There are two types of bus systems in Los Angeles – Metro and The City of Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT).
METRO
Local lines are older orange buses that stop at every bus stop on route. Rapid Lines are newer red buses that stop less frequently and drastically save on commute time. The Santa Monica Boulevard line is one of the busiest, yet most efficient, transport lines in the city as it runs all the way from Santa Monica pier to downtown and back again.
LA Metro’s website allows you to plan your trip and gives information on schedules and fairs. Handy pocket guides are available in multi-languages such as, Spanish, Japanese, and Tagalog and can be picked up on buses or any Metro station. Timetables listing the Metro systems 200 rail and bus lines are also available online or as a pocket guide. Bus times vary by line but some start as early as 4.00am and run as late as 2.00am. The Metro’s 24-hour Owl Service runs on the more popular lines.
Base fare for each boarding: $1.50, No transfers available. (Reduced fare of $0.55 for Senior, Disabled or Recipients of Medicare)
- Metro Pass: $6 for a day pass, $20 for a weekly pass, $75 for a monthly pass.
- EZ Transit Pass: good for travel on Metro bus, Metro Rail, and many other carriers.
- Passes: Two children under 5 travel free with a fare-paying parent.
- Pay exact fare to bus driver’s ticket vending machines. (No change refunded).
- Tickets can also be bought in advance at the stations self-service ticket vending machines.
Visit Metro’s website at http://www.metro.net/ for complete information, maps, routes, timetables and more.
LADOT
Base fare for each boarding: $0.35, No transfers available. (Reduced fare of $0.15 for Senior, Disabled or Recipients of Medicare)
- Pass: $6 for a day pass, $20 for a weekly pass, $75 for a monthly pass.
- EZ Transit Pass: EZ transit passes are valid on all LADOT transit services, Metro Rail/Metro Bus, and most other transit services in Los Angeles County.
- Passes: Two children under 4 travel free with a fare-paying parent.
- Pay exact fare to bus driver’s ticket vending machines. (No change refunded).
- Tickets can also be bought in advance at the stations self-service ticket vending machines.
Visit LADOT’s website at http://www.ladottransit.com for complete information, maps, routes, timetables and more.
