CAR-LESS COMMUTE

Your Ticket to Freedom
Young Person's Guide to The Bus, Merced County Transit

The Next Best Thing to Your Own Car

It's never easy to find a ride when you need it. Your parents are at work, your friends parents are busy, and it's too far to walk. If you only had your own way to get around...

Well, you do. The Bus can be your ticket to getting just about anywhere that you want to go. When you want to go. And you don't have to count on anyone else to get your there.

What A Deal!

With the Youth Freedom Pass, you can travel all around town, or around the county, for just $12 a month. That's unlimited rides, all month long. Youth Freedom passes are for students 6 to 16 years old.

If you'd rather pay as you go, you can ride for half the regular cash fare anywhere in the county.

Oh, the Places You'll Go

Whether you just want to go hang out with your friends at the Boys & Girls Club, travel cross-country to see your cousins, or just need to get to the library to do that homework assignment, The Bus can get you there.

Travel Smart

• Know your bus route. Call us or see your driver for maps.
• Have your bus pass or fare with you before you leave for the bus stop.
• If you have questions, ask. Your bus driver is here to help.
• It's okay to use your backpack or other stuff to save a seat for a friend.
• Bring a book, your GameBoy or your Walkman (with headphones).
• Pay attention so that you don't miss your stop.
• Check you seat area and collect your stuff before getting off The Bus

Travel Safe

• Don't sit next to strangers
• Don't talk to strangers.
• Sit close to the bus driver if that makes you feel more comfortable.
• If someone touches you or your things say "leave me along" very loudly.
• Let the bus driver know right away if there is a problem.
• Report any problems to The Bus at (209) 384-3111 or (800) 345-3111.

Travel by the Rules

• No smoking, drinking, or eating is allowed on The Bus.
• Music devices may be played, but you must use headphones.
• If the person next to you can hear through your headphones, it is too loud.
• Profanity will not be tolerated on The Bus - so no cussing!
• Seeing-eye and guide dogs for assisting the blind and disabled are allowed.
• Pets are also allowed if they are inside pet carriers.

Getting on The Bus

Just Wave! If you are not at a designated bus stop, you can still wave down The Bus. Make sure you're at a corner and put your hand high above your head and wave so the driver can see you. The driver will be happy to pick you up. Of course, if you are anywhere near a designated bus stop, that is your best bet. And your arm won't get tired.

Getting off The Bus

Let the driver know you want to get off The Bus at least one full block ahead of your stop by pulling the "Stop Requested" pull cord. Don't worry, the cord does NOT activate the brakes. It just lets the driver know that you are about done with your trip. You can get off anywhere along the bus route as long as it's safe to stop.

Bikes on The Bus

As if being able to get around town on your own were not good enough, The Bus has bike racks. Ride your bike to the bus stop, remove your water bottle, pump or anything else that might fall off during the trip, load your bike on the racks on front of the bus, lock it down tightly, and you are off to your adventure. It is the ultimate freedom on both ends of the bus route.

Quick Facts

Youth Cash Fares (ages 6 to 16) Exactly one-half the price of the adult cash fare.

Youth Freedom Pass (unlimited rides) $12 per month.

Children 5 and under ride free when accompanied by another fare-paying passenger at least 12 years or older. Funded through the Children and Families Commission of Merced County.