With gas prices being what they are, more and more people are going to be using public transportation to save on costs. If you are a woman, your chances of encountering a potential assailant rises with the use of public transportation, especially in the early morning and late evening hours. Normally, public transportation is very safe and taxi and other transportation companies do extensive background checks because they cannot afford any lawsuits stemming from employees attacking their passengers. Still, there is still an element of danger, especially for females, about using public transportation if you are a female traveling alone.

It is always better to be prepared for any contingencies and that means brushing up on self defense techniques and finding ways to avoid trouble in the first place. Here is some sage advice that should help notch up the comfort factor a bit when traveling via public transportation:

1. If you plan to ride the bus, always choose bus stops that are well-lit and busy. If the bus stop is in a questionable part of town, you should try and find a safer place to wait for a ride, such as a nearby café or shop where you can keep an eye out for the bus while staying safe.

2. Memorize your bus schedule so that you know exactly when to expect your bus ride and let a friend or family member know when to expect you after your public transportation ride.

3. When possible, sit close to the bus driver as potential assailants are less likely to target anyone close to witnesses. Also, be pleasant during bus conversations with others but keep it light with no personal information shared. You never know who is listening in for clues on how to isolate you.

5. Many people take a train or subway into the city for work. If you do, always wait for your ride in a well-lit, populated area or near an exit if you need to take an early one to avoid a potential threat. The well-lit areas will likely be patrolled by close circuit security televisions and criminals will be less likely to approach you and chance being caught on film.

6. Stick to a train or subway compartment that is well populated and do not isolate yourself. Keep your purse and other belongings close to avoid stealing. If you feel the least bit uncomfortable, switch seats or exit the next stop and get on a later train.

7. When you call a cab or taxi to pick you up, ask the cab company what the driver’s name is, the cab number and a general description of the person. Jot all the information down and leave it with a friend or family member so they know where to start looking should you go missing.

8. When hailing a taxi, make sure you have your cab fare ready in your hand so that you can quickly exit after your ride. Doing what you can to prevent lingering will lessen your chances of being approached by a potential assailant.

9. Once you find a reliable taxi company that you trust, ask for the same driver to pick you up each time you need their services. Not only will you be remembered by the taxi company for this request but the taxi driver will become familiar with you and provide information should something happen after you leave the cab.

Public transportation can save you big bucks in this oil driven world, especially if you are trying to conserve or trim your budget a bit. While the majority of the time public transportation is quite safe, you need to be prepared for the possibility of problems. Brush up on self defense techniques and practice safety protocols when necessary.