How to Ride the Bus with LBT!
It’s easy to get rolling with this handy how-to guide.
How to Hail the Bus
- Arrive at your bus stop 5 to 10 minutes early.
- Stay safe by not standing too close to the curb.
- Try to stay near the bus sign when the bus is approaching.
- A quick wave helps tell the bus operator you’re waiting.
- Approach the bus once it has fully stopped.
- Don’t run after a bus driving away from the stop.
How to Hail the Bus
How to Hail the Bus at Night
- When walking towards your stop, face oncoming traffic.
- Wear light-colored, bright, or reflective clothing.
- Stand up as the bus approaches your stop.
- Use your cellphone or a light to signal the bus operator.
How to Hail the Bus at Night
How to Bus with Strollers & Carts
- Easily board using the ramp at the front of the bus.
- Remove babies and children from strollers before the bus moves. Children 0-4 years old ride for free!
- Fold your stroller so there’s enough space for other customers.
- Make sure your stroller or cart is in a secure area—only the bus should be rolling.
- When you arrive, use the same ramp to safety disembark.
How to Bus with Strollers & Carts
How to Plan Your Bus Trip
- Before your trip, head to to ridelbt.com on your phone or desktop.
- The first thing you’ll see is our Google Maps trip planner.
- Type in where you are and where you’re going.
- Then pick from a list of route options.
- If you’re planning to leave later, no problem!
- You can also choose the fastest route, ones with less walking, and more.
How to Plan Your Bus Trip
How to Board & Exit the Bus
- Let wheelchairs and strollers board first.
- As you approach your stop, let them know you’ll be unloading it.
- While boarding, hold the handrail to prevent a fall.
- Pay your fare with a TAP Card, TAP App, or exact cash.
- Check you have all your belongings before you exit.
- Use the rear door exit when you reach your stop (unless the ramp is needed for wheelchairs and strollers).
- Doors should open automatically—if not, press the yellow strip.
- Stay clear of doors to avoid an accidental smack.
How to Board & Exit the Bus
How to Get Your TAP Card
- Get your TAP card 5 different ways to make riding easy.
- Visit our Transit & Visitor Information Center for in-person help.
- Stop by any TAP retail location throughout the area.
- Go online to taptogo.net anytime, day or night.
- Call the TAP customer service line at 866-827-8646.
- Download the TAP App for the easiest option of all.
How to Load Fare Using the TAP App
Head to your phone’s wallet to get started.
Tap the + button to add a new card.
Select the Transit Card button from the options.
Type in “TAP” for the greater Los Angeles area.
Load up your card with bus fare and you’re ready to roll.
Keep your card stored safely in your phone’s wallet for easy access.

How to Get Your TAP Card
How to Find Items Lost on the Bus
- If found, your items may be collected by the bus operator.
- Call Customer Care to file a report at (562) 591-2301
- Visit a dedicated pickup location at 130 E. First St or 1963 E. Anaheim St.
- Pick up your item in person, or designate someone to pick it up for you.
How to Turn In a Found Item
- Simply hand the item to your bus operator.
How to Find Items
Lost on the Bus

Your TAP Card
Making fare collection fast and simple.
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 & Visitor Information Center, or at a TAP retail location.
Top up your TAP Card at these locations, online at taptogo.net, or by phone at 866.TAPTOGO.
Discounted TAP Cards are available for Students, Seniors and customers with a disability.

Hailing the Bus
1. Try to arrive at your bus stop 5 minutes before the scheduled arrival.
2. 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.
3. 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.
Boarding the bus
Customers must board the bus through the front door.
For more tips on how to ride, visit our Customer Guide.
Exiting the bus
1. 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.
2. Please try to signal for your stop at least a half a block ahead of time.
3. 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.
Loading your bike
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 and that you’ll be unloading your bike as you approach your stop.
Always approach the bike rack from the curb side of the street.
Load your bike into the rack by:
1. Pulling down the bike rack
2. Placing your bike in an available space
3. Lifting and placing the clamp on your tires.
