Public transportation benefits not only people who choose to ride it but those who have no other choice. In Fremont and Silicon Valley, not only does public transportation open up routes to San Francisco colleges and universities, no matter how near or far, but it provides access to employment, community resources, healthcare, and recreational activities. Public transportation provides people with a higher level of mobility, especially in poor or underserved areas. The fact is public transportation systems are part of the backbone of any city.

Short for Bay Area Rapid Transit, BART connects San Francisco colleges and universities with downtown San Francisco, Chinatown, restaurants, the Golden Gate Bridge, and so much more. subway? The situation is a little different in Northern California, where San Francisco’s famous BART heavy-rail public transportation system is quite well-known. We’ve all heard of New York’s subway and Chicago’s L-train, but have you heard of the L.A. And yet, Southern California is not well-known for its public transportation system. In Southern California, Los Angeles and San Diego together form one, gigantic megalopolis. Moovit: Another great trip-planning app which uses Bear Transit, AC Transit, and other transit agencies.If California is known for one thing, it is the big, sprawling cities that anchor the northern and southern ends of the state.

Where to download: Available on the App Store and Google Play.

Who's it's best for: Individuals looking for multi-modal options, with the capability to purchase digital tickets online ahead of time.

Transit App: Comprehensive trip-planning app to get around Bay Area (and beyond), for AC Transit and Bear Transit services, as well as for many Bay Area transit agencies

Where to download: App Store, Google Play Store.

Who it's best for: UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff Carpool Permit holders (required to log trips to maintain carpool eligibility).

Taking transit has never been easier, thanks to tools that you can view online and on your phone.ĬommuteTracker: Find other UC Berkeley members to carpool with, trip plan your transit, walking, or biking routes, and log trips to earn prizes

Bay area transit trip planner