Question about using public transport (mainly, the buses)

Question

If I take a city bus in Santa Barbara, can I use cash? A credit card?

Also, it looks like they have a Downtown - Waterfront Shuttle; however, that only runs on Fridays and weekends, from what I can see.

Answer

Yes, you can use cash on Santa Barbara city buses. Passengers typically pay the fare when boarding by depositing exact change into the fare box. Most buses do not give change, so it’s best to have the exact amount ready. As for credit cards, some bus lines and regional services may accept them through a mobile app or a tap-to-pay system, but the traditional onboard fare boxes generally do not accept cards directly.

Here’s a breakdown of payment options:

Cash: Exact change only, deposited in the fare box upon boarding.
Credit/Debit cards: Not accepted on the bus fare box itself, but some regional transit apps allow you to purchase digital tickets ahead of time and display them on your phone.
Mobile apps: Santa Barbara MTD (Metropolitan Transit District) has an app called "SBMTD To Go" that allows you to purchase fares electronically, which can simplify payment without needing exact cash.

Regarding the Downtown–Waterfront Shuttle, you are correct that it operates on a limited schedule, mainly Fridays through Sundays. If your visit falls on other weekdays, you would need to rely on the regular city bus routes for travel between downtown and the waterfront.

Other tips for using buses in Santa Barbara:

Check bus schedules in advance; some routes may run less frequently, especially on weekends or holidays.
Plan extra time for connections, as buses can sometimes run a few minutes behind schedule.
If you are using buses multiple times a day, consider purchasing a day pass through the app or from a transit center to save money and convenience.

Overall, paying with cash is straightforward for occasional rides, while the app is better for multiple rides or if you prefer not to carry exact change. The shuttle is a convenient option if your timing matches its schedule, otherwise regular city buses will cover your needs.

Question about using public transport (mainly, the buses)

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