San Francisco Public Transportation Guide

Going to San Francisco? Leave the car at home. Really. It not only is unnecessary, it will be come a burden.
San Francisco drivers can be quite impatient with visitors (the streets are narrow, crowded and they are generally in a hurry) and the parking is horrendous as in hard to find and costly. So get informed and start using San Francisco's public transportation system.

Getting to the City
Amtrak connects San Francisco to Southern and Central California, Portland, Seattle, Chicago among others. From Emeryville, you can take the Amtrak motorcar to popular San Francisco destinations such as Fisherman's Wharf. Visit the Amtrak website to plan your trip.

If you are flying into San Francisco, for $8.10, you can take BART (Bay Area Rapid Transport) from the International terminal of the airport to one of four downtown stations. BART also links San Francisco to other nearby cities such as Oakland, Fremont, and Pleasanton among others. Visit the BART website for more information.

Getting Around Basics
There are many buses, historic streetcars, electric streetcars and cable cars continuously criss-crossing the streets of San Francisco. So you are likely to find a nearby stop for just about anywhere you wish to go. If you are the type that likes to plan things out in advance, use the trip planner at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) website. If you or your travel mates are the more spontaneous kind-not to worry-San Francisco has its own 24/7 transit hotline. Just dial 311 to find out which bus to take and where to get off. If you are getting tired from walking the hills of San Francisco, they can even plan your stop so you won't be walking uphill to get to your destination. Now that's service!

The fare for buses or street cars is $2, but children (5-17) , seniors (65+) and the disabled pay only $.075. This fare includes one free transfer but you need to ask for it when you pay. Cable car rides are $5 and do not include transfers. Seniors and the disabled pay only $1 during the hours of 9pm to 7am. Generally, you will need to have exact change in coins for your fare. Some stations have change machines but it is not uncommon for the lines to be extremely long or for the machines to run out of change so be prepared to carry some coins with you.

Generally, on buses or streetcars you pull on a cord above you just before your stop. When you are unfamiliar with the stop, ask the driver to announce it. In cable cars, the etiquette is simply to shout, "Next stop" one block before your stop. Again, it's okay to ask the driver to announce your stop.

Muni Visitor Passports
Muni Passports are a great option for visitors to San Francisco. You get unlimited use of the SF Municipal Transportation Agency system including cable cars (remember these cost $5 per ride) for either 1 day ($11), 3 days($18) or 7 days($24). From 8am to 8pm, you can purchase your passport in the International Terminal of San Francisco Airport at the information booths in the baggage claim area. Please note the passports are not valid for travel to and from the airport. You can also buy passports at Muni Ticket Sales Offices (Market & Powell; Hyde & Beach-near Ghiradelli Square; Bay & Taylor-near Fisherman's Wharf), Muni Customer Service center (11 South Van Ness Ave at Market) or Montgomery Station Sales Office (on the Mezzanine Level). Passports can not be purchased online. Visit the SFMTA website to learn more about Visitor Passports.

City Passes
This is a great option if you are a first time visitor and will be staying for a week or so. The City Pass includes unlimited use of the muni system (including cable cars) plus free admission into 5 major San Francisco attractions:CA Academy of Sciences, a Blue & Gold Fleet cruise, Aquarium of the Bay, SF Museum of Modern Art and Exploratorium or De Young Museum/Legion of Honor. Passes are $59 for adults and $39 for children. You can purchase this pass online by visiting the San Francisco City Pass website.

The great public transportation system is only one thing that makes San Francisco one of my favorite cities. Come and discover for yourself why it should be one of yours.

Sources:
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency website. < http://www.sfmta.com/cms/home/sfmta.php > Accessed on October 20, 2009.

Only in San Francisco: the Official Visitors Site for San Francisco. < http://www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com> Accessed on October 20, 2009.