Portland is a city where you can easily roam around, walking or using public transport. You need not have a car to drive you around. Apart from the rail that runs the city has a pretty decent bus service which is highly popular. However you need a fair idea of where you are and your destination.

The most vital safety tip while on a bus in Portland is to carry with you a map of the city, just in case you get confused about where you are.Buy an extensive map the TriMet store in Pioneer Square.

You can purchase bus tickets once on board and mostly the cost varies between $2, $2.30. Make sure you carry exact change with you. They only accept cash in the exact amount. Do not throw away the ticket during the journey. You might need to show it to an officer if you change lines. An extensive system map is available for a small cost from the TriMet store in Pioneer Square.

While it is fairly safe to travel by the bus in the city(excluding certain North Portland neighborhoods), a rise in crime level beckons you to be on your guard and cautious.

While travelling, try to keep to yourself unless with company. If possible travel with one or more people. No one bothers a group. If however you find yourself alone on a ride, do not worry and just keep quiet. Though you might find people with differing opinions on board,try not disagreeing or arguing with them, to save unnecessary fighting. Avoid eye contact with such people too.

Some passengers might indulge in drugs or alcohol. Try and avoid them and if they come up to you, politely decline.

Greater Portland Metro Bus

http://www.gpmetrobus.com/

Portland Vacation Information

http://www.travelportland.com/

The city of Portland

http://www.portlandonline.com/

Trimet Public Transportation

http://trimet.org/

Commuting by bus in Portland can not only be easy on your pocket but also gives you a unique way to see the city. You realize you see so much more on your bus travels; Portland has an exceptional bus system.

Frequent Service buses:

These are buses that come by every fifteen minutes or so, practically working throughout the day and into the night. Schedules for such lines aren't available because of their very frequency. Those waiting for these buses can even call 503-238-RIDE to find out when the next one's due. This is the primary line of buses used by the people of Portland.

http://trimettv.org/bus/frequentservice.htm

Schedules and Maps:

Tourists unsure about the schedule of the various lines can access the information by clicking on this website:

http://trimet.org/schedules/buslines.htm Click on each line to see what areas it travels to as well as its weekly schedule.

Discounts:

Those over the age of 65, people with disabilities and Medicare members can avail a 50% discount. Seats are also especially reserved for everyone falling in these categories. Aides or attendants accompanying qualifying individuals don't pay any bus fare.

http://trimettv.org/fares/honoredcitizen.htm Discounts are also given to youth aged between 7 and 17.

Ticket validity:

Tickets can be bought for a period of two-hours to a day, a week, a fortnight, as well as half a month, a month and a year.

http://trimet.org/fares/index.htm

It is easy enough to travel around Portland on your most awaited vacation. In addition, if you are having second thoughts because your budget is too tight, there is something else that you can do about it and that is, to ride a bus. Although you will not have the luxury of having someone to pick you up and drive you around the city and the country all day, riding a bus is convenient enough and primarily, it is a lot cheaper that renting a limousine. Here are a few guidelines that may help you:

1. Be Knowledgeable About the Routes of the Bus Services

One helpful tip is to search the Internet for local maps as part your guide to travel in Portland, Oregon. There are several legitimate websites that even includes distinctions between national highways, exits and shortcuts. After identifying the routes around the city, choose the best bus service and rely on their availability, rates and timeliness, this way, it will not get in the way of your other plans. These may help in being familiar with the bus lines and their routes and knowing which locations will be best to wait for it to come. So, before you hop on the bus, visit these suggested websites below:

http://trimet.org/schedules/index.htm

http://www.portlandmaps.com/

2. Bring Change

For your plan to travel in Portland, Oregon, budget is probably the first thing you will establish. After booking a flight and a reservation for your hotel, do not forget to bring your change with you and pay rightfully for the fare.

http://trimet.org/schedules/index.htm

http://www.southportland.org/index.asp