Understanding Metro Bus Transfers: Duration And Validity Rules

The duration of a metro bus transfer depends on the location and mode of payment. In Montreal, transfers are valid for 120 minutes from the time of first validation. In New York, transfers are valid for two hours from the time of payment. In LA, transfers are also valid for two hours when using a TAP card, and in Washington, transfers are valid for two hours when using a SmarTrip card. It is important to note that transfer durations may vary based on local policies and payment methods, so it is always a good idea to check the official sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Transfers last for two hours

When it comes to transferring between buses, different cities have different rules and regulations. In Washington, for instance, if you pay your bus fare with a SmarTrip card, you can make unlimited Metrobus connections, including round trips, within two hours. This also applies to transfers from bus to rail or rail to bus. In New York, transfers from one local bus route to another or to the subway are also valid for two hours. This applies to both MetroCard and cash-paying customers.

In Montreal, the right of transfer is automatically registered on your OPUS card or L'Occasionnelle card. You have 120 minutes to complete your trip from the time of first validation. This includes transfers between two or three bus lines, bus to metro, metro to bus, bus to train, train to bus, metro to train, train to metro, and bus to train to metro.

In Los Angeles, you can also get two hours of free transfers to other Metro lines with each paid ride when you pay with a TAP card.

You must request a transfer when boarding the first bus

When using a Metrobus service, it is important to remember that customers must request a transfer when boarding the first bus of their trip. This process differs depending on the method of payment. For cash-paying customers, the driver will provide a paper transfer, whereas for m-Card users, the transfer will be handled electronically.

It is also necessary to advise the driver of the first bus of the route number to which you wish to transfer. This is an important step to ensure a smooth transition to your desired route. A transfer is only valid when used on the next bus departing from a transfer point. It is important to note that transfers are not valid for use on the same route from which you are transferring. For example, you cannot transfer from route 1 to another bus on route 1. In the case of any misunderstanding, customers are advised to pay the fare and contact Metrobus during regular office hours.

Additionally, Metrobus offers a range of transfer options for different payment methods. If you are using a SmarTrip card, you may make unlimited Metrobus connections, including round trips, within two hours. This also applies to transfers from bus to rail or rail to bus, where your fare will be reduced when using the SmarTrip card. Similarly, in Montreal, the right of transfer is automatically registered on your OPUS card or L'Occasionnelle card, providing up to 120 minutes to complete your trip.

In Los Angeles, the TAP card provides two hours of free transfers to other Metro lines with each paid ride. It is important to note that exiting and re-entering a station will be charged as a new ride. The TAP card can also be used to transfer from a municipal operator to Metro within a specified time frame, although additional transfer fees may apply.

Transfers are not valid for use on the same route

The length of a bus transfer depends on the city and the type of transfer. In Montreal, you have 120 minutes to complete your trip from the time you first validate your fare card. In New York, a transfer is valid within two hours of when you paid the fare. In LA, you also get two hours of free transfers when you pay with a TAP card.

When it comes to transferring between different modes of transportation, there are some restrictions to be aware of. In Montreal, you can transfer from bus to metro (or vice-versa), from one bus line to another, from bus to train, from train to bus, from metro to train, from train to metro, and even combinations of these, such as bus to train to metro. However, you cannot make round trips or interrupt your trip once you have left one mode of transportation and then resume your trip on the same line.

In New York, you can transfer for free from one local bus route to another local bus route or any subway train. If you transfer from a local bus to an express bus, you only need to pay the fare difference.

In LA, you can use TAP to transfer from one system to another within 2 and a half hours from the first tap of your journey. However, transfers from municipal operators to Metro are subject to additional transfer fees. If you transfer from Metro to another municipal operator and then back to Metro, you will be required to pay the regular fare upon re-entering the Metro system.

It is important to note that transfers are generally not valid for use on the same route. For example, if you are travelling on route 1, you cannot use a transfer to switch to another bus on route 1. This restriction applies in various cities, including St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, where the Metrobus service operates.

To summarise, the length of a metro bus transfer varies by city, but it is generally valid for a duration of around two hours. Transfers typically allow you to switch between different bus lines or modes of transportation, but they are not valid for round trips or for staying on the same route. It is always a good idea to check the specific rules and regulations of the public transportation system in your city or the city you are visiting.

Transfers are free when using a SmarTrip card

If you're looking to transfer between buses in Washington, DC, you're in luck, as transfers are free when using a SmarTrip card. This applies to both bus-to-bus and rail-to-bus transfers. You can make unlimited Metrobus connections, including round trips, within two hours of paying your fare with a SmarTrip card. This also applies to transfers from Metrobus to Metrorail, or from Metrorail to Metrobus and most local buses, where your fare will be reduced. For example, if you're transferring from a $2 regular-fare route to a $4.25 express route, you only pay the $2.25 difference.

In New York City, you can also transfer for free from one local bus route to another or to any subway train when using a MetroCard. These transfers are valid within two hours of paying your fare. If you pay your fare in coins, you can still transfer from one local bus route to another within two hours, but you will need to show a printed transfer ticket, which you can ask for from the bus operator.

In Montreal, transfers are also accepted within 120 minutes of first validating your fare card. This includes transfers between two or three bus lines, from bus to metro (or vice versa), from bus to train (or vice versa), from metro to train (or vice versa), and combinations of these modes of transportation.

In Los Angeles, you can get two hours of free transfers to other Metro lines with each paid ride when using a TAP card.

You can transfer from bus to train or vice versa

The length of time that a metro bus transfer lasts depends on the city or operator. In Montreal, you have 120 minutes to complete your trip once you have validated your fare card. In New York, transfers are valid within two hours of paying the fare. In LA, you also get two hours of free transfers when you pay with a TAP card.

In Washington, if you pay your bus fare with a SmarTrip card, you can make unlimited Metrobus connections, including round trips, within two hours.

So, if you're transferring from bus to train or vice versa, be sure to check the specific rules for the city or operator, but generally, you can expect to have around two hours to make your connection.

• Have your transfer ticket or pass ready before you board the bus or train. This could be a paper transfer, a transfer card, or an electronic pass on your phone.
• Be mindful of any restrictions on round trips or interrupting your trip. In some cities, you may not be able to make a round trip or interrupt your journey once you have left one mode of transportation and then resume your trip on the same line.
• Plan your trip in advance to ensure that you have enough time to make the transfer within the allotted time frame.
• Be aware of any discounts or reduced fares that may apply when transferring from bus to train or vice versa. For example, in Washington, if you pay your bus fare with a SmarTrip card, your fare will be reduced when transferring to Metrorail.
• Follow any specific instructions provided by the transit authority for requesting a transfer when boarding the bus or train. For example, in some cases, you may need to advise the driver of the route you need to connect to.

Frequently asked questions