Understanding Bus Connections: Paying For Each Transfer

Whether or not you need to pay for each connecting bus depends on the transport system you are using. For example, in New York City, you can transfer for free between most buses with intersecting routes. However, in Pittsburgh, Port Authority has introduced a ConnectCard, which you need if your commute requires a transfer. In Los Angeles, transfers between LA County transit agencies are exclusively on TAP, and your transfer will be valid for 2.5 hours from the first trip of your journey.

Connecting bus transfers are free in New York City

In New York City, you can transfer between buses for free. This applies to intersecting local bus routes, as well as transfers from a local bus to the subway or another bus. The transfer must be in a single direction and is valid for one or two hours, depending on the type of bus.

If you pay your fare with a MetroCard, your connecting transfer data is encoded on the card, so you can transfer to the subway or another bus by using the same card. If you pay with coins, you can request a transfer ticket from your driver after you pay your fare. You can then give this transfer ticket to the driver when you board your connecting bus.

If you are transferring between Select Bus Service routes, you will need to insert your MetroCard or bus transfer into the MetroCard Fare Collector machine associated with the route you are transferring to and obtain a new proof-of-payment receipt. Tickets are specific to each Select Bus Service route.

OMNY is also accepted on all New York City buses. OMNY is a contactless tap-to-pay system where you can use your own contactless card, mobile device, or an OMNY card to tap to pay your fare. You can also transfer for free when you tap to pay with OMNY.

You need a ConnectCard for transfers in Port Authority

If you're commuting via bus in Port Authority and your journey requires a transfer, you'll need a ConnectCard. This is because paper transfers are being phased out, so without a ConnectCard, you'll have to pay an additional full fare of $2.75 for your connecting trip.

The Port Authority ConnectCard offers several benefits. Firstly, it saves you money. With the ConnectCard, you'll pay a discounted fare of $2.50 per ride, whereas cash-paying customers will be charged $2.75. This flat fare applies regardless of the distance you travel within the Port Authority system. Secondly, it simplifies your commute by eliminating the need for paper transfers and providing a streamlined boarding and exiting process. When you use your ConnectCard, you board and pay your fare at the front of the bus and exit through the back doors.

To use your ConnectCard for transfers, make sure to load it with stored cash value before your trip. Then, simply tap your card at the farebox when you board your connecting bus. If you tap your card within three hours of your initial tap, $1 will automatically be deducted from your card to cover the cost of the transfer.

It's important to note that the ConnectCard is currently free, but soon there will be a small charge for new cards. So, it's best to get your ConnectCard now while there's no cost. You can obtain one at Port Authority's Downtown Service Center or at various Port Authority retail locations.

ORCA cards can be used to transfer between buses, trains, and ferries

ORCA cards are a convenient way to pay for public transportation in the Puget Sound region. They can be used to pay fares and transfer seamlessly between buses, trains, and ferries, making them an excellent option for those travelling across different modes of transport.

The ORCA card is accepted by all seven major public transportation agencies in the region, including King County Metro Transit and Washington State Ferries. It works like a prepaid debit or gift card, allowing users to load money or a monthly pass onto the card and then tap it on the card reader when boarding to pay their fare. The card automatically tracks the value of different fares and transfers, so users don't have to worry about calculating their fare each time they ride.

There are several ways to buy and load an ORCA card. The myORCA app allows users to add funds and manage their account from their phone. Cards can also be purchased online at myORCA.com, through the Google Wallet app for Android users, by phone, at ticket vending kiosks, in-person at stores and customer service locations, and by mail.

ORCA cards offer several benefits to users. In addition to the convenience of seamless transfers, riders may qualify for free or reduced fares when paying with ORCA. The card also provides flexibility in payment options, allowing users to add cash value, purchase daily or monthly passes, or choose agency-specific passes. For riders who make frequent transfers or take multiple trips in a day, the ORCA card can be a cost-effective choice.

Overall, the ORCA card is a useful option for those looking for a seamless and convenient way to pay for public transportation in the Puget Sound region. With its wide acceptance across transportation agencies and easy-to-use tap-to-pay functionality, the ORCA card simplifies the process of transferring between buses, trains, and ferries.

Paper transfers are not accepted by Community Transit

Community Transit does not issue or accept paper transfers. This means that if you are taking a trip that involves multiple buses, trains, or other forms of transport, you will need to pay a fare on each bus or train that you board. However, there are alternative options to paying for each connection separately.

One option is to use an ORCA card. ORCA cards can be used to pay fares and transfer seamlessly across the seven major public transportation agencies in the region. ORCA cards work like cash or a pass, automatically tracking the value of different fares and transfers. This means that you can tap your card for each bus or train you ride within the same trip, and you will only be charged for the one with the highest fare. ORCA transfers are valid for two hours after you first tap your card. If one part of your trip has a higher fare than you have previously paid, the ORCA reader will display the remaining amount owed and deduct it from your card.

Another option is to use Swift tickets. These are valid for transfers on Swift buses for up to 90 minutes or 2 hours after purchase, depending on the source. Swift tickets cannot be used on non-Swift buses, so if you are transferring to a non-Swift bus, you will need to pay the full fare with exact change.

If you are using cash to pay your fare, you will need to pay the full fare each time you board a new bus, train, or ferry. You will need to have the exact change as no refunds or change are given.

Interagency transfers are available between LA County transit agencies

Interagency transfers between LA County transit agencies are available, but they must be made using a TAP card with stored cash value. This means that you cannot use paper transfers or pay with cash for interagency transfers. TAP cards are available at the Long Beach Transit (LBT) Transit and Visitor Information Center or from any vendor selling TAP products.

Once you have boarded your first bus or train, you tap your TAP card, and then tap again when you board the next bus or train within two and a half hours. The transfer cost will then be automatically deducted from the stored value balance on your TAP card.

Transfer rates vary by agency. For example, transfers from LBT to Metro Bus or Torrance cost $0.50, whereas transfers from other regional agencies to LBT cost $0.50. LBT also accepts OCTA Day Passes for one ride at the point of connection instead of an Interagency Transfer.

Frequently asked questions