When I say public transportation I mean the bus, of course, because that's what we've got. I am not going to address the Tram today, because that has its own set of rules.
In General:
1. You buy your tickets at the "Tabacchin" (look for the big sign with a T outside) or at some Edicolas (kiosks where you can buy magazines and the newspapers). Generally you must buy your tickets in the morning because that is when these people are open. There are some that are open in the afternoon, but chances are you will not find one when you are looking for one, so buy ahead.
Note: The bus driver will not sell you tickets. If you find yourself on a bus with no ticket, you can either
A) Risk it and hope you don't get caught or
B) Ask someone to give you a space on their ticket and you give them some money.
Both situations make you feel really stupid and terrible. Not recommended.
If you are a regular bus rider, you can also buy a yearly pass. That is what I do. It's pretty expensive, but much more convenient. You save in the long run if you take the bus every day.
When I buy for my daughter I buy 4 bus tickets with 10 rides each just so I don't have to bother thinking about bus tickets very often.
Update: You can now actually buy bus tickets with an app on your phone. Cutting edge stuff for Trieste Trasporti!!
2. You enter the bus through the FRONT door or the BACK door. You exit through the MIDDLE.
The exception to this is when the bus is super packed full. Then you can get on in the middle (people will hate you for it, but it is permissible).You can also exit the front or the back doors in these cases.
3. When there are two seats next to each other, the preferred seat is the one on the aisle because you don't have to crawl over anyone to get off. It takes a special kind of courage to ask that person to MOVE OUT OF THE WAY so you can get the empty window seat next to them, you will find the courage, just wait.
4. If you are travelling to the end of the line, do take the window seat. Otherwise you will have to move your knees about 100 times for people to get past you to take that empty seat by the window.
5. Most people give up their seat for older people and people with motor problems. You should too. There is nothing worse than seeing a bunch of hobbly people standing up while teenagers take up all the seats.
6. People with a lot of free time should avoid taking the bus during rush hour, especially if you want to avoid the situation from point 5.
7. On a crowded bus, it is customary to take off your damn backpack and put it on the floor between your legs. This goes for students as well as tourists.
8. Please don't talk on the phone when you are on the bus. You can answer an emergency call, but no chiacchiere please!
9. People with strollers can now leave them open and get on/off the middle door. Please help that frazzled parent get on and off, please!
10. If you are standing in the middle by the door and do not plan on getting off, either change position or get off for a moment when the bus stops to let others off and then hop back on.
11. Deodorant please! Especially in the summer when the old people will not let you open the window (Ciapa freddo!!)
12. Don't disturb the bus driver, unless you are friends or it is your cousin. Then you can open that door and talk away.
13. Beware of pickpockets! Zipper that bag.
I hope I got everything! Happy Riding!!
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