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Transbay

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Transbay

With 14 bus lines together providing service over two Bay Area bridges and stops conveniently located in hundreds of neighborhoods throughout the East Bay, AC Transit is one of the easiest ways to commute across the Bay. AC Transit makes approximately 350 trips each weekday into and out of downtown San Francisco alone, plus there are three lines running all day and on weekends, and All-Nighter lines that operate during the late-night hours when BART is closed. Use the links below to learn more about the Transbay Service:

Park & Ride Lots

Don’t live near a bus stop? AC Transit lines access several Park & Ride lots in the East Bay, so you can leave your car and hop onto a Transbay bus. Conditions, costs and rules of the lots listed below are subject to change without notice.

Be advised: Unless otherwise noted, all parking spaces in the two lots below are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. All reserved spaces at Ardenwood have been claimed; no additional spaces are currently available, and there is no waitlist. This site will be updated when reserved spaces become available.

  • Richmond Parkway Transit Center (Richmond Parkway & I-80).
    Lot operated by AC Transit.
    AC Transit line: L.
    Number of Parking Spaces: 206.
    Fee: All spaces – $3.00 per day.

  • Ardenwood Park & Ride (Ardenwood Blvd. & Hwy. 84, Fremont).
    Lot operated by AC Transit.
    AC Transit lines: U, DB
    Number of Parking Spaces: 349
    Fees: 300 first-come, first-served spaces: free
    50 reserved spaces: $50 per month. Currently unavailable to new users
    11 Handicapped spaces: free (first come, first served).
    Bicycle storage: 4 lockers and 20 rack spaces.

Note: There are no public restrooms at these locations.

The following is a list of other East Bay Park & Ride lots served by AC Transit bus lines.
AC Transit does not operate or control these lots. Look for fee information at your selected lot.

  • Island Dr. & Doolittle Dr., Alameda: Line W
  • Fruitvale Ave. & Montana St., Oakland: Lines NL, NX
  • Fruitvale Ave. & I-880, Oakland: Line O
  • Grand Ave. & Lake Park Ave., Oakland: Lines NL, NX
  • Hilltop Dr. & I-80, Richmond: Line L

WiFi on Board

Wi-Fi on Board

Wi-Fi is available on all of AC Transit’s green Gillig commuter buses, the MCI buses (the big, green commuter coaches) that provide service across the Bay Bridge and Dumbarton Bridge, and the double decker buses serving San Francisco. Wi-Fi equipped buses have a ”Wi-Fi On Board” decal on the front door and on the back of the bus. Using your Wi-Fi enabled device, you can send e-mails, surf the web, or download files from the comfort of your seat while you commute to and from work.

Acceptable Use Policy & Disclaimer

By using AC Transit’s on board Wi-Fi service and logging on to this network, you are agreeing that you will not use this service to violate any applicable law or regulation.

All that is being provided through AC Transit’s Wi-Fi service is “free” Internet access. AC Transit is not providing security, support or related services, and all questions regarding these topics, and whether and how a user should use the service, should be directed to an IT professional familiar with the user’s hardware, software, and/or use policies.

By using AC Transit’s on board Wi-Fi service, you assume all risks associated with the use of this service, including but not limited to, any risk to your device, software, or data of being damaged by any virus, software, or any other file which might be transmitted or activated due to use of the service. You should be aware that the network may be required to disclose data related to the use of this service if it is served with a legal subpoena or court order.

AC Transit shall not be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages, including, without limitation, lost revenues or lost profits, resulting from the use or misuse of this service. By using the free Internet service provided by AC Transit, you are agreeing to the disclaimer set forth above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to use the Wi-Fi service?

No, this is a free service and there are no registration requirements.

How will I know if my bus is Wi-Fi-enabled?

Wi-Fi service is available on all green Gillig commuter buses, the MCI buses (the big, green commuter coaches) bearing the “Wi-Fi On Board” decal, and the double decker buses. Since not all Transbay trips are served by these buses, it is not guaranteed that you will have Wi-Fi equipped bus for your particular trip.

What equipment do I need to use Wi-Fi?

To use the service, your device (laptop, smart phone, tablet, etc.) must be Wi-Fi enabled. Both PCs and Macs can be used. Using AC Transit’s Wi-Fi service is similar to connecting with other wireless Internet services in office buildings or other wireless hot spots.

How do I connect?

In most instances, launching an Internet browser will automatically open the AC Transit Welcome Page. This Welcome Page indicates that you have successfully connected to the free AC Transit Wi-Fi service and to the Internet.

If you don’t automatically connect, you may have to manually connect to the Wi-Fi access point.

By selecting “connect automatically,” you should be able to connect to the AC Transit Wi-Fi network each subsequent time you are on a Wi-Fi equipped bus and start up your device. For advanced instructions on how to set or modify your Wi-Fi network connections, please consult the manual or contact technical support for your particular wireless device.

Is Wi-Fi available when the bus is not moving?

For Wi-Fi service to be enabled, the bus engine must be running. Once the bus engine is turned off, Wi-Fi service will be disconnected. Bus operators follow strict protocol regarding engine idling in the Transbay Temporary Terminal and cannot accommodate requests to keep the engine on.

What about bandwidth and network speed?

Wi-Fi service can accommodate basic Internet browsing, checking and sending e-mails, streaming multi-media, downloads, and file transfers. Due to the characteristics of the cellular network, there may be locations where service is intermittent or unavailable. In addition, overall connection speed may be affected by the number of Wi-Fi users on the bus.

What do I do if I’m having trouble using the service?

If you have tried unsuccessfully to connect to the Internet, or service has been interrupted and you’re unable to reconnect, you should report the problem to AC Transit by completing a “customer feedback” form at actransit.org/feedback (click on the type of input you wish to give). Please do not ask the bus operator for assistance with your Wi-Fi connection. Operators are not in a position to evaluate and fix Internet-related problems.

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AC Transit MCI on Salesforce Bus Bridge

New Transbay Coaches Debut

AC Transit introduces a new generation of Transbay service with the rollout of the MCI D45 CRT LE coaches. Key features of the new coaches are better accessibility, rider improvements, and operational improvements. A low-floor area at a second door has room for two mobility devices or seating for passengers who have difficulty using stairs; the second door uses a simpler and faster ramp compared to the old MCI coaches’ lift. Learn more about the redesigned MCI commuter coaches.

AC Transit Double Decker bus

Double Decker Buses

AC Transit continues its commitment to improve Transbay service with the introduction of double decker buses. These buses are brought to you by Transbay Tomorrow, a visionary AC Transit project dedicated to reduce overcrowding and improve congestion on the Bay Bridge. The double decker buses will increase capacity to 78 passengers per coach with amenities such as Wi-Fi, footrests, reclining seats on the upper deck and three bike racks, while offering sweeping panoramic views of the Bay. Double decker buses are rolling on lines L, FS and J.

Exterior of Salesforce Transit Center

Salesforce Transit Center

AC Transit resumed Transbay service operations in the Salesforce Transit Center on Sunday, August 11, 2019.  The Salesforce Center is located between Mission and Howard streets, from Beale to Second streets.

AC Transit operates the Bay Area’s most comprehensive transit service at the new center, deploying 13 bus lines at peak hours during weekdays, using the Bus Deck on Level 3 of the building. Each AC Transit bus line has a designated Bus Bay, except for Line 800. Line 800 is serving the stop located at First and Mission streets.

AC Transit bus on Oakland Bay Bridge

Transbay Tomorrow

The Transbay Tomorrow Project aims to develop and implement service improvements on the Bay Bridge Transbay network. As AC Transit prepares to move into the new Transbay Transit Center and begin double decker bus operations in 2018, we want to make sure our service meets existing demands and prepare for future changes and service expansions. Click on the links below for more information on the project:

woman riding bus

Can I use a Transbay bus for a local trip?

Local riders are allowed on Transbay lines E, F, 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.