Many of you might hate taking the bus. Some of you might want to take the bus. You might think they are always full and unreliable. I take the bus every time I have to travel in the city. Nothing should stop you from taking the bus. to make most of the city buses in Hyderabad, Read for a few minutes. #Please.
Choose your bus wisely
TSRTC operates 6 brands of buses in Hyderabad and some routes have almost of them running parallel. Choose your bus wisely. Don’t board ordinary buses for long distance journeys. They will only make your travel time longer. Don’t board Deluxe buses for short distances. You will end up spending more.
Choose a better route
Don’t board long distance suburban buses for short trips. Chances are they will get busy by the time you have to get off the bus. Always board a city bus on a shorter route. It is always better if your stop is closer to the destination, you don’t have to fight to get off the bus.
Consider you are traveling from Khairatabad to Koti, board a 218 terminating at Koti instead of a 218D which terminates at Dilsukhnagar. Buses on route no 218 start getting empty after Lakdikapul whereas buses on 218D start getting full at the same place.
Wait for the direct bus
Changing buses in peak hours is painful sometimes. Avoid doing that. Wait for the direct bus. Board bus at the start point if they are full.
If you are traveling back home from Hitec City to Dilsukhnagar, don't be lured by the occasional empty 127K. It is painful to transfer at Koti in the evenings. Wait for 127K/V instead. Board the bus at Kondapur if you think it will be busy by the time it reaches Hitec City.
Wait for the next bus
Some routes are served frequently. In such cases, let the first bus go. Wait for the next one. That one might not be as busy. You’ll travel in peace.
Say you are traveling from Dilsukhnagar to Ramnagar, don’t hop on the first 107V/R if it is busy. Wait for the next one. That one might not be as busy.
Don't wait for the direct bus
There is always more than one way to travel. Look for alternatives. Be prepared to change buses more than once. You'll save time.
Consider you have to go back to your home in Dilsukhnagar from Masabtank. Don't wait for any of the direct buses or attempt to make a transfer at Koti. Take a 63B mini to Afzalgunj and transfer into a 72J there. Both are frequent. Both avoid congested roads.
Shortest route is not always the quickest
Few routes may look shorter than others on paper but they are not always quick. Make your own judgments about traffic, board a bus that’ll take you to your destination quicker.
Say you have to reach Apollo Hospitals in Banjarahills from Koti. Take the 127K/Z if you can. They take a longer route via road no 10 when compared to the regular 127K on road no 12 but reach Apollo earlier.
Never board at 2nd or 3rd stop of a bus (in peak hours)
Say you have to travel from Dwaraka Nagar/Kothapet to Hitec city for work and are waiting for the bus at Dwaraka Nagar, chances are the bus is going to come full. Board a 222L going towards LB Nagar and continue in the same. You'll get a seat. Trust me it is worth duplicating the trip up to 20 mins when your travel time is more than an hour
Travel light but don't worry if you have luggage
It is always good to travel light but what if you have to carry a big package to work or you are shifting Hostel (may be ). Observe the buses. Almost all of them have safe spots to dump your luggage.
Always have a bus pass
If you are a frequent traveler in the bus It is a No brainer that you should buy a pass. If you travel once in awhile buy the 24-hour pass. You will save money. Moreover, Bus passes let you make all the journeys in peace and make transfers hassle free.
Never lose the ticket
Don’t panic if you forget your luggage in the bus. Bus number, depot name and driver/ conductor’s employee IDs are printed on your ticket. If you are traveling by a bus pass remember to at least make a note of the depot name. It is always painted on the front and rear next to destination board. Call the depot manager and they will coordinate with the driver/ conductor to find your luggage.
Be nice to the crew
If you travel regularly on one particular bus chances are the crew is same every day. Talk to them, exchange numbers. They will keep you updated about the service.
Bonus Tip: Know your territory
None of the tips I mentioned earlier will work if you don't know your territory. It will help make your journeys better. Nothing should make you not take the bus. Understand the network and make the most of it.
Happy journey!
Written by Ratnam with inputs from Revanth
