Frequently Asked Questions
<< Back to Top 10 Most Popular FAQ's
| Areas of Service | |
| Holiday Schedules | Fare Payment |
| Parking Tickets | Lost and Found |
| Spare the Air | Rider Rules |
| UC Berkeley Pass Programs | Transfer Policies |
Areas of Service
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, U and W. The OX carries local passengers only in the afternoon.
Q. How can I obtain information on bus routes and schedules?
A. There are several options to obtain trip information. You can check the Maps and Schedules area on our website for information on routes and to view timetables.
You can also dial 511 and say, “AC Transit,” to speak with a representative about route information including time points, destinations, or trip planning.
The hours are Monday through Friday – 7:00am to 7:00pm, Saturday and Sunday, 9 am to 5pm. Closed Holidays except Presidents Day, MLK and Veterans Day.
Another option is to use the trip planner to link to the 511 website for information.
Q. Can I travel to the Peninsula on AC Transit?
A. AC Transit provides service to Foster City and San Mateo on Line M. The line runs from Castro Valley BART to Union City BART via the San Mateo Bridge, Hillsdale Mall, Oracle (Redwood Shores) and the Dumbarton Bridge.
Line U offers service from Fremont and Newark to Stanford University.
Q. What cities does AC Transit serve in the East Bay?
A. AC Transit provides service to the cities of Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Fremont, Hayward, Newark, Oakland, Piedmont, Richmond, San Leandro, San Pablo and to the Transbay Terminal in San Francisco. AC Transit also provides service to the unincorporated areas of Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, El Sobrante, Fairview, Kensington, North Richmond, and San Lorenzo.
AC Transit maps and schedules
Fares
Q. Does AC Transit provide service to Treasure Island?
A. AC Transit does not provide service to Treasure Island. Bus service is provided by San Francisco Muni from the Transbay Terminal in San Francisco. From the East Bay, you can take any of AC Transit’s Transbay lines to the Transbay Terminal and then catch a San Francisco Muni bus to Treasure Island.
Q. Which AC Transit bus can I take to get to Oakland International Airport?
A. Line 73 provides service during the day to the Oakland Airport. Line 805 also provides service to Oakland Airport during late night and early morning hours via Macarthur Blvd and the Eastmont Transit Center. In addition, BART runs an AIRBART shuttle from the Coliseum/Oakland Airport BART Station to the airport.
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. Do you provide service to San Francisco?
A. 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 Temporary Transbay Terminal near Howard and Main Streets. All transbay lines have letter rather than number designations.
In addition to this, we have All Nighter bus service to and from San Francisco. Lines 800, 801, 802, 805, 840 and 851 operate between Market St. & Van Ness Ave. in San Francisco and several points within the East Bay during the overnight hours.
Fare Payment
Q. Is there an expiration date for AC Transit tickets?
A. Yes. AC Transit tickets expire 90 days after a fare change.
AC Transit will post notices of fare changes and expiration of old tickets prior to that happening. If passengers have tickets that they will not be able to use within the 90 day period, they will be given an opportunity to upgrade their old tickets to new tickets by paying any additional fare during a specified timeframe that will also be posted.
Q. Where can I find information on Clipper?
A. Clipper (formerly TransLink) is a reloadable smart card that Bay Area transit customers can use to pay their fares. For information on using Clipper on AC Transit, check here.
Also, visit www.clippercard.com for an entire list of frequently asked questions regarding Clipper.
Q. How do I insert the magnetic ticket?
A. Please note that magnetic strip tickets are no longer available for sale to the general public. However, if you still have a valid ticket, you pay by inserting the ticket into the fare box with the magnetic strip facing the bus operator and the arrow pointing down. The ticket will pop back up and you’ll hear one beep if the ticket is good. If it is expired or damaged, you will hear multiple beeps. Do not insert the ticket into the dollar bill slot.
Q. My pass is damaged and won’t work. Can I get a new one?
A. If you have a valid paper pass that no longer works, please click here to read and print out instructions on how to submit a magnetic pass claim form. This form should also be used for passes lost in the farebox.
If you have a Clipper card that is damaged, please contact the Clipper Customer Service Bureau at 877-878-8883.
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.
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 Clipper card ready before boarding the bus.
Click here for fares.
Q. What is the current fare for Dumbarton Express buses?
A. The local fare for Dumbarton Express buses is $2.10 for adults and $1.05 for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
Transbay fares are $4.20 for adults and $2.10 for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities.
Adult 31-day transbay passes are $151.20 and only available on a Clipper card
Local transfers are 25 cents. $1.85 for BART to Bus transfers for adults; and 80 cents for BART to Bus transfers for youth, seniors and persons with disabilities.
Holiday Schedules
Q. Are there special holiday schedules for AC Transit bus lines?
A. For 2013, all AC Transit Local and Transbay lines will run on a Sunday schedule on the following days:
2013
New Years Day, Tuesday, Jan. 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Monday Jan. 21
President’s Day, Monday, Feb. 18
Memorial Day, Monday, May 27
Fourth of July, Thursday, July 4
Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2
Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 28
Christmas Day, Wednesday, Dec. 25
To view Sunday schedules, see any individual bus line.
Lost and Found
Q. What should I do if I lose something on an AC Transit bus?
A. If you leave personal belongings on the bus, call Customer Relations at (510) 891-4706 to ask if they have been turned in. Please be prepared to give the route, date and description of item(s). Items may be claimed at the Oakland Customer Service office. Lost items are kept for 30 days. Please note that lost and found does NOT have the ability to check for items lost on the current day. Please call after 2:00 p.m. the day after it has been lost. There are no guarantees that the item that was left on the bus will have been turned in. Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm (closed holidays) Location: 1600 Franklin Oakland, CA
Parking Tickets
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 do I do if I receive a citation for parking in an AC Transit bus zone?
A. Please follow the directions below to pay or protest the parking citation. These instructions are also on the back of the citation.
Procedure To Request A Review Of Citation Or To Pay An Alameda County Transit Citation:
Citations must be paid or a review requested within 21 days of being issued, but no later than 14 days if a delinquent parking violation notice was issued. If payment is not received by final due date late penalties will be added and a hold will be placed on your D.M.V. registration.
No request for Review will be accepted after the due date. NO EXCEPTIONS.
TO PAY A CITATION
To pay by mail: Make check or money order payable to Alameda County A.C. Transit. Include the citation number and vehicle license plate number on the check or money order. Mail payment to:
A.C. Transit Parking Enforcement Center P. O. Box 4726 Irvine, CA 92616-4726
To pay online: www.ezpaycorp.com
To pay by phone: Call 1-800-654-7275 (Visa and MasterCard Only)
At greeting select option #1. Select option #1 for credit card payment. You will then be given three options to choose from:
Option #1 If you received a courtesy notice, you will be asked to enter a four digit code. (Code # 2017.) Voice system will then ask that you enter your citation number followed by the # key.
The voice system will confirm the information you entered. You must verbally answer “Yes” or “No” if the information is correct or incorrect.
Continue to follow prompts to enter your credit card information. YOU MUST STAY ON THE LINE UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION NUMBER.
Option #2 If you have your citation, the voice system will ask you to say the city or university that issued you the citation. You must say ALAMEDA COUNTY TRANSIT. The voice system does not recognize any other city for citations that were issued by the A.C. Transit Police.
You will then be prompted to enter your citation number followed by the # key.
The voice system will confirm the information you entered. You must verbally answer “Yes” or “No” if the information is correct or incorrect.
Continue to follow prompt to enter your credit card information. YOU MUST STAY ON THE LINE UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION NUMBER.
Option #3 If you have neither a courtesy notice nor your citation, the voice system will ask you to say the city or university that issued you the citation. You must say ALAMEDA COUNTY TRANSIT. The voice system does not recognize any other city for citations that were issued by the A.C. Transit Police. The voice system will ask you to say your license plate number or vehicle I.D. number. The voice system will confirm license plate or vehicle I.D. number. Voice system will ask you to press (1) for correct or (2) for incorrect. Voice system will then ask you to say what state your vehicle is registered in. Voice system will confirm information, and then will give you the citation number. Continue to follow the prompt to enter your credit card information.
YOU MUST STAY ON THE LINE UNTIL YOU RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION NUMBER.
TO REQUEST THAT A CITATION BE REVIEWED
INITIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
Write a letter stating why you think the citation should be reviewed. Include in your letter your citation number, vehicle license plate number and your complete mailing address. You may submit any supporting documents or photos (documents and photos will not be returned.) Mail to:
A.C. Transit Parking Enforcement Center P.O. Box 4726 Irvine, CA 92616-4726
Your letter must be received by the final due date. NO EXCEPTIONS. Once your letter is received, you will receive a response in the mail within 6-8 weeks.
TO REQUEST AN ADMINISTRATIVE HEARING
If you are not satisfied with the results of the initial review you can request and file for an administrative hearing. You must file your administrative hearing request within 21 days of receiving the results of your initial review. You must submit the full payment for the citation at the time you submit your request for a hearing. A hearing can be conducted either in person or in writing. If you choose to have a hearing decided on a written statement, you must include all relevant information in your statement. If you request a hearing in front of a Hearing Examiner, you will be notified of your hearing date by mail. You should be prepared to explain or provide supporting documents, records, or witnesses describing why dismissal of the citation is warranted. If you fail to appear for your scheduled hearing your citation will be upheld and your fine amount will be forfeited. Mail your request for administrative hearing, including a check or money order to above address. Include your citation number on your payment. If the Hearing Examiner determines your citation is dismissed, your fine amount will be refunded be mail.
If you are not satisfied with the Hearing Examiner decision, you may file for a hearing in Small Claims Court. The Court’s decision is final.
TO SPEAK WITH A REPRESENTATIVE AT PARKING ENFORCEMENT CENTER
Call 1-800-654-7275, Monday thru Friday 9AM – 4:30PM. At greeting press the 0 key. Continue to press the 0 key until the voice system tells you to hold for a representative. You must have your citation number or vehicle license plate number in order for the representative to assist you.
D.M.V. HOLDS
Once a D.M.V. hold has been placed on your vehicle registration for failure to pay the citation, the hold will not be removed until the citation is paid in full.
Rider Rules
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. 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. Can I bring my pet on the bus?
A. You must carry pets brought on AC Transit buses in a container secure and small enough to fit on the owners lap. 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. A service animal is any animal that is individually trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability.
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. This is solely operator discretion.
Q. Can I bring my bike on the bus?
A. 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.
You may only load and unload bicycles at AC Transit bus stops. Space on the rack is available on a first come, first-served basis. If the rack is full, please wait for the next bus. On MCI buses, the deep green-colored vehicles typically used for transbay routes, there are under carriage bike racks that can accommodate two additional bikes.
From 5:30am to midnight, place all bicycles on bike racks or in the under carriage—bicycles are not permitted inside the bus. From midnight to 5:30am weekdays and midnight to 9:00am weekends and holidays, you may carry bikes inside buses with at least two doors if the rack is full and space is available inside the bus.
Bike racks can accommodate two wheeled bicycles (no tandems) with a wheelbase of up to 44 inches and a wheel size of at least 16 inches. Cyclists must load and unload their own bikes. The bus driver cannot assist you with loading or unloading your bike. AC Transit is not responsible for loss of or damage to bicycles carried on bike racks or in the undercarriage. If you accidentally leave your bike on the bus, call AC Transit Lost & Found at (510) 891- 4706. All found bicycles are brought to 1600 Franklin Street in downtown Oakland, generally two days following loss, and are kept for 30 days thereafter.
Spare the Air
Q. How do I get more information about the promotion?
A. Call 511 or visit http://www.511.org
Transfer Policies
Q. Can I get a reduced fare if I’m transferring from a Capitol Corridor train?
A. Passengers getting off of a Capitol Corridor or San Joaquin Amtrak train in Richmond, Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland, Hayward and Fremont/Centerville can be issued up to two transit transfers. Each one is worth a local fare and can be used on any AC Transit local route. Be sure to ask the conductor on the train for the transfer(s). Present the transfer to the bus operator upon boarding the AC Transit bus. An additional fee is required for transbay buses.
Q. How much is a local transfer and when does it expire?
A. If you are paying an all cash fare, transfers for local service can be purchased for an additional 25 cents onboard the bus while paying the regular local fare. The transfer is issued at the time the fare is paid. The transfer is good for one ride within 120 minutes from the time it was issued.
Visit www.clippercard.com for information on how transfers work when paying with a Clipper card.
Q. How can I save on bus fare if I’m also taking the ferry?
A. Every Alameda/Oakland Ferry and Harbor Bay Ferry ticket comes with an attached AC Transit transfer allowing ferry riders to ride free on AC Transit buses to and from Jack London Square, the Alameda Main Street terminal or Bay Farm Island. These tickets cannot be upgraded for transbay buses.
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.
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.
Q. How does the BART-to-Bus transfer work?
A. If you’re getting off of BART and taking an AC Transit bus, you can save money on your bus fare by obtaining a BART-to-Bus transfer before exiting BART. Transfers are good for 25 cents off of the local bus fare. The transfers are good for buses at BART stations, downtown Berkeley or downtown Oakland and are valid for up to 72 hours from the time issued. Just present the intact transfer to the bus operator when paying.
BART-to-Bus transfers are not valid for a discount on transbay fares.
UC Berekely Pass Program
Q. Where do I go to obtain a replacement sticker for my Class Pass?
A. If your Class Pass has been lost, damaged or stolen, please contact the UC Berkeley Parking and Transportation Department for information on replacement procedures and any costs associated with getting a new sticker.
Q. What is the UC Berkeley Bear Pass?
A. A UC Berkeley Bear Pass allows employees of the university who live in AC Transit’s service area unlimited use of AC Transit local and transbay buses for $25 per month. The discounted pass is made possible by the University. The Bear Pass is not valid on the Dumbarton Express. For more information on the program and how to obtain a Bear pass, please contact the UC Berkeley Parking and Transportation Department.
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.