Basic Information

Introduction to Public Transit

Public transit may seem to many an overly complex system to navigate, but when you understand the fundamentals, it all comes together smoothly! Even throughout the world, many systems are similar, so these basic tips for learning how to use public transit can be easily transferable to many places. Below, we highlight the most common ways to understand how buses, rails, and trains work!

⚠️Safety Tips for Riding Public Transits

Riding Public transit is an affordable and environmentally friendly way to travel. However, as you ride, safety should be your top priority. Keep yourself safe and alert by following these tips:

Always Plan Ahead

Make sure you know your route and schedule of the transit you will be taking so you can pay more attention to your surroundings. If you are riding a rail, you may need to transfer from one train to another.

Have your fare ready

It is good to have your exact fare, pass, or device ready before you board so you aren't fumbling with your wallet or purse and risk exposing your valuables. You can usually purchase tickets/passes at vending machines or online.

Stand in the correct location

Make sure you're on the sidewalk and away from the curb, or standing away from the platform's edge when waiting for your transit.

Don't Sit Near Exits & Keep Belongings Close to You

The best place to sit is near the driver or the aisle to avoid "Snatch & Grabs." When you board or get off the transit, put your phone away as that is when it's most likely to get stolen. Keep your belongings on your lap or between your feet, not on an empty seat beside you. Never display money or valuables in public, make sure they are safely hidden.

Stay Alert at All Times

Make sure you are aware of your surroundings at all times. Look up from time to time and listen to public announcements or directions provided by your driver or transit displays.

TYPES OF TRANSITS

Bus/iShuttle

Bus systems will run in a circular pattern, hitting small areas and neighborhoods. They come usually in short intervals of 5/10/15 minutes. Buses are the most common way to connect to other transit systems around Southern California, so it's a good idea to understand the bus system to optimize transit usage. They offer accessibility for those handicapped.

Rail

Rails cover more land than buses and traverse general regions/cities. They run in a back-and-forth route or have two lines that travel in opposite directions. Rails are the most diverse out of all the transit systems, having multiple subcategories, including light rail, metro, subways, and much more.

Types of Rails

Light-rails are usually above ground and are not as expansive, as metro/subway(s) cover more land than an individual bus.
Metro/subway can both be underground and above ground, but are more distinct than the light-rail and cover more land.

Train

Trains cover large distances with minimal stops and usually go to a select destination, similar to how flying works. It's the best for commuting or traveling for long periods. Travel times may usually be from a few hours to a couple of days depending on your destination. With long trips there are occasional rest stops. There are multiple types of seating to choose from such as coach, business, first class, and private rooms, with sub-categories in each.

How do buses operate?

Buses have the most companies and can be the most confusing out of all the transit systems. LA county itself has over 40 kinds of bus systems throughout the region with slight differences. It is a good idea to look over where you need to go and what bus systems cover what to get to your place as smooth as possible. Overall though, most buses work in the same way.

Find your local bus app/website and search for the ticket option best for you. Most of the time they will have passes or single tickets.
Buses will run in a circular route throughout the day.
You can also hop onto any bus and pay using cash or contactless pay in most modern buses for one time use.
Buses are able to stop between bus stops using a specified cable or a button indicating the bus to stop. Anyone is able to do this.
Transferring between buses is common but will require you to pay again if you are a one time user.
On bus stops, there may be signs that help you know where the bus will be going, but there are some stops that don't have it, so keep that in mind.(as seen to the side).

How do lines work?

Lines are the universal term to refer to the a route that trains take between two points, made up of one or more railroad tracks. Most lines go in opposite ways, with the direction of the rail being identifiable through knowing the last stop of the line.

Example: In Milan's metro system, if you started in Duomo (in the middle of the city) and you wanted to go North to Turati on its yellow line, you'd have to enter on the rail that says it's going towards Comasina.

So it's good to know what the general direction of your destination is in order to know which rail direction you need to head in.

Below is what a typical map of a collection of metro lines will look, intertwining and lines all associated with a specific color. The large white dots symbolize transfer stations where you are able to head onto another line.

Though most metro systems and lines work the same, it's always good to know and study the system before using it in order to prevent confusion and losing your direction.

What is transferring?

Most public transit system will not bring you directly towards the place you need to go in one trip, it is often needed to transfer onto other modes of transportation to get to your final destination. This happens with all modes including metro, trains, and buses. They are all interlocked with each other and often are used together for someone to get to their destination.

Metro: Transferring on metro, as mentioned above, are usually highlighted through specific markers on overlapping lines. Those stations are specific stations that house two or more lines where it makes transferring easy. You will not need to get an additional ticket either.

Buses: Buses are the most versatile in being connections to other sorts of modes of transportation. Buses are able to transfer people to other metro and train lines that may not be connected in the same station. Though versatile, since there are many kinds of bus stops and companies that run, it is important to do your research in what buses will transfer that what places.

Trains: They usually transfer the least out of all the modes of transport, but transferring from train to other transit is common in order to get around due to trains being usually long distances and covering only the most major of areas. Though when transferring from train to train, it works near exactly to metro, but most often that not needed an another ticket to board.

TICKET TYPES

Single-Ride/One-Way

Single-ride/One-way tickets allow you to travel from one location to another in a single trip. For example, single-ride/One-Way tickets go from station A to station B.

Single Day/One-Day/Round-trip

Single-Day/One-Day tickets allow you to travel to unlimited location for one specific day. For example, single-ride/one-day tickets can take to station A,B,C, etc.

Passes

Passes allow for unlimited rides or discounted/free access on tickets to a public transit service for a certain period. For example, passes can include Weekly/Monthly passes or discounted/free passes for seniors/disabled/military/youth/etc.

Class Fares (Relatively used for trains)

Class fares function similarly to airline seat classes, determining the level of comfort and services provided. These can include coach (economy), business, first class, or private rooms. Prices vary depending on the class.

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