1. Understanding Public Transportation in California

California has different systems depending on the city or county. Most large cities use buses, trains, or light rail. Smaller areas may only have local bus services.

• Local transit → buses, light rail (like LA Metro, San Diego MTS).
   

• Regional transit → trains that connect counties (like Metrolink, Caltrain, Amtrak California).
   

• Discount programs → reduced fares for low-income riders, seniors, students, and people with disabilities (refugees can qualify if they meet income rules). Some programs are EBT card (EBT card page), metro’s life program, and more.
   

2. Get a Transit Card or App

Most systems use reloadable cards or mobile apps for payment.

• Los Angeles Metro → TAP Card: https://www.taptogo.net
   

• San Francisco Bay Area → Clipper Card: https://www.clippercard.com
   

• San Diego MTS → PRONTO Card: https://www.ridepronto.com
   

Cards can be bought at stations, stores, or online. Apps also let you buy digital tickets.

 

3. Check Routes and Schedules

• Use Google Maps (select “Transit” option).
   

• Use apps like Transit App or Moovit to see real-time buses/trains.
   

• Visit the official transit agency website for maps and timetables.
   

Examples:

• LA Metro: https://www.metro.net
   

• San Diego MTS: https://www.sdmts.com
   

• Sacramento Regional Transit: https://www.sacrt.com
   

4. Apply for Discounted Fares

Refugees with low income may qualify for discounted transit programs.

• Los Angeles → LIFE (Low-Income Fare is Easy) program. Apply here: https://www.metro.net/projects/life/
   

• Bay Area → Clipper START program. Apply here: https://www.clipperstartcard.com
   

• San Diego → Reduced Fares (seniors, disabled, youth). Info: https://www.sdmts.com/fares/reduced-fares
   

5. Learn How to Ride Safely

• Check the bus/train number before boarding.
   

• Tap your card or show your ticket to the driver/machine.
   

• Hold on to handrails when standing.
   

• Know that most buses announce stops; press the “stop” button before your stop.

 

6. Long-Distance Travel

Here are a few options for traveling between cities:

• Amtrak California: https://www.amtrak.com/california-train-routes 

This is for trains. Click on “schedule” on the top to plan your trip and check your ticket by clicking on “my trip” on the top

 

• Greyhound Bus: https://www.greyhound.com
  This is for bus rides.

• FlixBus: https://www.flixbus.com 

This is for bus rides.