Bus Basics
The Basics
- It is against state law to evade payment of bus fare or misuse transfers, passes, or tickets to avoid fare payment. Doing so is punishable by a fine of up to $250 (California Penal Code Section 640).
- California Penal Code Section 640 prohibits smoking; eating or drinking; and loud disturbances aboard a bus.
- Assaulting a transit passenger or operator is a crime punishable by imprisonment, a fine of up to $10,000, or both (California Penal Code Section 243.3). AC Transit will prosecute all incidents to the full extent of the law.
- Federal law requires that priority seats be made available to persons with disabilities and seniors.
- No smoking at bus stops in most cities or on buses.
Accessibility
All AC Transit buses are equipped with the following accessibility features:
- Passenger ramps or lifts for wheelchair/mobility device users or anyone who has trouble climbing steps (passengers with strollers or carts may also request the use of lifts or ramps).
- “Kneeling”, which lowers the bus several inches to make boarding easier.
- Priority seating near the front of buses for persons with disabilities and seniors are marked with signs above or near the seats.
- Two wheelchair securement areas are provided on each bus.
- The “Wheelchair Marking and Tether Strap Program” is available for identifying/providing proper securement points on wheelchairs. Call (510) 891-7113 to schedule an appointment.
- Stop announcements at major intersections and transfer points, provided either verbally by drivers, or by automated equipment.
- The Onboard Announcement System provides “next stop” audio announcements at major intersections and transfer points, which are augmented by internal text-message signs. Sight and hearing impaired passengers on buses equipped with this system can rely on the onboard information to help them find a stop or destination.
- “New Rider Color-Coded Flash Cards” are available, which can be displayed to communicate a need for the lift/ramp, kneeler, and/or “wait until I am seated” to the Bus Operator. Contact (510) 891-7175 to request a kit.
- See “Riding the Bus is Easy” for more information.
Animals
Service animals are always allowed on AC Transit buses and must be under the owner's physical control and supervision at all times.
Pets can be brought on AC Transit buses in a container secure and small enough to fit on the owner’s lap. The animal must not be a danger or annoyance to other passengers. The passenger is responsible for any damage or injuries caused by their animal while on the bus. If any animal misbehaves, the passenger will be instructed to remove the animal from the bus at the sole discretion of the operator.
Digital Tools
AC Transit provides a mobile app with essential features for bus riders, including stop and line searches, real-time bus arrival predictions, fare payment options, feedback, and lost and found claims. For comprehensive details and download information, please visit the AC Transit Official App webpage
ACT RealTime, AC Transit’s web-based tool, enables quick access to real-time bus predictions by stop. Users can favorite routes for convenient access each time they visit. AC Transit also provides real-time information to third party apps and websites using the GTFS standard, such as Transit App and Google Maps. Please note that digital signs and audio boxes at AC Transit stops do not use our latest prediction engine and may show different, less accurate information. We are evaluating options for upgrading or replacing these signs.
Onboarding/Offboarding
Boarding the Bus
Due to poor lighting or other environmental factors, visibility at some bus stops is limited. Be seen and avoid pass-ups. Make yourself more visible to AC Transit operators by wearing bright and reflective clothing and use safety lights (flashlights, bike lights, smart phone screens, etc.) if you have them.
All AC Transit buses can kneel to facilitate boarding. If you need assistance boarding, ask the operator to kneel the bus. If you have a stroller, cart, or are using a wheelchair/mobility aid, you can request the ramp or passenger lift to help you board.
All-Door Boarding is on Line 6 and Line 51B only. Riders with Clipper can board at rear doors and tag at the Clipper reader to pay their fare. Riders using cash, paper pass, or mobile payment options will continue to board at the front. Learn more at All-Door Boarding.
Please be aware that all buses have priority seating areas for seniors and persons with disabilities. Non-disabled riders must vacate these seats when needed. If there aren’t any seats available and you’re able to stand for the ride, hold onto the stanchions and handrails as the bus may stop abruptly.
Please have your payment ready to make boarding faster. If you’re paying with Clipper and are boarding a Transbay bus for local service, make sure you tell the driver before you tag your Clipper card.
Exiting the Bus
Request your stop at least a block ahead by pulling the cord, pressing the button on the pole, or pressing the button above your head (on the green, commuter-style buses). The “Stop Requested” sign will light up. If you are not sure when your stop is coming up, ask the operator to let you know.
Leave the bus through the rear doors whenever possible. Wait for the green light before pushing the door open (on buses with manually operated doors) or pressing the door-open button found on the pole next to the door.
Strollers
When boarding with a stroller, the passenger has the option of leaving the child in the stroller. At the passenger's request, the driver will operate the lift to allow the passenger with a stroller to board more easily. Drivers are not to assist with baby strollers. While on-board, the child may remain in the stroller provided that the passenger maintains control of the stroller at all times, keeping at least one hand on the stroller while the bus is moving and the stroller doesn’t pose a safety hazard to any passenger. In no case is the stroller to be allowed to remain in a position that blocks aisles, doors, steps or emergency exits. The stroller's brakes should be set so that the stroller will be secured and prevented from rolling and becoming a safety hazard.