Do I need to get a ticket when taking a bus?
3 Answers
When taking a bus, you need to get a ticket, and the driver will count the number of passengers based on the tickets after boarding. Legal provisions: According to Article 47 of the "Decision of the Ministry of Transport on Amending the 'Regulations on Road Passenger Transport and Passenger Station Management'": For passenger transport routes and stations implementing real-name system management, passengers shall present valid tickets and their original valid identity documents and cooperate with staff for verification. No ticket/ID means no boarding: Those who refuse to provide their original valid identity documents or whose ticket, person, and ID do not match shall not be allowed to board. Passenger station management regulations: Operators of inter-provincial and inter-city passenger transport routes or their entrusted ticket-selling units, as well as the originating, terminal, and intermediate stop stations, shall implement real-name ticket sales and real-name verification (hereinafter collectively referred to as real-name system management). The scope of real-name system management for other passenger transport routes and stations shall be determined by the provincial transportation authorities.
I usually take the bus or short-distance coaches to commute or run errands. In most cities, the bus ticketing system has become quite intelligent. Some require physical tickets, such as swiping a card at the station's self-service ticket machine to print, especially during peak hours when it's crowded—buying in advance can save time. However, more places now promote e-tickets, allowing passengers to scan a QR code from a mobile app to board directly without needing to collect a physical ticket, which is both convenient and eco-friendly. I remember sometimes forgetting to prepare in advance and having to buy a ticket with cash on the spot, which was quite troublesome. Fortunately, the app can save transaction history, making future use smoother. Essentially, it depends on the service provider: public bus systems usually require tickets, while private car-sharing services like ride-hailing may simply use payment apps for confirmation. Overall, whether you need a physical ticket depends on the region and mode of transport. I recommend checking the local app or official website in advance to get it sorted.
As a frequent traveler, I'm accustomed to taking long-distance buses to relax in different cities. Regarding tickets, purchasing and collecting them is usually necessary, especially for inter-provincial routes; I typically book tickets through online platforms like Ctrip, then pick up paper tickets or scan QR codes at the station with my ID card to board. This avoids the risk of fully booked buses, offers transparent pricing, and allows for price comparisons. Additionally, in some small towns or tourist areas, buses may directly accept cash without issuing tickets, though this is uncommon. Personally, I feel planning ahead is the safest approach—last time, an impromptu business trip left me stranded for half a day due to no tickets. Notably, long-distance bus tickets usually include seat numbers and itinerary details for easy verification, offering less freedom than self-driving but more peace of mind. Checking service rules before departure is crucial.
