Tips for Riding - Riding the Bus

Assault or battery against a bus operator, a bus passenger, a transit employee, or any person on District property is a crime. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The maximum penalty for these crimes is a $10,000 fine and up to 3 years in prison. If you have information about such a crime, please call 415-455-2000, email us at contact@goldengate.org, or use online Bus Comment Form.

At the Bus Stop

GGT recommends arriving at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before scheduled departure time. Bus time is set to the official U.S. time clock (www.time.gov).
Schedule times in Sonoma and Marin counties for all northbound Commute routes are approximate. Due to varying traffic conditions, buses may serve these locations earlier or later than the listed times.
Due to limited stop access, buses cannot hold for connections in San Francisco.
When waiting at the bus stop, stay at least 3 feet from the curb. Standing near the curb can be dangerous.
Customers should clearly signal the driver of the bus they wish to board as it approaches the stop. In preparation to board, customers should line up in an orderly manner.
Never touch a moving bus, and keep a safe distance from the wheels of the bus.
Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching the front door to board (always board through the front door). Allow alighting passengers to exit the bus before you begin boarding.
Note about luggage and personal items: Golden Gate Transit can accommodate small, personal items on its coaches. Items must fit in the overhead rack, under the seat, or safely on your lap. Maximum dimensions are 29"L x 12"W x 6"H for the overhead rack and 18"L x 13"W x 7"H under the seat. Customers should not expect to board with oversized items.
If you have a bicycle, be sure the driver has recognized you and your bike before proceeding to the bike rack. Visit our Bringing Your Bike section for more information.
Have cash, fare card, Clipper mobile app, pass, or transfer ready before boarding the bus. This ensures a quicker boarding process. Visit our Bus Fares & Payment section for more information.
Do not run after a departing bus. Once the bus has left the curb/stop, drivers are instructed not to stop the bus for the safety of everyone.
Never use your hand, umbrella, briefcase, or any other object to try to reopen the doors if they are closing. The doors will not reopen and you could be injured.

On the Bus

Pay your full fare to your final destination. Tell the bus driver where you are going and whether you need a transfer and/or a change card. Transfers are only issued when you pay your fare. If you have any questions for the driver, please ask them when you board the bus. Avoid unnecessary conversation with the driver. Visit our Bus Fares & Payment section for more information.
Move quickly to an empty seat and remain seated while the bus is in motion. Bus capacity is limited to one passenger per seat, including those seats in the wheelchair securement area. If all seats are taken, you may stand but please hold on at all times. Intercounty bus service restricts standees to 10 passengers; intracounty service allows standees as deemed safe by the driver.
As a courtesy, please reserve seats identified at the front for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Animals are allowed on buses if they are guide dogs, working service, or special-assistant animals. Service animals must be on a leash and under owner's control. Other animals or pets are permitted aboard buses provided they are in, and remain in, approved hand-carried containers.
Luggage and all other belongings must be able to safely fit in overhead racks, on your lap, or under a seat. Personal items must not block aisles or doorways, and may not be placed in wheelchair securement areas or on seats. Passengers are responsible for handling their own luggage. Large suitcases, duffle bags, or multiple suitcases may not be accommodated due to heavy passenger loads.
Baby strollers must be folded up and children should be held in your lap.
It is not safe to put your hand, arm, head, or any part of your body through an open bus window.
You may use a cell phone on the bus as long as you keep calls short, keep your voice low, and do not disturb fellow passengers or the bus driver. Minimize incoming calls when possible and use the silent/vibrate ringer option. You may be asked to stop using your cell phone. Visit our Cell Phone Tips page for more information.
Personal grooming is not permitted on the bus. This includes clipping fingernails and toenails, putting on perfume, combing hair, using nail polish, etc.
There is NO smoking (including "vaping" of electronic cigarettes), eating, or drinking allowed aboard buses. California State Law prohibits open alcoholic beverages aboard public transit buses. Alcohol is allowed in closed, original containers.
Please do not use radios, disk players or tape players, mini-televisions, or similar devices while riding the bus. Earbuds or headphones must be used with personal audio or media equipment, and the volume must be kept low so other passengers are not disturbed.
All GGT buses are equipped with WiFi. Please do not ask bus operators for assistance with WiFi.
Use caution when reclining your seat and make sure there is adequate room for the person behind you.
At the driver's discretion, certain lights may be dimmed or turned off to minimize the reflection on the windshield so it doesn't interfere with driver's vision.
Do not interfere with the safe operation of the bus or touch the bus driver while the bus is in motion.
Do not act or make comments that could be perceived as threatening to other passengers or your driver. Under the Patriot Act of 2001, violent acts against mass transportation workers, vehicles, and facilities are federal crimes.
While riding a bus, always be prepared. Buses are often required to make sudden stops.

Getting Off the Bus

When the bus approaches your stop, push the passenger signal strip or button to indicate to the driver your desire to exit the bus at the next stop. Gather all your belongings, including newspapers. Lose something? Visit our Lost & Found page for more information.
Stay in your seat until the bus comes to a complete stop.
If using Clipper, be sure to "tag" off as you exit the bus so the correct fare is deducted.
When you get off the bus, do not cross in front of the bus.
If you need to remove a bicycle when you get off the bus, please tell the driver prior to leaving the bus.