HOW TO RIDE THE BUS

How To Ride

Riding the bus is a great way to get where you need to go. But for those who’ve never hopped aboard a bus, riding for the first time can feel intimidating. The more you know about riding the bus, the easier it will be. Here, you’ll find some helpful tips, from planning your trip and paying your fare to getting on and off the bus.

Fares are as follows

  • Adults: $1.75 for a single ride or $3.50 for a day pass with unlimited rides.
  • UO/LCC Students: To access their free bus pass, students must use the Umo Mobility app or tap card to redeem a benefit code from their transportation coordinator.
  • K-12 students: Those who attend public, private, charter and home schools in Lane County ride free with the Student Transit Pass. K-12 students can visit their school’s office to get a tap card or receive information about using the Umo Mobility app to redeem a Student Transit Pass. Otherwise, children older than five are 85¢ for a single ride or $1.75 for a day pass.
  • Seniors 65 and older ride free! Visit the Customer Service Center to register. Seniors, or Honored Riders, receive a tap card loaded with free fare to use on LTD buses.
  • People with disabilities are eligible for Half-fare after submitting an application in advance to the LTD Customer Service Center.

Payment options

  • The Umo Mobility smartphone app allows for a contactless boarding experience. You pay for fare in advance and show your phone screen to a scanner near the driver.
  • If you don’t want to use the app but still want to enjoy seamless, contactless boarding, you can purchase a tap card to store your pre-purchased fare. Like the smartphone app, the tap card allows you to purchase fare in advance and scan your tap card near the driver to board the bus.
  • You can also purchase a day pass from the bus operator by providing exact change when boarding the bus or pay at the LTD Customer Service counter or online. Monthly passes are also available.

Prior to riding the bus

  • Set up an Umo electronic fare account to pre-load fare to the Umo Mobility app or a tap card, and use the app to plan your trip.
  • Arrive at least 5 minutes before your pickup time. Buses depart promptly. The times listed on route maps and bus stop signs tell you when the bus will depart, not when it will arrive. The bus will not stop to board riders once it has pulled away from the curb.

When riding the bus

  • Signal the bus operator to let them know you want to be picked up. When it’s dark, use a flashlight or cellphone light to help the bus operator see you (do not shine light directly at the bus).
  • As you board the bus, place your smartphone or tap card close to the fare validator for touchless payment. Or place exact change in the farebox next to the driver’s seat, in exchange for a single ride pass or day pass.
  • Once you board the bus, find an available seat, handhold, or mobility device securement area. Signage indicates which seats at the front of the bus are prioritized for older adults and people with disabilities. Once you find your spot, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the ride.
  • Strollers are welcome on-board buses, but please keep aisles clear for all riders.
  • All food and drinks must be kept in sealed containers.
  • Use only one seat for yourself and your belongings.

When exiting the bus

  • When the bus is a block away from where you want to stop, pull the signal cord above the windows to let the driver know you’ll be getting off.
  • After 7 p.m., a request can be made on all routes (except EmX) to stop at any safe point along the route.
  • Before exiting, check that you have all your personal belongings. If you lose an item on the bus, contact the Customer Service Center right away.
  • If unloading a bike, let the driver know.
  • Once you’ve reached your stop, exit the bus quickly and carefully. Be sure to let the operator know if you need extra time or assistance.
  • Wait until the bus has pulled away, then cross at a clearly marked crosswalk once it’s safe to do so. Do not cross in front of the bus.

Bikes on the bus

  • All fixed-route buses and EmX buses can carry your bike along for the ride. Most buses are equipped to store your bike on an external rack at the front of the bus; EmX buses have racks inside the bus for up to three bikes.
  • To place your bike on a rack at the front of a fixed-route bus, signal the driver and lower the rack at the front of the bus. Secure the bike by swinging the support arm into place. See our bikes on fixed-route busses video tutorial for more tips.
  • When bringing a bike onto an EmX bus, wait for other riders to board and exit. Enter through the back door (the one with the bicycle symbol), then place your bike in the rack and secure it with fastening straps. If the bike rack is full, you’ll need to exit the bus and wait for the next EmX bus. See our bikes on EmX busses video tutorial for more tips.
  • Collapsed folding bikes can be stored under your seat.
  • Bikes powered by fuel other than a battery are not permitted.
  • Free bike parking is available at all transit stations on a first-come, first-served basis. Please use a lock to secure your parked bike.

Accessibility options

  • Two wheelchair bays are located at the front of each EmX bus.
  • Priority for front seats is given to seniors and people with disabilities.
  • Ramps are available to board all buses by notifying the operator.
  • Learn more about our accessibility options.

Did you know?

  • LTD offers many Park & Ride locations if you choose to drive part way, then leave the rest to us.
  • The Emerald Express (EmX) connects west Eugene, the University of Oregon campus, downtown Springfield and the Gateway area in Springfield with frequent service. Covered shelters and convenient ticket machines are available along the routes.
  • Customer Service Center staff are available to answer questions at the Eugene Station, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.