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Despite the popularity of complaining about Pittsburgh's public transportation system, PAT buses can be very handy, whether they're your main mode of transportation or an occasional alternative. While it can be a hassle to get kids on and off the bus, it can also be a pleasant way to travel, especially if you'd rather not deal with carseats or driving. If you're not very familiar with the bus system, though, it can be tough to figure out, and the PAT website isn't much help.

Google Maps makes the Pittsburgh bus system about a million times more usable. Just click "get directions", then type in the addresses you want to travel between. The default setting is driving directions, so click on the "public transportation" option when they pop up. This setting will tell you which bus to take, where to catch it, how to walk to and from the stops, and about how long this should all take. You can even choose the time you want to leave home or arrive at your destination, for instructions that take bus schedules into consideration.

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Adult fares for most trips are $2. Transfers, which must be purchased together with the main fare, cost .75 extra. (Technically, transfers last only three hours from purchase and are not to be used for return trips, but in practice they are often used this way anyway assuming the return is on the same day.) Up to four children five and under ride free with an adult, kids six to eleven are half price.