by Rachelle de Bretagne

Created on: March 24, 2007   Last Updated: February 28, 2011

Missing the bus can be a disaster, although with a little planning, it really doesn't have to be. One of the ways of safeguarding yourself against that awful moment when you realize that the bus that just left was the one you were supposed to be on is planning. It may sound simplistic, though if you know the route that the bus will take, this is half the battle.

Stuck in this very situation, and knowing which route the bus was taking, got me back on track. The itinerary of the bus is usually quite easy to obtain through the travel operator. The times of departure are always given to those going on excursions, and being prudent and leaving yourself enough time doesn't always give you the result you need. The problem is that around any corner, you could be faced with traffic, or some kind of obstacle that slows your progress.

Detail is everything. Presumably the tour has a guide, and getting the phone number of the guide is a great idea as well as being prepared with your portable phone, so you can put swift action into play, telephoning the guide and making them aware that you are on your way can alert the bus, and they will tell you how to re-join the bus somewhere down the line.

If you know the itinerary of the bus, follow the trail the bus takes. Never be so anxious to catch the bus that your driving is dangerous, although most bus drivers are very aware of traffic around them. In my case, it was around two kilometers before the coach driver realized that I was signaling for him to stop.

Timing is important, though putting your life in danger by driving recklessly really isn't worth it. If the bus has gone, and you have no itinerary or means to get in touch with the bus guide, the next best thing that you can do is to go to the office of the bus company, and nicely explain your predicament.

Don't demand. Just explain in as pleasant a way as possible, and chances are that they will give you a ticket for a future tour in exchange for that missed trip. People make mistakes, and addressing it in a pleasant manner will get you further than rudeness.

Perhaps next time you won't miss that bus and you will have learned something from the experience. The important thing is that even if you miss that bus, there will always be another one. It isn't the end of the world.

If you cannot reach the bus at any of the given stops along its route, contact the bus company and ask for an alternative, as they will come up with another bus which will take you to your destination.

Now where did I put that ticket ?

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