Students often use the bus for a daily commutes and further travel. So, a good chunk of the student budget is spent on transportation. There are ways to decrease waste and save money for fun and entertainment with friends. Your only task is to study the peculiarities of bus services in your area and select the top beneficial and worth-of-price way to commute. Read on to make the right decision and buy the best bus pass if you need one.
Do You Really Need a Bus Pass
The best option to travel by bus on a budget is claimed to be a bus pass. You pay in advance a set amount of money and get the right to use the bus services of a particular transport company in specific areas and either a limited or unlimited number of trips. But do you really need a bus pass? Maybe, it is worthier to pay for a professional assignment writing service or spend fun weekends instead. Study the options and make the right choice:
- Alternative ways to commute - discover whether a bus is the cheapest way to move around the city. There are still trams, underground trains, and river transport, which may be cheaper in some cities than traveling by bus.
- No need for public transport - consider that you can always commute by walking, running, or cycling. This way, you will cover the distance entirely free and add to your physical health as well.
- Special privileges - mind that you may count on some privileges if you have physical or mental disabilities. Ask your student coordinator or institution administration about the possibility to get a free or discounted ride considering the conditions.
- Student discounts - some universities and colleges have their own bus services, which offer passes at considerable discounts to their students. Catch such a benefit if there is some.
If you still hesitate, about whether you need a bus pass or not, take into account the cost of the pass as the deciding factor. Count the average number of rides you take monthly and divide the cost of the pass on them. If the price is smaller than the one for pay-and-go services, then you’d better get a pass.
How to Select the Best Bus Pass
If you are a determined bus traveler and ready to buy a pass, you’d better opt for the best services. So, here are the things to mention when deciding on the best suitable bus pass:
- Academic year pass - the best option is an academic year pass. Although you have to spend quite a sum here and now, it will be much cheaper in the end. In addition, you will not have to worry about spendings on transportation throughout the whole year.
- Term pass - if an academic year pass is unavailable, the following preferred variant to look for is a term pass. This means you will have a right to travel only in study time with no need to care about unnecessary fares available during the holidays.
- Special offers - companies often try to attract new customers with huge discounts. If the quality of their services is acceptable, so why not get the use of the bargain?
- Area coverage - when choosing the best pass, consider zones or will cover. While in smaller towns, you will be able to commute around the town and even to the suburbs. But in the larger cities, you will travel by bus only in the passing zone. So care that the chosen pass will cover the route between your home and the university along with your most visited spots.
- A number of travels - different companies have different policies regarding the number of journeys you can perform with one pass. Some companies have a set number of trips available while others grant you unlimited trips but at specific hours.
- Cost - aim at the corresponding price-quality correlation. Realize that if you go after the cheapest pass, the quality of services and pack available will be appropriate. So, it is better to get something in the middle.
- Quality of services - check out the services proposed by the company. The state of transport, identification services, payment means, insurance, and other minor details have a significant effect on the comfort and safety of your bus trip.
All in all, you may read the reviews and recommendation lists on different sources, then try out the services of some top suitable bus companies personally, so that you can make the best possible choice in the end.
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