1. How To
RIDE the Bus
in 5easy steps
1Plan your trip.
SamTrans would like the bus to be your favorite way to get around to work, to shop, to events, the library,
the movies, the beach or to visit family and friends. Your ride on SamTrans will be safe and comfortable,
at a bargain price. This guide shows you how to ride the bus in five easy steps.
Each timetable lists key stops, known as time
points, along the route. The timetable also
includes a basic map of the route. For our
example, we will take a trip from Foster City to
the Hillsdale Shopping Center and plan to get
there for lunch.
• Locate a time point (F in this example) on
the map near the point where you want to
board the bus.
• Find the same time point on the timetable.
The bus serves the stop at the times
listed below the time point. Please note:
timetables only list time points; the stops
in between the time points are not shown.
• Find your destination time point (C) and
verify that the bus you board will stop
there by reading across.
• We can board the bus at 12:38 p.m
and arrive at the shopping center at
12:50 p.m.
• If your trip requires transferring or if you
have questions, call Customer Service at
1-800-660-4287 (TTY 650-508-6448 for
hearing impaired).
SamTrans travels throughout San Mateo County and into parts of San Francisco and Palo Alto
via 48 routes. To plan your trip, look at the SamTrans System Map to see which bus routes
serve the areas you want to travel. Then, look at the route’s timetable. Each route has an
individual timetable.
Copies of the SamTrans System Map and timetables are available on buses, at SamTrans headquarters
and at key civic centers and pass sales outlets throughout the county.
2How to Read a Timetable

2. 3Boarding the Bus
Be at the bus stop a few minutes before the bus
is scheduled to arrive. As the bus approaches,
check the electronic sign on the front or side of
the bus to verify the route number. Allow
passengers to get off the bus before you board.
4Pay your fare.
Have the exact fare ready before boarding, the operator
cannot make change. You can use tokens or a Monthly
Pass, which are sold at a discount compared to
a one-way fare.
Take a seat.
5The seats nearest the bus operator are designated for seniors and people with disabilities.
If you choose to sit in them, be prepared to move if someone who needs them boards the
bus. For safety, always remain seated or hold onto the pole or straps when the bus is
moving.
As the bus nears your stop, pull the yellow cord near
the window or push the vertical strip on the side of
the window to signal the bus operator that you want
to get off at the next bus stop. Major intersections and
transfer locations are automatically announced. You
also can ask the bus operator to call out your stop. If
you used the front bike rack, let the bus operator know
you’re removing your bike before you get off the bus.
Riding SamTrans
Many SamTrans buses feature the latest safety and comfort advances in public transportation. All
SamTrans buses are equipped with security cameras, and the new SamTrans passenger shelters
have solar-powered lighting.
Check out our Key Destinations site www.samtrans.com/keydestinations for a list of libraries, malls,
entertainment and recreation destinations and many other locations served by SamTrans.
Thank you for riding SamTrans
samTrans
www.samtrans.com
1-800-660-4287 • (TTY 650-508-6448)