Frequently Asked Questions
Fares: How much does it cost to ride the bus?
For complete fare information, visit our Fares and Clipper page.
What should I do if I lose something on an AC Transit bus?
Please complete the appropriate form on our Customer Feedback web page.
Can I use my Clipper card on AC Transit?
Absolutely. For information on using Clipper on AC Transit, check here. Also, visit www.clippercard.com for details on how to obtain a Clipper Card.
Where can I get trip planning information?
Customer Service agents are available via telephone Monday through Friday 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 5pm to assist with your trip planning needs. Dial (510) 891-4777 Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. Another option is to use one of the various trip planning tools listed on our website here.
Which buses offer free Wi-Fi service?
Many of the Transbay buses are equipped with free Wi-Fi service. Read more about the service here.
Can I bring my bike on the bus?
All AC Transit buses are equipped with easy-to-use bicycle racks*. Racks are mounted on the front of the bus and each holds two bikes. You can board a bicycle any time of day, without an extra fare or permit. Please read the full Bicycle policy here.
*Currently, the new smaller model of 24-foot bus used on Line 46L does not
have bicycle racks installed.
Are animals allowed on the bus?
Pets must be carried in a secure container secure small enough to fit on the owners lap, and the animal must not be a danger or annoyance to other passengers. Service animals, leashed, on a lead or otherwise under the physical control and supervision of the owner at all times, and accompanying people with disabilities, are always allowed on AC Transit buses. Please read the full AC Transit animal policy.
What do I do if I receive a citation for parking in an AC Transit bus zone?
Follow the directions on the back of your citation, or call 800-654-7275, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to speak with a Parking Enforcement Representative. More detailed information can be seen here.
Do buses operate on different schedules on holidays?
For 2019, all Local and Transbay lines will run on a Sunday schedule on the following days:
- New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday January 21
- Presidents Day, Monday, February 18
- Memorial Day, Monday, May 27
- Independence Day, Thursday, July 4
- Labor Day, Monday, September 2
- Veteran’s Day, Monday, November 11
- Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 28
- Christmas Day, Wednesday, December 25
- New Year’s Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2020
To view Sunday schedules, see any individual bus line.
My pass is damaged and won’t work. Can I get a replacement?
If you have a valid paper pass that no longer works, please click here to print out a magnetic pass claim form.
If you have a Clipper card that is damaged, please contact Clipper Customer Service at 877-878-8883.
Can I travel to the Peninsula on AC Transit?
AC Transit provides service to Foster City and San Mateo on Line M. The line runs from Hayward BART to Hillsdale Mall via the San Mateo Bridge.
Line U offers service from Fremont and Newark to Stanford University via the Dumbarton Bridge.
Also, the Dumbarton Express provides service from Union City BART to Stanford University and the Stanford Research Park via the Ardenwood Park and Ride and the Dumbarton Bridge.
Does AC Transit provide service to Treasure Island?
No. Bus service to Treasure Island is provided by San Francisco MUNI. From the East Bay, you can take any of AC Transit’s transbay lines to the Salesforce Transit Center in San Francisco, and then catch a MUNI bus to Treasure Island.
Does AC Transit provide service to San Francisco?
There are 33 lines that provide transbay service to San Francisco and the Peninsula from the East Bay. The service to San Francisco operates via the Bay Bridge to the Salesforce Transit Center near First and Mission streets. All transbay lines are designated with a letter rather than a number. In addition, we have All Nighter bus service to and from San Francisco and several points within the East Bay during the overnight hours.
Can I use a transbay bus for a local trip?
Local riders are allowed on Transbay lines B, C, CB, E, F, M, NL, O and 800, but not on others. You must inform your driver before paying your fare – the driver will change the farebox or Clipper reader to deduct the proper local fare amount.
How to ride local on a transbay bus:
1) Choose a transbay line that allows local riders.
2) Inform the driver that this is a local ride BEFORE paying your fare or tagging your Clipper card.
3) Wait for the driver to reset the farebox or Clipper card reader, then tag your card or insert your cash fare.
Can I transfer from a transbay bus to a local bus?
Transfers to and from transbay buses are only available on Clipper. You can transfer from a transbay bus to a local AC Transit bus within 120 minutes of tagging your Clipper card for no additional fare. And when transferring from a local bus to a transbay bus, Clipper will deduct only an upgrade fare on the transbay bus ($2.20 for adults, $1.10 for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities).
Which AC Transit bus can I take to get to Oakland International Airport?
Line 73 provides service from the Eastmont Transit Center to the Oakland Airport via the Coliseum BART station.
Line 805 provides service to the Oakland Airport during late night and early morning hours via MacArthur Blvd and the Eastmont Transit Center.
Is the Dumbarton Express run by AC Transit?
Click here for information on the Dumbarton Express.
Can I receive a discount on my AC Transit fare if I transfer from another transit agency?
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. If you subsequently need to transfer to another AC Transit bus, you will have to pay the full fare on the that bus.
Alameda/Oakland Ferry
Capitol Corridor
City of Benecia
Contra Costa County Transit
Fairfield/Suisun Transit
Golden Gate Transit
Harbor Bay Ferry
SamTrans
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.
How does the BART-to-Bus transfer work?
If you are transferring from BART to a local AC Transit bus and using cash fare, you can get a two-part BART-to-Bus transfer before exiting BART. The first part of the transfer is good for 25 cents off of the the first local bus fare, and the second part is good for 25 cents off your return trip on AC Transit to BART (up to 72 hours from the time issued). Present the intact transfer to the bus operator when paying.
Using your Clipper card, you can transfer from BART to a local AC Transit bus at BART stations, and Clipper will automatically discount your first ride within 90 minutes by 50 cents.
BART-to-Bus transfers are not valid for a discount on transbay fares.
What is a UC Berkeley Bear Pass?
A Bear Pass allows faculty, staff, post-doctorates, visiting scholars and other select UC employees unlimited use of AC Transit local and transbay buses. Please visit the UC Berkeley website for information on pricing.
What is a UC Berkeley Class Pass?
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. For information on obtaining a Class Pass, please contact the UC Berkeley Parking and Transportation Department.