Most of the travellers who have gone to Rome will surely tell you that the cheapest way to explore Rome is through taking the Rome bus. This form of public transportation is also a way to orient yourself about the city before really going to the sites you have planned to visit. But how?
Here are the steps you should take before riding any Rome bus:
1. Find a Rome map. Today may not be the era of compass or even maps. But you’ll find it really helpful to get yourself a map.
You can get a map for about $1 at any parking lot of the Rome buses or at the main train station. This map will not show you the actual routes. It only uses a certain matrix to show you how to get to some tourist sites in Rome.
For about $4, you can get better information than that. You can buy the Roma in Metro-Bus at any newsstands. It has a complete list of routes and the stops of each bus, night bus, and subway.
2. Get a ticket. You can purchase your tickets from the tobacconists or tabaccaio. You can easily tell that it’s already the tobacconists with the black and white “T” sign.
Newspaper kiosks and ATAC booths also sell bus tickets.
Some things you should keep in mind before riding the bus:
The Rome bus ticket must undergo validation before the next bus stop. Just place the ticket in a validating machine at the rear portion of the bus.
You should always have your validated ticket because some uniformed controller will check that. If you present no validated ticket, you’ll not only be embarrassed but you’ll also pay a fine about $8 to $40.
Rome natives may seem not to have validated their tickets. These people have a weekly or monthly passes that do not require any validation.
Any excuses why you don’t have a ticket are usually unbelievable for the controllers’ eyes.
Rome buses must be boarded from their rear door. Only the elderly, handicapped, or those with passes should use the front door.
Use the middle doors of the bus when exiting.
You must request a stop through pressing one of the red buttons located near the windows or doors.
Politely get your way through a crowd by saying, “permesso.”
Rome has a lot of skilful pickpockets. Better have your passport photocopied and leave your valuables in your hotel safe. Bring only enough money or one credit card, if possible.
Avoid taking the Rome bus on rush hours. The seating space on many Rome buses is limited only to 20 while there is a standing room for around 100 passengers. But this is usually pushed to the limit during rush hours so better ride Rome buses between 2pm and 6pm, when most Romans are inside.
You don’t want to look stupid or be embarrassed in Rome. So better equip yourself with these information that you will surely find useful while in Rome. Being a smart traveller will certainly aid you to an enjoyable and less-stressful Rome exploration.
