How to Ride With MTS

How To Ride The Bus

If you’re new to riding buses, here are a few simple tips to make using MTS Bus the Smart Move for your travel needs.

How Do I Know Which Bus Route I Need?

It’s easy to find information on which bus route(s) you need to make your trip and when they travel:

On line, go to our Online Trip Planner and enter your point of origin, your destination and when you need to travel. OTIS, our automated trip planner, will do the rest. Also, all time schedules and maps are available here as well. If you’re just interested in the bus routes in your area, go to our “Areas Served”  where they’re listed by community.

By phone, call our Regional Transit Information Service at 619.233.3004 or “5-1-1” and an operator can give you all the information you need to plan your transit trip – routes, schedules, fares … everything . They’ll also be happy to mail you schedules and maps as well. Persons with hearing impairments can dial our TTY at 1.888.722.4889.

All of our printed information is also available at The Transit Store as well as at over 100 other locations around town. Call the Regional Transit Information Service for the location nearest you.

Also, check the Public transportation section in the front of your telephone book Yellow Pages for general information about MTS services.

How Do I Know Where the Bus Stops?

Every MTS bus stop has a sign – over 3,000 of them -- telling you the bus stops there. Once you know which route and stop you need, just look for the bus stop signs posted all along the route (usually every few blocks). On Express routes, the bus stops are often farther apart (for faster service). Every sign has the numbers of the route(s) that stop at that location, so you’ll be sure to know if the route you want stops there.

How Do I Know When the Right Bus Comes Along?

Every bus has its route number at the top front of the bus and on the side window next to the front door. In addition, the sign will also tell you the destination of the bus so you’ll be certain you’re getting on the right bus (example, “7  - La Mesa”).  

How Do I Get A Bus To Stop for Me?

As the bus route you want approaches, face the bus and signal to the driver to stop. Sometimes several routes stop at the same location, so this helps the driver know that you want his bus and not some other.

Where Do I Sit?

To make yourself more comfortable, take a seat if one is available. If all the bus seats are occupied, move to the rear of the bus. You’ll find poles throughout the bus to hold if you’re standing. Hold small children securely.

Please be courteous. The seats at the front of every bus are for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. There are also flip seats at the front for riders in wheelchairs. Please make these areas available for fellow passengers in wheelchairs.

How Do I Get Off the Bus?

If you aren’t sure where your stop is located, just ask the driver to call it out for you. Our drivers will do their best to help.

As the bus nears your stop, pull the cord above the windows. This signals the driver to stop at the next stop.

Please exit the bus through the rear doors. This leaves the front area clear for people who are getting on the bus and helps keep the bus running smoothly and on schedule.

How Do I Pay My Fare?

If you’re paying by cash, just put your fare into the fare box when you board. Our fare boxes accept paper money as well as coins. Please make certain you have the correct fare (as a reminder, there’s a sign at the bottom of the front window that gives the fare for that route) because our drivers and fare boxes do not make change. Also, to speed boarding, have you fare ready before you get on. For more information on cash fares go to our section on Fares. If you’re using an MTS token, just put it in the coin slot of the fare box. There are discounted fares for senior citizens and persons with disabilities with proper ID.

If you’re using a Regional Monthly Transit Pass, just show it to the driver as you board, then sit down – it’s that easy. If you’re a regular rider, monthly passes are convenient and a great way to save money. They’re sold at our Transit Store downtown as well as on-line , through the mail and at many other locations around town. There are discounted Monthly Transit Passes for senior citizens, persons with disabilities and young people under 18 with proper ID.

If you’re visiting, a Day Tripper Pass is a great way to ride and save. It allows unlimited riding on the day (or days) specified on the pass. All you do is show it to the driver when you board the bus.     

What If I Need To Take More Than One Bus?

If you’re riding with a Regional Transit Monthly Pass or Day Pass, just show the pass to the driver each time you board – that’s all there is to it.

Upgrades and Free Transfers Are Not Allowed

There are no upgrades allowed.  Passengers holding a $64 Regional Monthly Pass may only ride buses with a fare of up to $2.50 and must pay the full fare for Premium Express Routes.  Regional Monthly Passes and Day Passes are valid for a $2.00 discount on COASTER fares.  

Free transfers are not allowed.  You must pay the full fare on each bus or trolley you take.  If your trip involves more than one bus or the trolley and a bus, consider purchasing a Day Pass which allows unlimited rides for the duration of the service day.

What Do I Do If I Lose Something On the Bus?

Just call Lost and Found. For your convenience, there are Lost and Found offices in different parts of the county. Your passenger timetable will give the Lost and Found phone number for the route on which you lost your article. Anything lost on a San Diego Transit bus (or the trolley) will be turned in to The Transit Store.

Can I Take My Bicycle On the Bus?

You bet! Our buses have racks on the front that can accommodate two bicycles. When the driver pulls up to your stop, just tell him you’re securing your bike in the rack and he’ll wait. Then board and pay your fare. When you get off, be sure to tell the driver you’re taking your bike off.

Can The Bus Accommodate My Mobility Aid?

Certainly. Our buses are equipped with either a lift or a ramp to make it easy for persons using a wheelchair, walker or other mobility aid to board. The Courtesy Seating area at the front of the bus has seats that lift up to accommodate riders in wheelchairs.

Welcome Aboard!

We know that riding a bus can sometimes seem a little intimidating – especially if it’s new to you. But please be assured that we’re committed to making your bus ride as simple, safe and convenient as possible. Our Regional Transit Information Service will give you all the  nformation you need to make your trip. Our drivers will be happy to help you along the way. So, come aboard and join our 200,000 daily riders who have discovered how convenient and economical it is to take MTS Bus.