If you want to reduce small talk with the conductor while riding the bus, you can try the following: 1. **Focus on your phone or other device**: Using your phone to browse the web, read an e-book, listen to music or podcasts can help you focus and reduce the chances of communicating with others. 2. **Wear headphones**: Wearing headphones not only allows you to listen to music or other audio content, but also makes it clear that you want to maintain your private space and reduce the possibility of being interrupted. 3. **Choose the right time to ride**: During peak hours, the bus may be crowded and the opportunity for small talk will increase. Choosing to ride when there are fewer people may reduce the frequency of communication with the conductor. 4. **Stay focused and polite**: If the conductor initiates a conversation with you, you can respond briefly and politely, and then focus on your own activities. For example, you can simply reply "thank you" and then continue doing your own thing. 5. **Read or work**: Bring a book, magazine or work materials to read or handle things during the ride, which can not only help you pass the time, but also reduce interaction with others. 6. **Prepare change or pay with a credit card**: If the bus supports credit card or mobile payment, try to prepare the payment method in advance, so as to reduce the communication time when buying tickets. By doing so, you can stay polite while focusing more on your trip and reducing unnecessary small talk.