'ride the bus' is American. I would say 'catch the bus (or train)', or, 'take the bus (or train)'.

I am going to catch the bus usually is used when you are about to go do something. I am about to go catch the bus. Ride/Take is used more for telling about things that happened. They can all be interchanged and still be correct but this is how they are most likely used.

all the same, no difference I catch/ride/take the bus everyday.