Photos on a bus

[afrikaner07]

I recently thought of taking photos of people as they ride the bus. I ride it every now and then, and find the facial expressions people have to be well worth capturing. My question lies in this, can I do it secretly (without them knowing) and then post it somewhere public? like Flickr, or Facebook? Or do I have to at least verbally ask them if I have their permission to post it somewhere. I have a feeling this topic has been beaten to death in other threads, but I didn't have the time to really look for it. As always, thank you for all your help.
Cheers,
Johan

[epoh]

If it's public transportation, I would imagine legally it's okay, but asking is probably not a bad idea, considering you are in close quarters with your subjects.

[Teddington]

Common courtesy trumps "its better to ask forgiveness than persmission". I'd ask and if they decline, respect the answer.

[laawaaris]

the looks you are going for might be hard to to achieve if you ask permission

i'd ask permission, when you get a yes snap one real quick even if they are smiling

then wait again till the next time they make the expression you are going for and snap a few more

[afrikaner07]

that is kind of what i was thinking, take the photo, then if I like it, ask them if I can post it somewhere, and especially if they ask me what i was doing, lol...I can't very well just sit there. But I think you are right Bobby, if I asked for permission, the shot would be ruined, especially since most people dont stay on the bus for more than a few stops. thank you all, I was really wondering if there is a release type form I would need them to fill out. Because I really don't think the photos would be worth it if that happened.

[epoh]

You shouldn't need a release. They are technically on public property where there is no expectation of privacy, you just want to avoid a scene, IMO.