I started busking last year as a way to ease back into performing in public. It's ideal for this, as there are no commitments, no schedules and no particular expectations on anyones part. I try to seek out high pedestrian traffic areas while avoiding street noise from vehicles. In other words, a busy Bus stop is probably NOT the best place. I have a pretty loud "semi-tenor" voice and do without any amplification. I just walk to my spot, throw an old fedora on the ground and weight it down with a handful of coins so it won't blow away.

Oddly, when I actually started getting paid gigs I found that my street experience had wiped out any trace of stage fright... I recommend busking both for that effect and as a worthy tradition that deserves to be encouraged and continued. The more people do it, the harder it is for the authorities to act like it's something "strange, disruptive and unusual" and hassle performers.