How to ride WestCAT
Accessibility | Bike & Ride | FAQ's | How to Ride | Popular Destinations | Safety Guidelines
If you're
new to WestCAT, 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 our service area 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:
|
Route
10 Hercules
|
|
Hercules
|
|
|
|
|
|
Refugio
|
Hercules
|
|
Transit
|
Turquoise
|
Turquoise
|
Turquoise
|
Pheasant
|
Sparrow
|
Valley
|
Transit
|
|
Center
|
Cinnabar
|
Jade
|
Diamond
|
Tanager
|
Partridge
|
Park
|
Center
|
|
Leave
|
Leave
|
Leave
|
Leave
|
Leave
|
Leave
|
Leave
|
Arrive
|
|
6:04
|
6:08
|
6:11
|
6:13
|
6:14
|
6:16
|
6:18
|
6:22
|
|
6:34
|
6:38
|
6:41
|
6:43
|
6:44
|
6:46
|
6:48
|
6:52
|
|
7:04
|
7:08
|
7:11
|
7:13
|
7:14
|
7:16
|
7:18
|
7:22
|
(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 Hercules Transit Center.
The coach pulls from this timepoint at 6:04 am and then travels to the second timepoint,
Turquoise & Cinnabar, and departs there at 6:08 am. The next time point after
that is Turquoise & Jade at 6:11 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 WestCAT 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 will say "10 HERCULES TRANSIT CENTER". 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
WestCAT at (510) 724-7993 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 and Sales."
5. Transfers
A transfer
allows you to change from the original bus you are riding to another bus in order
to complete a trip. For more information on transfers, see our Transfer Policy page in our Fares and Sales section.
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! WestCAT welcomes all passenger comments or suggestions. Please call (510) 724-7993 or write to WestCAT,
Western Contra Costa Transit Authority,
601 Walter Avenue,
Pinole, CA, 94564 or use our comment card on our Contact Us page.
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