• Check the waiting area before leaving.

Keep medication, keys, identification, mobility equipment, and your phone with you.

7. Limit Personal Information

You do not need to tell a stranger:

• Your full name
• Home address
• Phone number
• Destination
• Daily schedule
• Whether you are traveling alone
• Where you work
• Financial information
• Passwords or verification codes

You can say:

I’m not comfortable sharing that.

I’m waiting for someone.

I need some space, please.

Move toward employees, security, or other passengers if someone will not leave you alone.

8. Verify Every Hired Vehicle

Before entering a taxi, rideshare, or scheduled vehicle:

• Confirm the driver’s name.
• Compare the license plate.
• Check the vehicle’s make, model, and color.
• Ask whom the driver is picking up.
• Confirm the trip in the official app or with dispatch.
• Check for required company identification.

Do not enter if the information does not match.

Do not accept an unrequested ride from someone claiming to be a replacement driver.

9. Wait Safely for a Rideshare

• Remain inside until the driver is close.
• Use the designated pickup area.
• Follow the vehicle in the app.
• Verify the driver and vehicle.
• Stay out of traffic lanes.
• Keep payment inside the official app.
• Do not ride with a driver who canceled the trip in the app.

If the driver asks you to move somewhere isolated, cancel the ride and request another driver.

10. Wait Safely for a Bus or Train

At a bus stop:

• Confirm the route and direction.
• Wait away from the curb.
• Remain visible to the driver.
• Have your fare or pass ready.
• Wait for the bus to stop before approaching.

At a train station:

• Remain behind the platform safety line.
• Stay away from the tracks.
• Keep belongings out of walkways.
• Follow station announcements.
• Do not enter restricted areas.

If something falls onto train tracks, notify an employee. Do not retrieve it yourself.

11. Protect Yourself From the Weather

Move indoors or under appropriate shelter during:

• Extreme heat
• Extreme cold
• Heavy rain
• Snow or ice
• Lightning
• Strong wind
• Poor air quality

If dangerous weather makes waiting unsafe, contact the transportation provider and arrange another option.

Keep essential medication and medical supplies with you.

12. Move if the Area Becomes Unsafe

Change locations if:

• The area becomes empty or poorly lit.
• A station or business is closing.
• Someone is making you uncomfortable.
• Weather becomes dangerous.
• Emergency activity begins nearby.
• You are too close to traffic.
• Transportation has been significantly delayed.

Tell the driver, dispatcher, or someone you trust where you moved.

Do not remain in an unsafe place simply because it is the official stop.

13. If Someone Is Harassing or Following You

Move toward:

• Employees
• Security
• Other passengers
• Police
• A staffed business

You can say:

That person is following me and making me feel unsafe. Can I wait here while I call for help?

Call 911 if you believe you are in immediate danger.

Do not lead someone who is following you to your home, workplace, or another private location.

14. If Transportation Does Not Arrive

1. Stay in or move to a safe location.
2. Check the official app or service alerts.
3. Contact the driver, dispatcher, or provider.
4. Tell someone you trust.
5. Check your backup option.
6. Protect your phone battery.
7. Decide how long it is safe to wait.

Do not remain alone at a dark or isolated stop indefinitely.

Quick Waiting-Safely Checklist

• Wait somewhere well lit and visible.
• Remain away from traffic and platform edges.
• Keep your phone charged and accessible.
• Tell someone where you are.
• Keep bags, identification, keys, and medication close.
• Avoid sharing personal information.
• Verify every driver and vehicle.
• Move if the location becomes unsafe.
• Arrange a backup if transportation does not arrive.
• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.

Related Guides

• Staying Safe While Waiting for Transportation
• Traveling Safely at Night
• Using Taxis & Rideshare Services
• Understanding Bus Routes, Stops & Schedules
• Understanding Trains, Subways & Transfers
• Accessible Transportation & Paratransit Basics
• What to Do When Transportation Is Delayed or Canceled
• What to Do When You Feel Lost or Stranded
• Asking for Help When You Need It
• Speaking Up for Yourself
• When Is It an Emergency?
• Calling 911 & Explaining the Emergency

Helpful Resources: Browse Rain & Wet Weather for products, equipment, services, or supplies related to this section.