Thanks Lawrence for some excellent tips. A few of my own practical tips to add to yours............
1. Smile, greet your fellow passengers, as they will more than likely be with you for the duration of the trip. Getting to know them, helps, especially if you are travelling alone, and have to leave your baggage behind to go to the toilet. Having a pack of cards to while away the time is also good. 2. Carry a small bar of soap to wash your hands, as they may not be any in the toilets. 3. If you use toilet paper, carry a roll of your own. 4. The food can be monotonous, especially on long journeys. Either carry your own, or bring along some "kharrecho, miskut or parra" to add spice to the fare. 5. Do not accept food items, such as biscuits or "mithai" from your "nice" fellow passengers. This is just a precaution, as there have been news stories about these items being spiked with drugs and passengers then relieved of their belongings. Happy travels !