First, find a bus route near you
There are two different ways to search for your route:
- Google Trip Planner (Coming Soon!): You can also search by address with the Google Trip Planner located in the Rider’s Toolbar. Just type in your starting and ending address, along with the date and time you want to depart or arrive, and a list of suggested transit options will pop up.
Reading the schedules is easy, once you get the hang of it. After you’ve figured out your bus route number, check out the System Map & Schedules page for a complete list of arrival and departure times.
Each bus line has its own map and corresponding set of schedules. The schedule you need depends on which direction you’re going and whether you’re traveling on a weekday or a weekend.
So you’ve got your route & schedule down and now you’re ready to ride. Here are a few important things you should know before you get on board.
Finding Your Bus Stop: Each stop is marked with a large blue and white Foothill Transit sign. Check the sign to make sure your line stops there.
Reading the Bus Sign: When a bus pulls up to the stop, look at its route number and destination on the sign above the windshield to make sure it’s the bus you want. This is important, since some stops are served by several lines.
Paying Your Fare: If you’re paying with cash, drop your exact change into the farebox next to the driver. For other ways to pay, see the fare info below.
Finding a Seat: Please leave seats at the front open for elderly and disabled passengers. If no seats are available, stand in the aisle and hold onto the handrail.
Requesting a Stop: When the bus approaches your stop, pull the cord running along the windows, then exit through the doors in the back.
Carrying exact change all the time can definitely be a hassle. That’s why Foothill Transit offers many convenient types of
payment like:
Metrocards:These stored-value cards can be purchased in denominations of $5, $10, $20, and $100 at any Foothill Transit Store. Just swipe the card through the farebox reader each time you board the bus, and your fare will automatically be deducted.
31-Day Passes: These allow you unlimited travel for a 31-day period beginning the first day you use it. Passes can be purchased at Foothill Transit Retail Outlets & Transit Stores.
EZ Transit Passes: These are good for unlimited travel on over 20 different transit agencies throughout Los Angeles County.
TAP card: Coming soon, this reusable plastic card will eventually replace Metrocards. You’ll be able to reload your card’s value online, anytime and protect your balance if the card gets lost or stolen. To learn more about TAP, click on the Rider’s Toolbar.
Need to make a connection? No problem. Just make sure to purchase your transfer when you pay your full fare at boarding time.
Most transfers cost just $0.50, and seniors and passengers with disabilities pay only $0.25. To learn more about transferring and who we connect with, check out our Transfers page under System Map & Schedules.
If you’ve still got questions, the video Ride Guide can help walk you through each step, and so can our Foothill Transit
representatives. Just call 1-800-RIDE-INFO (743-3463) Monday–Friday from 7am–9pm, Saturday from 10m–8pm, or Sunday from 11am–6pm.
You can also check out our Frequently Asked Questions to see if your answer is already there.