Tips for Seniors

Declare your independence from driving – Go Metro!

Metro offers seniors an affordable, convenient and safe means of travel throughout LA County. Go shopping, go to the doctor, visit friends or relatives, or just explore new places. And do all this while avoiding traffic or having to rely on someone else to give you a ride.

• Enjoy the easy, convenient and affordable way to get around.
• Shop, make appointments or run errands on your schedule.
• Explore LA’s attractions without the traffic.
• Take advantage of 25-cent off-peak senior fares.

Keep these safety tips in mind while riding Metro buses and Metro Rail.

Boarding The Bus

• Wait on the sidewalk away from the curb and don’t approach the bus until it comes to a complete stop.
• Use the handrails when boarding. If using a wheelchair or walker while boarding on a lift, be sure to hold the handrails on the lift – the lift could move suddenly once activated!

 On The Bus

• Use the handholds while moving through the bus and take your seat promptly.
• Seats at the front of the bus are designated as priority seating for seniors and the disabled – please request other passengers give up those seats if they are occupied.

 Leaving The Bus

• Get ready to exit well in advance of your stop so you don’t have to rush.
• Use the handrails when getting off the bus.
• Watch your step getting off, especially at night and in rainy weather.

 Boarding The Train

• Stand back from the platform edge and wait from the train to stop before approaching the door.
• Wait for passengers to exit before you attempt to board.
• Watch out for the gap between the platform and the train.

 On The Train

• Always use the handrails for stability once aboard the rail car and take a seat promptly – trains start and stop suddenly.
• Side-facing seats near the doors are designated as priority seating for seniors and the disabled – please request other passenger give up those seats if they are occupied.

 Getting Off The Train

• Get ready to exit when your stop is approaching so you don’t have to rush.
• Again use the handrails when moving to the door – the train slows suddenly as it comes to a station.
• Watch your step as you exit the train.

Metro is one of the nation’s largest public transportation agencies. We can take you just about anywhere in LA County.

How to Plan Your Trip

To plan the route that’s best for you, use out Trip Planner at metro.net or call us toll-free at 323.GO.METRO.

Metro Bus

Our buses travel most major streets in the county, offering different types of service. Metro Local routes stop about every two blocks and are painted orange (some are white with yellow stripes). Metro Rapid routes are faster, because they stop only at major intersections; they are painted red. Metro Express routes travel long distances on freeway and make very few stops; they are painted blue.

Metro Orange Line

The Metro Orange Line is a bus-only transitway running east and west across the San Fernando Valley between North Hollywood and Warner Center. Vehicles on this line are painted silver and called Metro Liners; they stop at 14 stations, operating very much like Metro Rail trains. Many bus connections are available at each station.

Metro Rail

The Metro Blue, Green, Red, Purple and Gold lines comprise Metro Rail. There are a total of 62 stations in the system, each offering many bus connections.

Other Carriers

Many local cities operate additional bus services in their areas. Please note that these carriers have difference fare structures than Metro.

Hours

Most Metro bus and rail lines start running around 4am and keep running until about midnight. They are less frequent in the late evening and on weekends, so check the timetable at metro.net to be sure.

Riding Tips

• Arrive at your stop or station early
• Stand back from the street or edge of the platform
• Check the bus headsign to make sure the approaching bus is the one you want to take
• Wave to the bus operator to stop
• Wait for exiting passengers to leave, then board
• Passengers requiring additional assistance may request the operator to lower the ramp or deploy the lift and/or ask for help in boarding and securing a seat on the bus
• Secure your personal belongings
• Please do not eat, drink, smoke or play loud music
• Be alert while traveling and report any unusual activities by calling 888.950.SAFE (7233)
• Please be ready to exit when you arrive at your stop
• Make sure you have your belongings with you and exit, if you are physically able to, using the rear door