Catching THE BUS

You may catch our buses at any corner along any of our routes provided that the driver can make a safe stop. Wave the bus down to board. Whenever possible, please wait at one of our bus stop signs. You may also request that the driver stop at any corner along the route. Please let your driver know that you want off at least one (1) full block ahead of your stop by using the STOP REQUESTED Pull Cord. Please be advised that wherever possible, our drivers stop at signed bus stops.

Please be at your bus stop at least five (5) minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.

For faster service, please have your exact fare ready as you board The Bus because our drivers do not carry change.

Passenger Rules

While riding on THE BUS, Merced County Transit, please observe the following rules:

• Swipe pass or pay fare when boarding
• NO SMOKING, DRINKING, or EATING
• No radios or tape players may be played on the bus
• Profane language will not be tolerated
• Pets are allowed if they are contained in a pet carrier. Service animals that assist the blind and disabled are also allowed
• No behavior creating a nuisance for driver or others
• Standing is permitted only when seats are not available. If there are no seats available, please hold the handrails provided for your safety
• No unsafe behavior in or around Merced County Transit buses or bus stops
• Report vandalism. You will remain anonymous
• Save priority seats at the front of every Bus for seniors and disabled riders
• Don't vandalize. Vandalism is a crime, which will be punished with a fine or jail sentence
• Don't block aisles or take over the seat beside you
• Do NOT bring firearms on any Bus

Public Utilities Code Section 99170

No person shall do any of the following with respect to the property, facilities or vehicles of a transit district;

1. Operate, interfere with, enter, or climb on or in the property, facilities, or vehicles owned oroperated by the transit district without the permission or approval of the transit district.
2. Interfere with the operator or operation of a transit vehicle or impede the safe boarding or alighting of passengers.
3. Extend any portion of the body through any window in a manner that may cause harm or injury.
4. Throw any object from the vehicle.
5. Commit any act or engage in any behavior that may, with reasonable foresee ability, cause harm or injury to any person or property.
6. Violate any notice, prohibition, instruction, or direction on any sign that is intended to provide for the safety and security of transit passengers, or the safe and secure operation of the transit system.

Infraction: punishable by a fine, not to exceed $75 for first violation and not to exceed $250 after a second conviction or by community service not to exceed 48 hours over a perior not to exceed 60 days.

Accommodations for Senior & Mobility Challenged Riders

The front of every Bus has priority seating for seniors and disabled riders.

All buses have lift mechanisms to assist customers in wheelchairs or with other mobility impairments to board. Bus Drivers welcome the opportunity to assist you.

Half Fares

Seniors age 60 or older and ADA-certified persons can ride any fixed-route bus for half the regular cash fare at any time. Save money instantly and travel without needing to call ahead make reservations. Simply present proof of age (driver's license, DMV-issued I.D. card, or Medicare card) or an ADA eligibility card to receive the reduced fare for your trip. Medicare card holders may also be asked to present a photo I.D.

Click here to download the Half Fare brochure for more information.

Dial-A-Ride helps people with disabilities get around.

Dial-A-Ride, provides lift-equipped vans and sedans for people whose disabilities prevent them from using or getting to regularly scheduled Bus services. This door to door service is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Hours of Operation

Reserve A Trip

Call before 5:00 p.m. one to 7 days in advance of your trip to reserve a ride. In order to get Dial-A-Ride service or to be registered for service, please call us at 209-384-3111 in the Merced-Atwater area or (800) 345-3111 in all other Merced County communities. You can also contact us via email at thebus@co.merced.ca.us.

Wheelchair/Mobility Device Users

All of our buses are wheelchair accessible. In order to assure your safety on The Bus, we suggest your wheelchair/mobility device be in good working order.

Three Wheel Scooter Devices (Larks, Amigos, Etc.)

If you use a three wheel scooter device, you may be asked to de-board the scooter and take a regular seat once you've boarded the bus for safety purposes. Your scooter will then be secured and you'll be ready to go. If you choose to stay on your 3 wheel device during the bus trip, TheBus suggests your equipment be in good working condition. This Policy applies to all of our buses.