Frequently Asked Questions
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Top 10 Most Popular FAQ's
A. 31-day passes are good for unlimited rides for 31 consecutive days. The 31-day pass can start any day of the month and expires 31 calendar days after the first use. 31-day paper passes are no longer for sale to the general public and must be purchased with a Clipper (formerly TransLink) card.
31-day passes can be purchased in three different formats on a Clipper card:
Adult 31-day Local – Good for unlimited local rides for 31 consecutive days
Youth 31-day – Available only on a personalized Clipper card. Good for unlimited local rides for 31 consecutive days for youths 5-18
Adult 31-day Transbay – Available only on a Clipper (formerly TransLink) card. Good for unlimited Transbay rides for 31 consecutive days. Visit www.clippercard.com to get a Clipper card.
Click here for fare information.
Q. How do I load and unload my bike on the bike rack?
A. When the bus approaches, stay on the sidewalk with your bicycle back from the curb. Be ready to load your bike by removing any items, such as bags or pumps that may fall off or interfere with another bike.
First allow other cyclists to remove their bikes. Signal to the driver that you want to load your bike. Make sure the driver sees you before stepping in front of the bus. Load from the curb side of the bus—do not step into traffic. Squeeze and pull up on the bike rack handle to release the folded rack. Lower the rack until it clicks into place. If there is no other bike on the rack, use the inside slot with your front wheel facing the curb. Lift your bike onto the rack, fitting the wheels into the slots labeled “front” and “rear.” (Two bicycles will face in opposite directions on the rack.) Pull out and raise the support arm over the top of the front tire, positioning it as high up on the tire as possible. Do not lock your bike to the rack. Get on board, pay your fare, and sit near the front* so you can keep an eye on your bike.
*Please yield front seats to seniors and persons with disabilities.
To unload your bicycle, pull the “Stop Requested” cord or push the button for your stop. Tell the driver you will be unloading your bike and exit through the front door. Raise the support arm up and off the bike’s front tire. Lift and remove the bike from the rack. If no other bike is on the rack, fold and secure the rack into the upright position. Return to the curb with your bike as quickly as possible so the bus can proceed.
Q. How much is a transfer on a transbay bus?
A. If you are taking a local bus to or from a transbay bus and paying the transbay fare, you may receive a transfer good for 120 minutes for no additional fee. Be sure to request a transfer from the bus operator when paying the transbay fare.
A. For your convenience, bus fares can be paid in cash or with a Clipper card (formerly TransLink). Visit www.clippercard.com for locations where you can obtain a Clipper card. 10-ride and 31-day tickets are no longer for sale to the general public.
You can use our ticket order form to order paratransit tickets or senior/disabled stickers by mail.
Cash fares may be paid with any denomination of U.S. coins. No change is made onboard buses. To save time, have your money, ticket or TransLink card ready before boarding the bus.
Click here for fares.
Q. Do you provide bus service to Dublin or Pleasanton?
A. AC transit does not provide service to Dublin, Pleasanton or Walnut Creek. Please check BART, County Connection and/or WHEELS for transportation services in those communities.
Q. Can I leave my child in the baby stroller while on the bus?
A. When boarding and de-boarding a stroller, the passenger has the option of leaving the child in the stroller. If a passenger requests it, the driver will operate the lift to allow the passenger with a stroller to board more easily. 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 which blocks aisles, doors, steps or emergency exits. Drivers are not to assist with baby strollers. The brakes should be set so that the baby stroller will be secured and prevented from rolling and becoming a safety hazard.
Q. Why do vehicles sitting in bus zones receive tickets?
A. AC Transit contracts with local sheriff’s departments to enforce the California Vehicle Code prohibiting parking, stopping or standing in a bus zone. This is a rule that is enforceable at all times. These areas are reserved for AC Transit buses in order to provide a safe and level place for passengers to board and exit buses. Leaving the bus zones free is critical to the buses ability to pull in and out of bus stops safely. Bus riders expect to be picked up or dropped off in specific locations and if vehicles are in those spots, problems may ensue.
Q. What is the UC Berkeley Class Pass and how do I use it?
A. A UC Berkeley Class Pass allows students registered and attending UC Berkeley unlimited rides aboard all AC Transit local and transbay buses, except the Dumbarton Express. The pass is made possible by an additional fee that students are assessed with their registration fees each semester. To be accepted by the bus operator, a current semester Class Pass sticker must be affixed to a valid Cal student ID card. Simply show the Class Pass to the bus operator upon boarding. The Class Pass cannot be shared, sold or transferred and is non-refundable. For information on obtaining a Class Pass, please contact the UC Berkeley Parking and Transportation Department.
Q. Which transbay lines don’t provide local service?
A. The following transbay lines do not carry passengers who are intending to ride locally: FS, L, NX, NX1, NX2, NX3, OX, U and W.
Q. Can I receive a discount on my AC Transit fare if I transfer from another transit agency?
A. Valid passes and transfers from the following agencies will be accepted by AC Transit for a local fare credit at intersecting points, transit centers and BART stations. This does not entitle the customer to a free transfer in addition to the local fare. If you need to transfer to another AC Transit bus, you will have to pay the full fare on the next bus:
Capitol Corridor
City of Benecia
Contra Costa County Transit
Fairfield/Suisun Transit
Golden Gate Transit
SamTrans
San Joaquin Amtrak
Union City Transit
Vallejo Transit
Valley Transit Authority
WCCTA WestCAT
Other agencies fare instruments are not valid for transbay trips. Regular transbay fare is required if boarding a transbay bus.