About SunLine

How to Ride the Bus 

Plan Your Trip

Use the schedules page to plan your trip, as well as the SunBus Tracker App. Also, use our Rider's Guide to plan your trip. 

Wait For the Bus 

It is best to be at the bus stop 10 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. Check the bus schedule and map to be sure that the bus serves the stop and that it is traveling in the direction you want to go. As the bus approaches, wave to the Operator. This gives the Operator enough time to stop safely and avoid passing you.

Board the Bus 

Before getting on the bus, verify the Route number by checking the sign on the front or side of the bus. Let passengers get off the bus before you board. To make boarding more accessible, every SunBus is equipped with lifts or ramps for passengers who have trouble climbing stairs or use a personal mobility device.

Pay Your Fare 

Please have your exact fare ready before boarding the bus. Operators do not carry change. You can also use the Token Transit app for all fare and pass options offered by SunLine Transit Agency. Transfers are purchased from the farebox when boarding the bus. A transfer is good for two hours of unlimited rides in any direction. For passenger convenience, a Day Pass can be purchased from the farebox. This pass allows unlimited rides for one full day! You can also ride the SunBus service using a 10-Ride Pass or 31-Day Pass, which can be purchased at pass outlets and at SunLine.

Take a Seat

The seats nearest the driver are designated for seniors or persons with disabilities. If you choose to sit in these seats and are not a senior or person with a disability, please be prepared to move - if needed. For safety, always remain seated or hold onto the poles, or straps, when the bus is moving.

Get Off the Bus

Pull the yellow cord above the window or push the vertical strip on the side of the window to signal the bus Operator that you want to get off at the next bus stop. Route detours are subject to change at any time due to construction or emergencies.

All current notices for detours and bus stop closures are available at sunline.org. Click here for Current Alerts.

Additional FAQs

SunBus is a system of 9 public bus routes that link the valley from Desert Hot Springs in the northwest to North Shore in the southeast. Line 1 is the major trunk line that extends east and west along Highway 111. Please refer to current schedules for route information. All buses are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate two wheelchair spaces per bus.

How to Bike & Ride

Bicycles aren’t just for fun anymore.

A growing number of people are choosing to commute to work and school by bicycle, making bicycle use both recreational and functional. SunLine is pleased to offer our riders greater flexibility and more options to get to their destination by combining two popular modes of transportation, the bicycle and the bus.

Now, it is more convenient to get around town by simply loading your bicycle on easy to use bike rack mounted securely to the front of every SunBus. If you choose to combine bicycling and riding the bus as part of your commute, here are some bike & bus basics to follow.

Bike & Ride Basics

Every SunBus is equipped with a bike rack. Bicycles may be loaded or unloaded at any SunLine bus stop. While waiting to load your bicycle:

  • Never step into traffic while loading or unloading a bike.
  • Always walk your bicycles in transit areas and pedestrian corridors.
  • Always load and unload your bicycle, standing on the curb side in front of the bus.
  • Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult when loading or unloading their bicycle from the bike rack.
  • Bicycles are not allowed inside the bus unless they are collapsible to the size of a standard piece of luggage.
  • Single seat, two-wheeled bicycles, measuring not more than 69.5 inches long, with the handlebar measuring 29 inches, and with a wheel diameter not exceeding 28 inches will be permitted on the bike rack.
  • No permits are required to use the bike rack.
  • There is no additional fare to use the bike rack.
  • SunLine is not responsible for bikes left on or damaged while on the bike rack.

Bicycles left on the bus will be held for ninety (90) days!

How to load and unload your Bicycle

Remember, you are responsible for loading, securing and unloading your bicycle from the bike rack. Here is how to Bike & Bus:

When loading your bike:

  1. As the bus pulls up, raise your hand to let the driver know that you will be using the bike rack. Stand back clear away from the curb to allow for safe bus boarding.
  2. Make sure the driver sees you before you step in front of the bus.
  3. Squeeze the handle on the top of the rack and lower the rack.
  4. Lift your bike and place its wheels in the trough, with the front wheel toward the spring bar.
  5. Raise the spring bar over the front tire and place it on the top of the tire, close to the tire, and make sure the spring bar is secure.
  6. If there is a bike in the front space, load your bike in the rear space, with your handlebars in the opposite direction.
  7. Remove any valuables from your bike.
  8. Board the bus and pay your fare.

When unloading your bike:

  1. Exit the bus through the front door and notify the driver that you are removing your bicycle. 
  2. Lower the spring bar from the tire and lift your bicycle off the bike rack.
  3. After you remove your bicycle and if there are no other bicycles on the bike rack, lift the rack up until the latch “clicks” into place and is secure.
  4. Move your bicycle onto the curb and wait until the bus passes.

Bike-to-Work

Each SunBus has a bike rack, which makes biking to work an option for many. See bike maps below. 

Using the Farebox and Passes

Cash Fare: Pay and Ride

Deposit your cash in the farebox, one dollar or one coin at a time. The Operators do not carry change and no refunds will be issued. Please have exact change ready before boarding the bus.

Passes Purchased from the Farebox

Day Pass: Pay, collect your pass and ride – “SWIPE” all other rides that day.

Transfer: Pay upon boarding, collect your transfer and ride – “SWIPE” other rides in a 2 hour period.

Passes Purchased from a Pass Outlet or SunLine.com

Commuter Link 30-Day or SunBus 31-Day Pass: “DIP” for the first ride – “SWIPE” all other rides during 30 or 31 consecutive days.

10-Ride Pass: “DIP” for each of the 10 rides.

Day Pass: “DIP” for the first ride – “SWIPE” all other rides that day

How to Use the Farebox

  1. Drop U.S. Coins int he slot.
  2. Insert U.S. Bills in the slot.
  3. Insert your card into the slot the first time you use it. This will activate your card. * 10-Day Passes get inserted every time.
  4. SWIPE your pass every time after to pay your fare and ride the bus.
  5. Customer Information.
  6. Rejected coins slot

Fareboxes are not able to make change or issue refunds. EXACT CHANGE ONLY.

Sunline Farebox Diagram

Passes By Mail

schedules

To get your pass by mail, please print out and fill in the Passes by Mail Order Form. Mail the completed form along with your check or money order to the address below. Allow 7 to 10 working days to receive your pass. Please do not send cash.  Be sure to include your name and return address.

SunLine Transit Agency 
32-505 Harry Oliver Trail 
Thousand Palms, CA 92276

Passes are subject to all rules and regulations of SunLine Transit Agency.  No refund for a lost, stolen or damaged pass.  Passes are non-transferable. Any misuse may cause the pass to be revoked.