What to carry on the bus and train

You'll want a hand for the pole or strap and one for your fare. On a crowded bus or train, slip the backpack off and hold it low or set it at your feet. It frees up space around you.

Put your phone, contactless card or CharlieCard in an outside pocket so you can tap it at the farebox or gate without digging through your bag.

In winter you'll warm up on board. A bag with room for a scarf, a hat or a fleece lets you shed a layer for the ride. A small folding tote tucked inside covers an errand on the way home.

• Carts, strollers and luggage are fine on buses and trains. Trips outside rush hour have more room, and station elevators save the stairs; mbta.com/accessibility lists any elevator that's out of service.
• Folding bikes ride on every bus and train at any time, once folded.
• Standard bikes go on the front rack of local buses and the Silver Line, and on the Red, Orange and Blue Lines outside rush hour. They aren't allowed on the Green Line or the Mattapan Trolley. The MBTA's bike page has the exact hours by line.

Keep your phone and wallet in a front or zipped pocket and your bag where you can see it. If something gets left behind, the MBTA's lost and found is online.