Bus Ride Basics
Welcome to Bus Ride Basics!
Simple ways to keep you safe when riding with us.
Maintaining a safe public transportation experience is critical to meet the needs of our customers. Here are basic precautions LBT is taking during this time, as well as what you can do to help your community stay safe.
Protect your face, protect your city.
The City of Long Beach is requiring all customers to wear face coverings when riding the bus. Please make sure your mask or cloth covering is pulled securely over your nose and mouth.
Skip a seat, skip a row and stop the spread!
LBT reminds you that we are still practicing social distancing. Two things to keep in mind if you need to ride with us:
Customers must board and exit from the rear door. Those needing the boarding ramp may use the front door.
When riding LBT for necessary reasons, maintain space between you, your fellow customer, and the operator whenever possible.
LBT has installed plastic chains to protect our Bus Operators.
Our basic procedures to keep you safe.
Our daily routine includes thorough cleaning of our bus interiors, including surfaces customers come in contact with the most. This includes:
Handrails, pull cords and seats.
Doors, window frames, stanchions and panels.
Operator compartments and fare collection devices.
Safety basics before and after you board.
Stand or sit at least six feet away from other people when waiting at a bus stop.
Maintain empty seats between you and fellow customers when possible (in front, behind, and to the side).
Do not crowd bus doors, and keep your distance from customers boarding and exiting the bus.
Safety basics for riding the bus.
Board using the LBT app or TAP card to minimize cash exchanges with operators.
Maintain empty seats between you and fellow riders when possible.
Wash or sanitize your hands immediately after exiting the bus.
Do not ride Transit if you are showing symptoms or feeling sick.
Other basics for riding with LBT.
Of all the ways to get around Long Beach, the bus is probably the one you’re least familiar with. That’s okay, because boarding, riding and paying for LBT service is actually a breeze. Here are 6 Bus Ride Basics to get you comfortable riding for the first time, or for the first time in awhile.
BRB #1: Your TAP Card
Your TAP Card is how you pay for bus service.
It works like a debit card (we call it stored value).
You can also purchase single day or multi-day passes.
When you board the bus, simply wave your TAP Card in front of the blue sensor.
Purchase your TAP Card at the Transit and Visitor Information Center, or at a TAP retail location.
Top up your TAP Card at these locations, online at tapgogo.net, or by phone at 866.TAPTOGO.
Discounted TAP Cards are available for Students, Seniors and customers with a disability.
BRB #2: The LBT app
Due to the COVID pandemic, LBT has suspended the LBT Mobile Ticket App. You can no longer purchase fare through the app. Thank you for your understanding.
The LBT app is how you pay for fare with your phone.
To download it, search for LBT in your app store.
You can buy a single ride or day passes within the app using a credit card.
You can also store your ticket in your mobile wallet.
You can also purchase AquaLink and AquaBus tickets in the app.
To board with the app, simply wave your phone in front of the blue sensor.
PLEASE NOTE: stored value does not transfer between the app and physical TAP cards.
BRB #3: Hailing the bus
Try to arrive at your bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled arrival.
When you see your bus approaching, please stand as near as possible to the bus stop sign.
You do not have to use gestures or hand signals to indicate to the bus operator.
Please do not run after a bus that is driving away from your stop.
Signage on the top front of the bus shows important information: the route #, final destination, and major streets on the route.
BRB #4: Boarding the bus
Please enter the bus through the front door only.
Board by waving your TAP Card or LBT app, or paying with exact change.
The bus may move before you are seated – so please hold the handrails as you find your seat.
If you need extra time boarding the bus, please let the operator know.
For more tips on how to ride, visit our Customer Guide.
BRB #5: Exiting the bus
To indicate you would like to stop, press the black or yellow strips along the side of the bus, or pull the yellow cord above.
Please try to signal for your stop at least a half a block ahead of time.
Please exit through the rear door only.
To open the rear door, push the yellow strip on the door.
For more tips on how to ride, visit our Customer Guide.
BRB #6: Loading your bike
You are encouraged to bring your bike along for the ride.
Our front bike racks are designed to hold your bike securely during the ride.
Please inform the operator you are loading your bike upon pickup.
Always approach the bike rack from the curb side of the street.
Load your bike into the rack by following the instructions found here.
Inform the operator you’ll be unloading your bike as you approach your stop.
To unload your bike, follow these instructions.
