Riding public transportation can seem regular — but for some people with disabilities, knowing how to navigate a bus or train can take practice, preparation and confidence.

A program at Rutgers is helping people build those skills, with the goal of making public transportation a pathway to greater independence.

Jeffrey Ruland is one of the students learning how to navigate public transit through the TAZ Program at The Arc of Monmouth.

"All we have to do is raise our hands first when the bus comes," Ruland said.

But knowing when to raise your hand is just one piece of the puzzle.

Students also learn how to identify the correct bus, make sure they're getting off at the right location and plan their trips using available tools.

"Our mission at NJTIP is to teach and empower people with disabilities and older adults with how to use accessible public and community transit," said Andrea Lubin, director of the New Jersey Travel Independence Program at Rutgers.

NJTIP @ Rutgers has been teaching those skills since 2005. The program says it has helped more than 15,000 people learn how to use public transportation.

Before students ever board a bus, they spend time in the classroom learning the basics — from buying tickets and navigating NJ Transit's website to using mobile apps to planning trips.

They also learn how to use accessible features on buses, trains and light rail, as well as what to do when something doesn't go according to plan.

Then, the classroom lessons move into the real world.

The group recently boarded a bus at Monmouth Mall and headed to Pier Village in Long Branch.

For the students, it was a chance to put everything they had practiced into action — planning the trip, boarding the bus, paying the fare and finding their seats.

"Learning the public transit system opens up everything for them," said Gabe Campanile, a direct support professional with the TAZ program at The Arc of Monmouth. "Many of them don't drive, a lot of them do love traveling. They want to go to all these places and it is like the world is their oyster with getting on NJ Transit."

The skills can also open doors beyond transportation.

Lubin said students have used what they learned to make new connections, pursue jobs and continuing education opportunities, and visit family and friends.

For Jeffrey, the motivation is simple: He wants to be able to get around and spend time with his friends.

"Hang out with my friends," he said.

And with each trip, he's gaining the skills and confidence to get there on his own.