Here are some frequently asked questions about riding WestCAT and helpful answers to make your trip a pleasant one.  You can also download and print out this list as a handy PDF file at the link below:

• Facts about riding WestCAT Brochure   (102k PDF)

Q. Can I bring luggage, packages or groceries on the bus?

A. Yes, as long as you can handle all your packages yourself.  Due to space and safety considerations, WestCAT has a 3 bag per person limit on all its buses; there will be a charge of $1.75 for each additional bag beyond that limit.

Q. What do I do if I left something on the bus?

A. While we can’t be responsible for any items left on the bus, call the Information Center at (510) 724-7993 as soon as possible.  Items found are not logged into the lost and found until after 3 p.m. the following day, so follow up calls are a good idea.  Be sure to have the route number and time of travel available upon request.

Q. Where do I get a bus transfer?

A. When boarding the bus, ask the operator for a transfer.  Transfers are good for one hour from the time of issue.

Q. Can I use a valid transfer from another WestCAT route to board the WestCAT Lynx at established transfer points?

A. Yes, all transfers from all other WestCAT routes to the WestCAT Lynx to San Francisco require payment of a transfer fee.  *Please refer to the regular WestCAT schedule for transfer fares.

Q. Can I use a transfer to reboard the same route after a stop-over (to pick-up some groceries, go to the bank, etc.) or to go back to where I began my original trip?

A. No, transfers are valid for one-way trips only, for one hour from time of issue and are not valid to reboard the same route after a stop-over.  For example, you can't go from a route 10 to a route 10.  If you wish to do this, purchase a day pass from your driver and you can go in any direction on and off any WestCAT local and express bus all day until the last bus of the evening for the price of one roundtrip.  (Not valid on:  Lynx or Dial-A-Ride).  Transfers are valid only at established transfer locations.

Q. Can I ask to use the wheelchair lift to board the bus?

A. Yes.  If you are unable to climb the bus stairs, you may use the lift as a standee.

Q. Can I transport my child onto the bus in a stroller, and may my child ride in a stroller on the bus?

A. No, to ensure the safety of the child, passengers must remove children from stroller and fold stroller prior to boarding.  Once aboard, stroller must be stowed behind the seat and out of the aisle.  Strollers must not block aisles, wheelchair stations, doors, steps, or emergency exists.  Passengers refusing to control strollers as described above will be refused a ride.

Q. Can I take my bicycle on board a WestCAT bus?

A. No, bicycles are not permitted inside buses.  All WestCAT Lynx, local and express buses are equipped with bike racks, which will accommodate up to 2 bikes on a “first-come, first-served” basis.  Passengers using the bike racks must load the bike themselves and do so at their own risk.  If the rack is full, please wait for the next available bus.

Q. Does WestCAT offer monthly passes?

A.  Yes,  WestCAT offers an unlimited ride 31-day pass, as well as stored value passes available for sale by mail or at the WestCAT office in Pinole, Mon-Fri from 7:30AM until 6:00PM.  Also available for sale, Lynx 31-day passes & stored ride pass. Call (510) 724-7993 for more information.

Q. How can I receive a reduced fare on WestCAT?

A. If asked, please show the driver one of the following: Drivers License (senior fare), Regional Transit Connection Card,
Medicare Card (not Medi-CAL) or DMV Disabled ID Card (disabled fare).

Q. Are there other services available to me if I am not able to access the regular WestCAT fixed route or express buses due to temporary or permanent disability?

A. Yes, WestCAT Dial-A-Ride and ADA Paratransit services are available to qualified individuals.  Please call (510) 724-7993 for information about whether or not you qualify for either or both of these services.  You may also visit our Dial-A-Ride section for more information about these services.

Q. Can I request to be let off or on a WestCAT bus at any location other than at an established bus stop?

A. No, with the exception of temporary bus stops posted by WestCAT.  This policy is necessitated by the increased risk that a passenger could be endangered by winding up in the path of a car or bus by simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time when seeking to board or exit somewhere other than the established stop

Q. Do you have a have a door-to-door transit trip planner?

A. There is such a feature and it's called the Take Transit Trip Planner.  You can find it by going to our Trip Planner link on the Main and Schedules/Maps pages.  The Trip Planner is located on the 511.org site and it operated by the MTC.  On that page, you enter your starting point and destination and it will give you an itinerary with all the info you need to complete your trip, including any transfers, how long it would take and the cost of the trip.  Currently it covers most of the agencies in the Bay Area and is located on the 511.org transportation portal.  Please note it is in the process of being updated.

Q. I have a question about WestCAT and I don't see it answered here?

A. If your question is not answered here and couldn't locate the information on our site, feel free to go to our Contact Us page and use our online comment card, the convenient comment card on all coaches or call us directly at (510) 724-7993 or email us at info@westcat.org.  Our WestCAT information number is also located on the bottom of every page on our website.

Related File:  Facts about riding WestCAT Brochure  (Revised December 10, 2009 - 102k PDF)

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