I've never heard anyone use this. We would say "thank you in advance for your help" but still not in a conversation. More likely, you will see it in a written request where you are asking someone for something, and, for whatever reason, you have confidence they will help you. I've used it at work when seeking recommendations or feedback, emailing the help desk, or times where it is someone's job to fulfill my request but I still appreciate them helping me. In a conversation, I would just say "thank you."

I'm in the western US and would say street light.

We simply call it the farebox. Source: I ride the bus to work everyday. :)