Saturday, January 28, 2012

HOW TO USE THE METROBUS

Mexico City's Metrobus service, which began in 2005, has carried millions of chilangos around the city--and it keeps growing. If you live here you probably already have your metrocard and use the metrobus reguarly. But tourists may be a bit confused by it all.

The first metrobus line (there are now 4, with more in the works) runs north-south along Insurgentes, and this is the line mostly likely to be used by tourists. It's often the fastest way to reach Coyoacán and San Angel in the southern part of the city. It has it's own lane and keeps moving even when other traffic is at a standstill.



A few tips: It can get pretty crowded during rush hours--I usually watch to see how full the buses going by are before I enter the station. Be careful of the badly designed doors! They close inside the bus so stand clear.
Station signs can be hard to read from inside a crowded bus, so I suggest you check the map first, and count the number of stations until your stop.


How to buy a Metrobus card:

1. Look for the machine at the station entrance that looks like the photo above.

2. Press the button marked COMPRA (BUY)

3. Deposit money. The card costs 15 pesos--10 for the card and five for your first ride. You need exact change to buy a cardd---NO DA CAMBIO means no change.

4. Take your card from the slot at the bottom.

After getting your card you may want to add more money to it right away--it only comes with enough for one ride.

How to recharge your metrobus card:

1. Put your card where it says INSERTAR TARJETA

2. Press the button RECARGAR

3. Put in the amount you want. The machine accepts all coins, and bills up to 200 pesos--but remember if gives NO change.

4. When you see the amount verified on the screen, take out your card.


How to use your metrobus card:

Just swipe your card at the turnstile and enter. One card can serve for any number of people, but be aware that it's often cheaper for a group to take a taxi.

If you are under 5 years old, over 70 (with proper ID: INAPAN, INSEN, GDF, or IFE), or are disabled you can ride for free.


Click HERE to see a bigger map of the metrobus system.



9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Useful. What I am trying to figure out is how to switch lines.

CLAUDIA said...

iF YOU ARE OVER 70 DO YOU JUST SHOW YOUR ID TO THE BUS DRIVER?

jim johnston said...

Show your INAPAM card to the person at the turnstile and they will let you through

Anonymous said...

I wish I had this post 6 months ago! Keep up the good work.

Brian S said...

I adore el may-troh-buse

Anonymous said...

We love the metro-bus, however there is no travel guide that gives stops or lines for sights.
I know it was not intended for visitors but they could indicate places of interest (the Sabada)

Don Cuevas said...

We found out through uncomfortable experiences about the badly designed doors. We have been mousetrapped a couple of times but have learned now to stand clear.

Other than that, and the rush hour crowds, we like the MetroBus.

Saludos,
Don Cuevas

Anonymous said...

Thanks for this post - it made purchasing our cards and using the Metrobus system very easy. Now if only they could add station announcements!

Anonymous said...

wow, thanks for the detailed information and for taking a lot of the stress out of travelling! Saludos desde Escocia :)

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