San Francisco Transportation Tips by USCgirlie

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Subway/Metro
Getting TO/AROUND: Getting around San Francisco is very easy even without a car. In fact, one really does not need to hire a car, as the transportation system (known as MUNI) is excellent. There are 5 subway/metro lines that go both above and underground. (It goes underground when it reaches downtown and is above ground in the non-downtown areas.) The 5 lines are the J, K, L, M, and N lines, easily accessible by the Powell Street Station (right by Union Square). Furthermore, there are a countless number of buses serving the entire city. Thus, whereever you want to go, there is definitely a way to get there without needing a taxi or car, with few exceptions (for instance, getting to Twin Peaks is preferable with a car as it is a very high vantage point and difficult to get to through bus). The fare for both bus and subway/metro is $1.50, and that fare allows you to board the bus/metro again for free during a certain allocated time (usually only 1.5 hour). After that allocated period, you will have to pay the fare again. ALWAYS retain your ticket (until it has expired), as it is your proof of payment, and without it, you can be fined up to $200! As for the Cable Cars, it is $5 per trip, and you are not given a certain time period in which you can ride it again for free.

When you are downtown and taking the subway/metro, you will encounter large metro stations. Go to the MUNI booth, and you will pay your fare through the coin slots at the turnstiles. They only accept coins, so if you only have cash, you will be directed to a change machine in the station. After you have paid your fare by inserting the coins into the slots, push the turnstile and a ticket will automatically pop up. Again, retain this ticket! When you are not downtown, you will just board the metro/bus and pay the driver. For the metro, you will need to go to the very first carriage to pay the driver in the front, as there is no driver in the adjoining carriage.

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Website: www.sfmuni.com