I haven't ridden the bus in years, but I can tell you, I was a lot older than 17 the first time I took one!

I can't tell you how much it'll cost...that depends how far you're going. Generally, you put the money into a little machine that's right next to the bus driver. If someone gets on before you (and you said your mom will go the first time, so you can watch her), just watch where they put the money in. You'll get a receipt. If you ever need a bus transfer, tell the bus driver before you pay, because, as I recall there's a fee for that.

After you pay, you look for an available seat. If you see an empty seat next to someone, feel free to ask that person if you may sit there. Actually, if no one's sitting there, they have no right to keep you from it, but it's polite to ask. Then you just wait until you reach your stop.

Of course, after I'd gotten used to it, I moved to a better seat when it became available, like many people do. I liked to sit right up front.

Your mom can show you the bar you touch when you want to ring the bell to let the driver know you want off.

If you get a bus schedule, it'll tell you the estimated times the bus will be at a specific location, so you can expect to be picked up and arrive when it says, but be there 15-30 minutes early, just in case. If you're picked up on time but it gets you there late, all you can do is tell your doctor. It's not your fault. That isn't likely to happen, though.

If you see someone you know and you like that person, say hi! If there's a seat available next to them, sit there! If you don't like the person, don't say hi, don't sit next to them.