Bus

Taking a bus in Dalian is pretty common, and luckily they come often. Wherever the bus driver decides to stop is where people clamor to get on, and it's not always in front of the bus stop. Sometimes there is already a bus stopped there, so people will run back to where the other bus is approaching. Then the bus driver will stop, open the door and everyone climbs on. There's no sense of people lining up, and you have to be a bit cut-throat; if you always yield to others trying to get on, of course you'll be the last one on the bus.
Our closest bus stop, Xishan Shuiku (西山水库, meaning west-mountain-reservoir), is pretty far from the city-center, but that means that it's often possible to get a seat. J's mom gave me an electronic bus pass that you touch to a receiver near the driver, and it shows you the amount left on the pass. I think each ride is only about 0.50 yuan, so there is enough for about 100 rides on the pass I have.