Urban Transport Busses. All major cities have set bus routes and fares, though it might be difficult to figure them out. Most busses will stop only at bus stops, which should have signs, or even shelters with benches. Bus companies publish route guides and schedules, which you can find at the public library or at the city hall or municipal building. Cities that have subways, like New York, Boston, Washington, DC and Chicago, have personnel who can explain how to get around.
Stations have route maps and instructions, often in several languages.
You should be able to get a route map from a conductor or token booth attendant. There is no substitute for a knowledgeable local resident for this information. Taxis are licensed by the city or town and will have stickers or posters with the rules hung prominently inside the cab. Taxi drivers in large cities frequently try to take advantage of foreigners. It is a safe tactic to take down the driver's or the cab's license number and make sure the driver sees you doing it.