I find it easier to pay less attention to the lines on the map and more to the scheduled stops, but that's just me.

Busses basically drive the same 'route' around and around. You get on it, pay them money, and get off when you're closer to your destination. Sometimes you have to get on another bus, so you ride it until they're at the place where all the busses gather together, get off there, and get on another bus.