USA Bus Lines

San Diego MTS Bus & Trolley Help?

I need to take the San Diego bus late next week to a college Im registering for and Im having trouble because I just moved here a few months ago and haven't taken it yet. Here is my schedule for the bus/trolley: Take the MTS Bus Route 41 FASHION VALLEY Get off the stop at FASHION VALLEY TRANSIT CENTER (ARRIVE) ***Is the bus going to actually stop or am I going to need to push a button. How will I know this is Fashion Valley Transit Center?*** Take the GREEN LINE TROLLEY signed GREEN SANTEE ***When they drop me off at Fashion Valley I will pick the trolley up right there right?*** Get off the stop at SDSU TROLLEY STATION ***Again, will the trolley stop? Or do I have to ring a bell?*** Take the MTS BUS route 115 EL CAJON TC **From the trolley, I catch this bus right at the same place right?*** Get off the stop at GROSSMONT COLLEGE My question are under every stop that I need help with. Do the buses here in San Diego do anything convenient like tell the people what the stop is or do I just have to figure it out myself? Thanks in advance for any help!

Public Comments

1. Here is my experience: Before getting on the transit, always ask the driver "do you go to xxxxxx?" If yes, get on. if no, ask how to get there. BUT never trust they will remember your stop. Sit close to the driver adn ask other passengers that appear to be regulars for guidance... they are very helpful YES every form of transit always stops at the transit CENTERS, so you don't have to request a stop. Fashion valley is a pretty big center and shopping mall. walk over to the signed 'green line trolley'; usually well signed and within 100 feet. get on in the direction 'to Santee' you will have to signal to get off, but there are usually lots of folks getting off at SDSU. Get on the MTS BUS 115 WHEN IT ARRIVES. signal to get off at grossman.
2. yes, the trolley stops at every stop, and on the bus you have to pull the string to tell the driver to stop at the next stop,"How will I know this is Fashion Valley Transit Center?"... its impossible to miss its the only trolley station on that street
3. You're being way too paranoid. Trust me, it's really easy. You'll figure it out in no time once you actually go there.
4. You'll do fine by sitting near the front and conversing with "regulars." Be sure to have correct change (a couple of dollars and quarters.) I take the bus once or twice a year and always rely on the passengers for help. The drivers are busy and should not be relied on for calling out stops (even though they're required to.) Always take a bus way in advance of the time you need to be somewhere...just like anything else, traffic and mechanical problems happen - even to transit buses. Better to be early than on time or LATE!