How
to RideHow
to Ride
METRO operates 42 routes throughout Santa Cruz County. If you are not sure what route you need to catch, call our INFO LINE at 425-8600 (TDD# 425-8993) Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. When you call, be sure to give the METRO information agent the following information:
The information agent will tell you:
METRO will also publishes HEADWAYS, a publication which tells you everything you need to know about riding Santa Cruz METRO. These are available FREE at libraries, colleges, senior centers and many other locations in the area. Feel free to ask for the nearest location to you.
The Adult Fare on most METRO buses is $1.50. You may pay with exact cash or use prepaid fare passes or tickets. Select this link for more information on fares.
Look for the bus stop closest to you. Most METRO bus stops are designated by a bus within a sign. Each bus stop in the system has the schedule information for the routes serving that stop.
As your bus approaches the stop, signal it in time for the bus to easily stop. Stand so the bus can completely pull into the bus stop. When the doors open, please use the handrails to help you board safely.
There are two signs on the bus that indicate the route number and destination of the bus -- a large sign above the windshield (see picture above) and a smaller sign on the side of the bus just to the left of the front door. If the route travels to a variety of locations, the sign may flash on and off with two messages to help clarify the route.
When the METRO bus is about three-fourths of a block from your destination, signal the driver to stop. Pull the cord located above or between the side windows and adjacent to the ceiling hand rails. This will ring a signal chime and on many buses, light a sign saying "Stop Requested." Exit from either the front or rear door. When the light over the rear door goes on, open the door by pressing the handrail.
Passenger Lift and Kneeling Features - The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District's "Passenger Lift" permits the boarding, deboarding, and securement of passengers using wheelchairs; and the boarding and deboarding of passengers not using wheelchairs if they also need the same lift service. In addition, for those who have difficulty climbing stairs, Metro offers buses that have "kneeling" capabilities, which permit the stairs to be lowered for easier access. If you have special needs, Metro encourages you to ask for assistance from the bus operator.
Bus operators must stop at all bus stops on a route where there are passengers. If the bus is not lift-equipped or it is unsafe to board, they must inform any passengers requiring accessible service concerning the next bus which is accessible and/or inform "Dispatch" if assistance is needed.
The Passenger Lift - Most Passenger Lifts are fairly complex pieces of machinery, though relatively simple from the user's point of view. On Metro buses the front stairs fold out and down to create a small ramp and platform. Once loaded and secured, this platform is raised, bringing the passenger into the bus directly level with the center aisle.
On board, special seats fold back to allow room for the wheelchair to be "secured." Wheelchair securement devices found on district buses include: a seat belt and/or shoulder harness system, a safety restraint bar, and a set of restraint belts called "Y" straps. To ensure safety, the uses of the "Y" straps on the frame of the wheelchair is mandatory. Metro also requests that you lock your wheelchair brakes before using the lift and also in the securement area.
Dimensions on wheelchairs vary, and in order to fully take advantage of traveling on the Metro system, it is important to know the dimensions of your wheelchair. The reason is that the "PLATFORM LIFTS" on the buses differ from model to model.
In the event of a Passenger Lift failure the bus operator will notify "Dispatch" for "Back-Up" guaranteed service. You are entitled to the "Back-Up" service if another bus heading to your destination will not arrive within 30 minutes.
Mobility Devices - METRO fixed-route and ParaCruz vehicles are designed to accommodate most wheelchairs and mobility aids. We are no able to safely accommodate you, though, if your wheelchair or mobility aid exceeds the following limits:
METRO's Kneeling Buses - METRO's buses are equipped with a "KNEELING" capacity: This means the front entry door can be lowered to reduce the distance you must step to enter the bus. If you are ambulatory; but are restricted in your ability to step up or down, simply ask the bus operator to "KNEEL" the bus for you before you enter or exit.
Boarding and Deboarding the Bus - You may board "FORWARD" or "BACKWARD". Deboarding is essentially the reverse process of boarding the bus, only you must deboard facing "FORWARD".
Priority Seating - Passengers using a wheelchair have first priority to the "Securement Area" seats.
Service Dog Accessibility - Every totally or partially blind person, or deaf person, or person whose hearing is impaired or physically disabled person, shall have the right to be accompanied on a transit bus, van, or Handicab by a guide dog, signal dog, or service dog, especially trained for this purpose. Any working dog should not be petted or handled by any person other than the owner.
Attendants - Every person with a disability shall have the right to be accompanied by one attendant who will ride for free.
Mobility Training - Metro Mobility Training at 423-3868, provides free instruction to seniors and people with disabilities who want to ride the bus. People learn how to ride the bus safely, obtain a Metro Discount Photo ID Card, purchase discount tickets, handle unexpected situations, and read the HEADWAYS bus schedule. If needed, training is offered on how to use passenger lifts, kneeling buses and other special services. If you have difficulty with lift accessibility at any of our bus stops, please let us know. Call Metro Customer Service, 425-8600.
Return to How To Ride Page
Return to METRO Home Page