Mistakes to avoid when you're new to public transport

Using public transport is quick to learn, but a few mistakes keep coming up for beginners. The good news is they're all easy to avoid with a bit of planning.

The most common traps

The first mistake: not checking the last departure time. The second: leaving with a dead phone battery when your route app depends on it. The third: forgetting that a connection can mean a few minutes' walk between two stops.

Another classic: going the wrong direction. Two opposite platforms lead to two opposite directions, so always take a second to read the signs. A quick glance saves you a detour of several minutes.

Finally, don't overlook public holidays and weekends, when schedules change. What works on a weekday can differ on a Sunday. Check, and you'll never end up stranded at an empty stop.