Transportation

PublicTransportation
Comprehensive information about public transportation in the San Francisco Bay Area is available at 511 Transit. The local transit systems are:

Alameda-Contra Costa Transit (AC Transit) operates buses in the East Bay and to San Francisco's Transbay Terminal in the San Francisco Financial District. Riding an AC Transit bus requires exact fare.
Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is our local subway system, with trains running throughout the East Bay and through San Francisco.
The Municipal Railway (MUNI) in San Francisco operates buses, trolleys, and cable cars throughout that city. You can purchase a MUNI map at San Francisco bookstores.

Bicycles
The UCB Campus Police Department has helpful information about all aspects of bike ownership. All bicycles in Berkeley must be registered.

Bicycle theft is common! Always lock your bike with a heavy-duty "U" shaped lock (recommended brands: Citadel, Kryptonite). Bicycles are subject to the rules and regulations of the California Vehicle Code; obey stop signs and red lights, and signal properly when making turns, or you may be ticketed by the police. Be smart--ride defensively, wear a helmet and be aware that most drivers are "blind" to cyclists

Trains and Long Distance Buses
Caltrain is a commuter train that runs from San Francisco to San Jose, stopping at many cities along the way.

AMTRAK is the train service that operates across the United States, including many cities within California. They have some low cost special fares to certain destinations.
Greyhound buses go throughout California and the United States from Oakland or San Francisco.

There are also private bus firms that travel to tourist destinations in the Bay Area, California and out-of-state. Check the internet under "Charter Buses."

Taxis
Private taxi service is available in any city from several companies listed in the phone book yellow pages. Taxis are the most expensive form of transportation, but can be reasonable and convenient if there is a small group. Taxi drivers are generally tipped 10-15% of the fare.

A Word About Hitchhiking -- Don't!
Unlike many countries of the world, hitchhiking is generally not safe in the United States. A safer and inexpensive alternative for traveling by car might be to share the cost of a rental with several friends, or check student bulletin boards for people wanting riders to share gas costs/driving to specific destinations.


	Transportation
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