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Source: https://writers.stackexchange.com/a/9617
License name: CC BY-SA 3.0
License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/

One thing to consider is just how important the setting is to the story. If there are key aspects of the setting that factor into the story, then that could enhance the actual story. For example, "To Kill a Mockingbird" would not have had anywhere near the same impact if it had been set in New York City rather than the emotionally charged and racially segregated South.

In your own example, how important is it that the readers know that people speak French when speaking to a person of authority? What is the significance of it, and why would the reader care? Will it make a difference to the story? You could ask the same questions about the bus schedule. If you can answer those questions in a way that indicates that these factors provide added relevance to your story, then go ahead and use them.

Many books could just as easily take place in other locations without really having a major impact on the story itself. For example, the Twilight series could have just as easily been set in the Florida everglades or some remote region in Arkansas. There isn't really anything significant enough about the location for that series that makes it important enough to demand that the story take place there.

Think of your location as another character in your story. If it isn't important and doesn't provide an added element to the story, then don't spend too much time dwelling on it.

Original score: 2