How do you take the bus?

Question

Im taking the bus to school tommorow and it is my first time using the bus. I wrote the schedule down for departure and arrival and a map just in case. What should I know about the bus schedules because i hear sometimes they arrive late and do you pay when you get on the bus or when you get off, with coins only or cash only or both? Also do you press a button when you want the bus to stop? thanks by the way this in the long beach are and fullerton area.

Answer 1

usually you pay as you board the bus,  

then as your stop comes you pull a cord or tell the operator

Answer 2

Is it OCTA or Long Beach Transit or something else?  For OCTA, you pay when you get on (keep exact change ready, they don't make change) and you can buy a day pass when you get on as well.  You pull the little cord by the window when you want the driver to stop at the next stop.  

Check the agency's website, they usually have details.  And just ask someone if you're not sure.  People riding the bus often have nothing to do, so they're more than willing to talk.