As a student who often has to work late hours or stay on campus until midnight studying, I find myself scared to take public transportation late at night. It can be quite intimidating stepping onto an almost empty bus at 11 p.m. A big concern of mine when taking the bus alone at night is acknowledging that you are one of the only few young women on the bus. In a town like Waterloo, it is important to stay cautious of your surroundings when you are travelling by yourself. Here are some ways you can be careful when taking public transportation late at night.
Take a bus route you are familiar with
When you are travelling late at night it is important to take a bus route you know the schedule of. It is better to avoid taking a bus you are not used to taking. When you are waiting for a bus, stay away from dark bus stops or dark platforms and always double-check the arrival times so you can make sure the bus comes at the right time. If you do miss a bus, have a reliable backup plan beforehand so you know where you can go.
Call someone you know
Something that makes me feel more comfortable when I’m alone on the bus at night is making a phone call. It can help ease your nerves by talking to someone you’re familiar with and it can prevent someone else from trying anything suspicious because the person on the line will instantly be aware if something is wrong. If you don’t have someone to call it’s also a good idea to at least send your roommate or parents a text with your current location and ETA. That way they are aware of your recent location and can find you more easily if something goes wrong.
Download the SafeTrek app
The SafeTrek app is a wonderful creation by Uber that can instantly make you feel safer. The single button on the app works as a trigger that you press and hold down when you feel that you are in danger. The app acts as an alarm and immediately alerts the police to rush to your location. When you feel that the danger has passed you can easily release the button. SafeTrek is a great tool to help relieve your anxiety in times of discomfort.
Stay alert and show confidence
The biggest way to assure your safety is to simply be aware of your surroundings. If you’re someone like me who always has her headphones in to avoid social interactions, it can be quite frightening when you’re in an unfamiliar situation and can’t hear anything around you. Headphones limit your awareness to your surroundings, so a good idea is to have headphones in but not have any music playing. This way you can be conscious of what is happening around you and look less approachable for unwanted communication.
It is important to not get too paranoid when you’re on the bus at night. Stay vigilant and don’t get too overwhelmed by your surroundings. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!