How to Ride Wheels
Accessibility | Bike & Ride | FAQ's | How to Ride | Popular Destinations | Safety Guidelines

If you're new to Wheels, or have questions about riding the bus or the fixed route service, the following steps will help to make your trip a pleasant one.  Our goal is to provide the residents and visitors in the Tri-Valley with high-quality transit service.

1.  Find the Correct Bus Line

The first step in riding the bus is to find the correct bus line to reach your destination. Start by looking at the bus schedule. Remember that you may need to transfer from one line to another to reach your destination, or to return.  Be sure to ask for a transfer ticket from the bus operator.

2.  Find Out What Time the Bus Will Arrive at Your Stop

You can quickly find out what time the bus arrives at your stop by referring to the appropriate schedule. Note that weekday bus timetables may differ from weekend or holiday service. A typical schedule is shown below:

(If using a text browser or text-to-speech reader, see the accessible table.)

How to read the schedule above
The route the bus travels is identified with timepoints.  Timepoints are locations along the route that have a scheduled time when the buses will depart them.  The first timepoint on the sample schedule is the East Avenue/LLNL bus Stop.  The bus departs this timepoint at 7:26 am and then travels to the second timepoint, East & Hayes, and departs there at 7:32 am.  The next time point after that is the Livermore Transit Center at 7:38 am.   Looking at all of the timepoints from left to right will give you an idea where the bus will travel along its route.

By checking the scheduled stop times for the intersection or time point nearest your departure and arrival points, you can calculate your total riding time. Many bus stops fall between timepoints, and therefore do not have an exact time listed on the schedule. If your bus stop is located between two timepoints, refer to the nearest timepoint shown before your location. Keep in mind that the time points are not the only places where the bus stops along the route.

3.  Catching the Bus

Please remember that the bus will board passengers at designated bus stops only.  Designated bus stops have blue Wheels Bus Stop signs that show which bus lines serves that stop.

Always make sure to be at the bus stop a few minutes early. As you wait for the bus, remember that there is a headsign above the windshield on each bus that identifies the route number and final destination. Watch carefully for your route number and destination as the bus approaches your stop. Many bus stops are served by more than one bus line, so make sure you are getting on the right bus.

For example, buses heading for Stoneridge Mall will show a route number followed by the final destination on the headsign. For example, a Line 10 bus traveling from the Livermore Transit Center to BART  will say "10 BART/MALL".  Please make sure you are at the bus stop when you signal your bus.  If you are seated in a shelter or on a bus bench, stand up. This will let the driver know that you wish to board. If you do not know where the nearest bus stop is, please contact Wheels at (925) 455-7500 and we will direct you to the nearest stop.

4.  Paying Your Fare

Cash, tickets and passes can be used on all buses. If you have cash, you must have the exact fare because coach operators do not carry change. Have your fare ready when boarding. Deposit cash and tickets directly into the farebox.  If you need a transfer, please request it when you pay your fare, not when you are getting off the bus.  Reduced fare passengers may be required to show either an RTC Discount Card, ADA Card or a Medicare Card.  For fare information, click on "Fares."

5.  Transfers

A transfer allows you to change from the original bus you are riding to another bus in order to complete a trip.  Transfers are valid at any bus stop and any route for a maximum of two hours.

6.  Riding Tips

After paying your fare, quickly move to a vacant seat. The seats immediately behind the bus operator are reserved for seniors and disabled riders in order to make getting on and off the bus easier, please give up those seats should they board.  Please remain seated until the bus comes to a full and complete stop.  If all seats are taken, hold on to the grab rails.  Stay behind the white standee line when the bus is in motion.

7.  Leaving the Bus

Be alert for your destination.  If you're not certain about where it is, ask the bus operator to call out your destination.  Sitting close to the front will help you hear when your destination is announced.

To signal the operator to stop the bus, pull the cord above the window or press the yellow tape.  Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before leaving your seat.  Buses will only stop at bus stops to ensure your safety.  Please leave through the rear doors if possible to allow new passengers to board.

Enjoy Your Day!

We hope these tips make your ride a pleasant one!  Wheels welcomes all passenger comments or suggestions.  Please call (925) 455-7500 or write to Wheels, 1362 Rutan Court #100, Livermore, CA  94551 or use our comment card on our Contact Us page.

Return to:  Rider's Guide