Swindon’s Bus Company along with charity Bus Users has produced 11 tips to #BeBusSavy.

The 11 pieces of advice aim to improve bus journeys and encourage more people to take public transport trips.

Ordered in the style of an average bus journey, the first tip is to pay attention and look out for your bus.

The company said: “Keep an eye our for your bus and monitor any real-time information.

“When a bus approaches, signal clearly whether you want to board or not, a wasted stop takes up valuable travel time.”

Other tips include forming an orderly queue as well as having ticket or money ready before boarding the bus.

If a bus is particularly busy, the company recommends to sit down as quickly as possible, try not to fill up the aisles and to give priority to customers who need it.

One of the things most often seen on busses is people putting their bags on seats, but Swindon’s Bus Company has warned against this.

It said: “Putting your coat or bags on a spare seat in an empty bus is fine. But if the bus is filling up, don’t wait to be asked to move your belongings.”

The company advises to listen and look out for your stop and get ready to leave the bus, while at the same time thanking the driver.

Here is the list of tips in full:

1. Pay attention at bus stops and look out for your bus

Keep an eye out for your bus and monitor any real-time information. When a bus approaches, signal clearly whether you want to board or not – a wasted stop takes up valuable travel time. If you have a mobility issue or a visual impairment, use and check our mobile app or website and stand near the front of the stop so the driver can see you.

2. Form an orderly queue

When your bus arrives, give people the space to get off and wait your turn to board. People with mobility issues, hidden disabilities or mental health issues may struggle, so give everyone the time and space to board safely. Don't forget you can take advantage of our Helping Hand scheme if you need extra assistance.

3. Have your ticket or money ready before you board

You can save time by having your ticket or payment ready, and holding your pass flat on the card reader. If someone does hold up the queue, be patient – you have no idea what they might be dealing with and getting angry or irritated won’t help. Don't forget that using our mobile app or contactless card to pay for your fare can be quicker.

4. Sit down as quickly as possible

Our drivers wait until customers are seated before moving off, so make your way directly to a seat when you board. If you see someone struggling, offer to help if you feel able to.

5. Don't clog up the aisles

If you have to stand for your journey, make sure there’s a clear path to the door for people trying to board or exit. If you have luggage, don’t leave it unattended in a wheelchair space.

6. Give priority to customers who need it

If you’re in a priority seat, or you have a seat on a crowded bus, make sure you offer it to anyone who looks like they may need it. Some needs are hidden, so if you’re asked to give up your seat and you’re able to move, please move.

7. Keep your belongings (and feet) off seats

Putting your coat or bags on a spare seat in an empty bus is fine. But if the bus is filling up, don’t wait to be asked to move your belongings. Keeping your feet off the seats will also be cleaner and safer for other customers to sit on.

8. Keep smelly food to yourself and bin your rubbish

Avoid anything likely to impact other passengers, like listening to loud music or talking loudly on the phone, watching videos with inappropriate content or eating strong-smelling food. Don't forget to take your litter with you or use our on-board bins.

9. Listen and look out for your bus stop announcement

Most of our buses now have next stop audio visual announcements. When you see your stop announced as the next stop, be prepared to move but not until it is safe to do so.

10. Get ready to get off

Ring the bell, just once, as far in advance of your stop as is practical. When the bus stops, exit quickly but safely and if you can, offer to help other customers if you think they may need it.

11. Thank your driver

Driving a bus is a demanding job - dealing with congestion and sometimes irate customers whilst sticking to a timetable can be stressful. Saying thank you is a small gesture that makes a big difference.