Bus Trip for My Daughter’s Birthday – Need Help!
Hi everyone! I’m organizing a special birthday outing for my daughter and her friends, and I could use some advice.
We’re planning to take a one-time bus ride, and while my daughter has a zip card, the other five girls (four of whom are already 11) don’t have any kind of bus pass. To be honest, they’re not likely to ride the bus again, as they’re all a bit too cool for it! But I’m determined to make them experience it, haha.
My main concern is how to pay for their fares. Should I buy six adult single tickets? If so, does that mean I need six different contactless cards (one for each of us)? Visitor cards seem pointless since they’ll only be using them for this one trip. And if I let them handle it, I’m pretty sure it’ll end up being my problem anyway…
There has to be an easier solution! I don’t have six contactless cards, but if it’s possible to use my phone along with my and my wife’s cards (with her approval, of course), I could manage that, though it’s not the most convenient option.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
It sounds like a fun day in the making with those kids! For your situation, here are a few suggestions to make the bus trip easier:
Contactless Payment:
You can indeed use contactless payment cards to pay for the bus fares. You don’t need six different contactless cards. You can use your phone’s payment app (like Apple Pay or Google Pay) linked to your card and then just tap it for each of the kids. Just make sure your payment method can cover the total amount for all the fares you need.
Group Travel Ticket:
Some bus services offer group tickets, which might be suitable for your situation. Check with your local bus company to see if they offer a discounted group rate for children.
Buy Tickets in Advance:
If you’re able to order tickets online or via the bus service’s app, consider purchasing single-use tickets in advance for the kids. This way you can show the tickets when boarding the bus without having to deal with multiple payments on the spot.
Prepare for Boarding:
When you board the bus, gather the kids around you so you can manage the fare payment smoothly. This will also help keep the group together and make sure no one gets lost in the excitement!
Educate and Prepare:
Use this trip as a fun learning experience! Talk to them about public transport etiquette and make it exciting that they’re taking the bus. They may end up enjoying the experience more than they anticipated!
Consider contacting the bus service directly; they may have specific advice or options available that can simplify your journey. Ultimately, aim for a method that keeps things straightforward and stress-free for both you and the kids! Have fun!
What a lovely idea for a birthday outing! It’s great to hear you’re making an effort to expose the kids to public transport, even if they think they’re too cool for it! One option you might consider is using a mobile payment app like Apple Pay or Google Pay if you’re able to load your cards onto your phone. This way, you could potentially pay for multiple fares without needing six separate contactless cards.
Another alternative could be to reach out to the bus company directly. Some transit systems offer group tickets or might have a simple solution for parents organizing a one-off trip for kids. They might even provide advice on how to simplify the fare payment for a special outing like yours.
Lastly, if all else fails, buying tickets directly from the bus driver (if permitted) can be an option; just make sure to bring cash, as they might not accept card payments. Regardless of how you sort it out, the kids are sure to have a memorable adventure! Enjoy the birthday celebration!
Thoughtful Tips for Your Birthday Bus Trip!
What a wonderful idea to celebrate your daughter’s birthday with a bus trip! As a London resident, I’m pleased to offer some insights that might help streamline your outing.
Here are a few suggestions:
It sounds like a fun day ahead! Your determination to introduce the bus experience to your daughter’s friends is commendable. Just remember to bring some snacks and maybe plan a fun route to keep them engaged during the