In any field of endeavour, there are rules and regulations — words you must live by if you are to make a success of it. These rules serve as guidelines. Without them you would be lost in a maze of options leading to strange places.
The act of booking a bus online is no different. There are certain do and don’ts that lead and safeguard all who follow it. Here are some dos and don'ts of booking a bus online in Nigeria.
1.Never look at just one bus ticket price online.
Variety is the spice of life. Since we generally love to have many good options, there is no reason not to look at as many good bus ticket options as possible before you settle for one. An easy way to do this is to use the Transita platform. With Transita, you can find many good bus companies who have tickets for sale and pick the best and most affordable one.
2.Make sure the company whose platform you are using is trustworthy and known.
In the online world, trust is everything. Use only registered companies when looking for an interstate bus ticket online. Remember to check for Google reviews and other forms of social proof too.
3.Don’t book on websites without the security icon.
The security icon - the tiny padlock icon you see in front of the URL - is a sign that whatever website you are on is secure. It is also a signal that your debit card details are safe. At the same time, don’t give more information than is necessary. Enter your card number, pin, and CVV number in the usual places as required. No responsible website will ask for more than that from you.
4.Always tell your immediate family members about your travel plans.
We know some people are afraid or superstitious about telling others their travel plans. But your family members should at least know your whereabouts, right? I thought so too. This is for your own safety and for the peace of mind of those that care about you. The booking and buying may be digital but informing them can be physical. I hope you get the drift.
5.When paying online, always include travel insurance.
People pay car insurance, life insurance, and health insurance. Many forget that travel insurance is also important. If you care about yourself and your loved ones, you won’t mind paying a few hundred naira for travel insurance.
6.Use verified apps to book and make payment if you can.
Verified apps are apps found on either the Google PlayStore or App Store. They go through checks before they are allowed on either platform. Take a look at the reviews of the app too. This will help you decide whether the app is worth using.
7.Don’t book in a hurry. Take your time to avoid mistakes.
Haste can be necessary sometimes. But when it comes to booking a bus ticket online, don’t be in too much of a hurry. You don’t want to book a ticket to the wrong destination, do you? You also want to get the most suitable ticket, departure time, and pick up point. These things are easier to get right when you take your time.
8.Don’t forget to pick a convenient departure time and pickup point.
We can’t stress this enough. There are options for all these on the Transita platform, I can’t say the same for others. If there is a more convenient pickup point and departure time, don’t hesitate to choose it. For example, if you are going from Lagos to Abuja, there is a specific departure time and pickup point.
9.Don’t go to your favourite bus company platforms. Instead, choose one that aggregates the interstate bus company platforms.
It is easy to go to the website or app of your favourite interstate bus company. But it is better to go to a platform like Transita where you get a collection of interstate bus companies and their bus routes. Once you have done that, you can easily make your choice based on your budget, schedule and other factors.
10.Don’t forget to check for an email or SMS to confirm your booking.
The moment you book your interstate bus ticket online, you will get an SMS or email confirming the successful booking. Check for this before you settle into other activities. The last thing you want is a bus ticket that exists only in your mind.
