How do I take 2.5 yo on bus?

[Busbusbusbus]

This is probably a stupid question but I’ve never taken DS who’s 2 and a half year old on a bus.
Bus stop is a few minutes walk away on a main road. Bus journey probably 15 minutes, likely to be busy. Final destination is middle of a busy shopping mall. All I need to do is collect a package so not too much faffing.
He’s fairly sensible and holds my hand along the road but when he’s tired he doesn’t listen and there’s a chance he’s try and escape. Do I bring his stroller or do I get him to walk? I know he’d rather walk but not sure if he’s too young to be trusted. Any advice?

I'd choose reins over buggy, but both are possible. Just be prepared to take forever to get to the bus stop. I thought ours was only a couple of minutes walk until I had to walk there with DD

you can also get cuff reigns that are less intrusive but there if you need them.

Definitely backpack reins if he's a runner.

They have to get used to walking at some point, carrying a tired 2 year old is much easier than a 4 year old thats always been in the buggy before!

Backpack reins are probably a good idea

But whenever my kids tried to run off while holding my hand, I just held it tighter and told them off.

They need to learn.