Mst Transit Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

by
Monterey County, California · 2026 Transit Guide

MST Transit Bus Schedule: Routes, Times & Stops

Monterey-Salinas Transit (MST) operates local and regional buses serving Monterey, Salinas, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Carmel, Marina, Watsonville connections and communities throughout the Salinas Valley. To find the correct MST bus schedule, choose your line number, travel direction, service day and boarding stop using the official MST route directory.

This guide explains how to find actual departure times, read route PDFs, locate transit center gates, use the four-digit MST RealTime stop code, pay the $2 regular fare and plan connections without confusing a scheduled departure with a live arrival.

Find Your Route Bus Times Fares & Transfers Live Arrivals
Bus operator Monterey-Salinas Transit
Regular fare $2 / 2 hours
Discount fare $1 / 2 hours
Live arrivals Text 25370
Updated research Nov. 3, 2026
Find your bus in under a minute

Where Is the Official MST Transit Bus Schedule?

All current MST bus lines can be found in the official Monterey-Salinas Transit Route List. Select a line to view its destination, map, stop information and timetable. From the route page, use the printable schedule PDF or MST RealTime to check your exact stop.

1 Open routes Find your line number in the official directory.
2 Choose direction Confirm the destination shown on the bus.
3 Select service day Check weekday, weekend or holiday timing.
4 Find boarding stop Match the street, stop ID or terminal gate.
5 Recheck arrival Use MST RealTime before walking to the stop.
The essential difference The route PDF shows planned departures. MST RealTime provides updated arrival predictions when vehicle-location data is available. Use both, especially when a missed bus would affect work, school, a medical appointment or a connection.

For a journey involving more than one line, open the official MST Trip Planner, enter your origin and destination, and inspect the suggested boarding and transfer stops.

Plan Your MST Journey

MST route directory

Which MST Transit Bus Route Do You Need?

MST lines serve different parts of Monterey County. Some connect Monterey and Salinas, while others operate within Salinas neighborhoods or continue toward Watsonville, Gilroy and South County.

The following is a practical directory of major routes from MST’s official listing. It is not a substitute for the full stop list or service-day timetable.

Line Route / corridor Best for What to check
1 Monterey–Pacific Grove via Asilomar Pacific Grove and Asilomar travel. Correct Pacific Grove direction.
2 Monterey–Pacific Grove via David Avenue Pacific Grove using the David Avenue corridor. Different path from Line 1.
5 Monterey–Carmel Rancho Carmel Rancho and Line 24 connections. Revised Carmel Rancho timepoint.
8 Monterey–CHOMP Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula. Accessible boarding and hospital entrance.
17/18 Sand City–Marina Marina using different corridors. General Jim Moore versus Monterey Road.
20 Monterey–Salinas Monterey, Sand City, Marina and Salinas. Direction and transit center gate.
23/23X Salinas–King City Salinas Valley and South County. Regular versus express stopping pattern.
24 Crossroads Carmel–Carmel Valley Carmel Valley connections. Transfers at Carmel Rancho.
25 Salinas–CSUMB University commuting. Academic-calendar service.
28 Watsonville via Castroville Castroville and Watsonville. Santa Cruz METRO transfer.
29 Watsonville via Prunedale Prunedale and Watsonville. Different corridor from Line 28.
31–34 South County local services Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield and King City. Specific city line and trip times.
41–49 Salinas local services Alisal, Natividad, Northridge and surrounding neighborhoods. Route number and timepoint changes.
59 Salinas–Gilroy Gilroy and onward Santa Clara County travel. Transfer location and direction.
84 King City–Paso Robles Southern regional connections. Operating days and connection notes.
JAZZ Jazz A and Jazz B Aquarium and Sand City corridors. A versus B route pattern.
Route numbers can be misleading Lines 1 and 2 both reach Pacific Grove but use different routes. Lines 28 and 29 both reach Watsonville through different communities. Always compare the complete route name, not just the destination.

Other MST Services

The official directory also lists Lines 7, 40, 61, 91, 94, 95, 96, the Del Rey Oaks Shuttle and seasonal Monterey Trolley information. Availability and operating periods are not identical across all services.

View every MST line and its official schedule.

Verified route departure examples

MST Transit Bus Times: Weekday and Weekend Examples

The clearest way to understand MST schedules is to follow one actual trip through its major timepoints. The tables below use selected Line 20 trips from MST’s official timetable effective May 23, 2026.

Line 20 connects Monterey Transit Plaza, Sand City Station, Marina Transit Exchange and Salinas Transit Center. Not every intermediate stop appears in the abbreviated examples below.

Line 20 — Monterey to Salinas
1 Monterey Transit Plaza
2 Sand City Station
3 Marina Transit Exchange
4 Salinas Transit Center

Weekday: Monterey to Salinas

Monterey Sand City Marina Salinas Travel time
5:45 AM 6:05 AM 6:18 AM 6:30 AM 45 minutes
6:15 AM 6:37 AM 6:52 AM 7:06 AM 51 minutes
7:00 AM 7:25 AM 7:52 AM 8:07 AM 67 minutes

Weekday: Salinas to Monterey

Salinas Marina Sand City Monterey Travel time
4:50 AM 5:01 AM 5:12 AM 5:28 AM 38 minutes
5:45 AM 5:59 AM 6:13 AM 6:33 AM 48 minutes

Saturday and Sunday: Selected Line 20 Trips

Direction Departure Intermediate stops Arrival
Monterey → Salinas 7:15 AM Sand City 7:29 AM; Marina 7:43 AM Salinas 8:03 AM
Monterey → Salinas 8:15 AM Sand City 8:30 AM; Marina 8:44 AM Salinas 9:04 AM
Salinas → Monterey 7:15 AM Marina 7:35 AM; Sand City 7:50 AM Monterey 8:06 AM
Salinas → Monterey 8:15 AM Marina 8:35 AM; Sand City 8:50 AM Monterey 9:06 AM
Why the trip duration changes The selected weekday Monterey–Salinas trips range from 45 to 67 scheduled minutes. A later departure can take longer because MST allocates different running times through the corridor. Do not apply one early-morning travel-time estimate to every trip.

Source: Official MST Line 20 PDF, effective May 23, 2026.

For other dates or later schedule revisions, use the current official Line 20 route page.

First and last bus warning These are selected departures, not the complete timetable. The first and last bus can differ by direction, operating day and stop. Check the current online route information rather than assuming a time from another route or terminal applies to you.
Official timetable micro-guide

How to Read an MST Bus Schedule Without Choosing the Wrong Time

MST’s schedules use timepoints at selected stops. These may be terminals, major intersections or transfer locations. Other bus stops can fall between the listed timepoints.

  1. Open the route list. Select your MST line number from the official website.
  2. Check the destination. A route can travel toward Monterey, Salinas, Marina or another end point.
  3. Choose the correct service day. Weekday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday departures may differ.
  4. Read the effective date. Some old PDFs remain accessible after changes occur.
  5. Find your starting timepoint. Match the route map and the timetable heading.
  6. Read across the same trip. Do not combine departure and arrival times from different rows or columns.
  7. Check a stop between timepoints. MST advises using the timepoint before your stop for planning.
  8. Confirm the exact stop ID. Use the route page or the physical bus-stop sign.
  9. Use MST RealTime. Check the current estimated arrival as the bus approaches.
  10. Arrive early. MST recommends reaching the stop at least five minutes before the estimated arrival.
Timepoint A designated stop where the timetable publishes a scheduled time.
Intermediate stop A stop between published timepoints. Use official stop-specific information.
Live arrival An estimated arrival based on available vehicle tracking rather than only the printed timetable.

For a more detailed explanation of scheduled versus live arrivals, route directions, stop IDs and transfer timing, see our guide to reading public transit bus schedules.

Stops and route maps

MST Transit Map: Monterey Peninsula, Salinas and Regional Connections

MST’s routes branch from important transit hubs, particularly Monterey Transit Plaza and Salinas Transit Center. The diagram below illustrates major service areas; it is not a street map or a guarantee of direct service.

MST regional transit schematic A simplified diagram showing Monterey connected with Pacific Grove, Carmel, Sand City, Marina and Salinas, plus regional services toward Watsonville, Gilroy and King City. Routes are schematic, not geographic. Monterey Pacific Grove Carmel Marina Salinas Watsonville Gilroy King City Schematic map only

Which MST Map Should You Use?

Monterey Peninsula Map For Monterey, Pacific Grove, Seaside, Sand City, Marina and Carmel-area stops.
Salinas Map For Salinas neighborhood routes, major streets and Salinas Transit Center connections.
South County Map For Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, King City and onward regional connections.

Open official MST system and transit-center maps.

How to Find the Correct Side of the Street

  1. Find your route on MST’s official map.
  2. Identify your destination and travel direction.
  3. Zoom in using a street-level map.
  4. Locate the MST bus-stop sign.
  5. Check the route numbers listed on the sign.
  6. Read the four-digit MST stop number.
  7. Verify the approaching bus with MST RealTime.

For more help with walking directions, transit map layers, stop pins and departure predictions, our Google Maps bus route and stop-finding tutorial explains the process.

Stop-location detail A transit center may have several gates, and the return-direction stop may not be on the same side of the road. Match the destination, stop number and physical signage before boarding.
Official MST fares

How Much Does an MST Transit Bus Ride Cost?

The regular MST fixed-route fare is $2 for up to two hours of travel. Qualified discount-fare passengers pay $1 for the same period.

Regular 2-hour fare $2 Eligible travel and transfers within two hours.
Discount 2-hour fare $1 Qualifying riders with applicable proof.
Regular daily cap $6 With consistent eligible contactless payment.
Regular 31-day cap $70 Rolling cap under MST’s contactless fare rules.

MST Fare Products and Caps

Fare period Regular Discount Important detail
Two-hour fare $2 $1 Eligible transfers within two hours.
Daily pass / cap $6 $3 Daily pass or eligible contactless cap.
Seven-day pass / cap $20 $10 Seven-day period, subject to applicable rules.
31-day pass / cap $70 $35 31-day period, subject to applicable rules.

Who Qualifies for Discounted MST Fares?

MST lists discount eligibility for riders aged 18 and under, people aged 65 and older, individuals with disabilities, Medicare card holders, veterans and other qualifying categories. Identification or an MST Courtesy Card may be required.

Discounted contactless payment A rider qualifying for a $1 fare may need to register their discount with MST to receive it automatically through a bank card or mobile wallet. Check the Benefits instructions before assuming the reader will apply the reduction.

Review official MST fares, passes and discount eligibility.

Payment and transfer micro-guide

Paying for an MST Bus: Cash, GoPass, GoCard and Tap2Ride

MST accepts cash, GoPasses, GoCards and supported contactless bank cards or mobile wallets. Have the chosen payment method ready when boarding.

Contactless Bank Card or Wallet

  1. Check that your card or wallet is accepted.
  2. Board and locate the contactless reader.
  3. Tap the same card or device on every bus.
  4. Wait for the payment confirmation.
  5. Use that identical payment method for transfers and fare capping.

Cash or GoPass

  1. Prepare the correct fare or valid pass.
  2. Pay when boarding.
  3. If you need a transfer with cash or an applicable GoPass, request a two-hour pass from the driver.
  4. Keep your issued fare or transfer media.
  5. Follow its validity and boarding rules.
Do you need to tap off? MST’s dedicated contactless-payment FAQ says that passengers do not need to tap off, because its fixed-route fares are not distance-based. An older general How to Ride page contains conflicting tap-off wording. Follow the dedicated contactless instructions and any current onboard notices; ask the operator if the reader instructions differ.

Why Was I Charged Twice?

If you tap a physical debit card on the first bus and then use a mobile wallet holding the same card on the second bus, the fare system may treat them as different payment methods. To preserve the two-hour transfer and fare cap, use the same actual card or device throughout.

Read MST Tap2Ride payment and fare-capping instructions.

Official MST RealTime

How to Check When the Next MST Bus Is Coming

MST RealTime provides stop-based arrival information by text, phone, mobile app and map. The most precise starting point is the four-digit stop number shown on the MST bus-stop sign.

Text message to 25370
Next 9103
Example request for the upcoming buses serving stop 9103. The actual reply will contain currently available scheduled and/or predicted arrivals.

Illustration of the official request format. No live arrival is being displayed here.

Use These Official Text Commands

All routes serving one stop Next 9103

Replace 9103 with your own four-digit MST stop number.

One route at that stop Next 9103-022

Replace the stop and line numbers with your actual stop and requested bus.

How to Find the Four-Digit Stop Number

  1. Read the MST RealTime sign or sticker at the bus stop.
  2. If the number is not visible, open the official route page.
  3. Use the stop-number selection on the route information.
  4. Match the stop to your direction of travel.
  5. Text the correct number to 25370.
  6. Check the estimated time and route shown in the response.

What Does (s) Mean in the Text Reply?

MST explains that arrivals more than about 15 minutes away may show a scheduled time instead of a GPS-based prediction. An (s) identifies scheduled information.

Scheduled (s) A planned timetable time, which is not confirmation that the bus is approaching.
Predicted arrival A calculation using available vehicle-location information, which can change.

Check Arrivals by Telephone

Call 1-888-678-2871, select English or Spanish, then choose MST RealTime. Enter the four-digit stop number when prompted. If you do not know the number, the system provides an option to search for it.

Open the official MST RealTime text, phone and app guide.

Five-minute arrival rule MST recommends reaching your stop at least five minutes before the estimated arrival. If you are at an unfamiliar terminal or need mobility assistance, allow additional time.
Major stations and boarding areas

MST Transit Centers: Where to Board and Transfer

Monterey Transit Plaza and Salinas Transit Center are two major hubs for MST services. Other connections take place at Marina Transit Exchange, Sand City Station and neighboring transit systems.

Monterey Transit Plaza Important for Monterey Peninsula routes and Line 20 connections.
Salinas Transit Center 110 Salinas Street, Salinas, CA 93901. Key hub for local and regional lines.
Marina Transit Exchange 280 Reservation Road, Marina, CA 93933. Serves several Monterey–Marina connections.

What to Do at a Transfer Center

  1. Find the posted gate or platform diagram.
  2. Confirm the route number and destination.
  3. Check that the trip operates on your travel day.
  4. Locate the correct waiting area using the official sign.
  5. Check your four-digit stop ID, if one is shown.
  6. Keep your transfer or payment method available.
  7. Board only after confirming the bus’s destination display.

View official Monterey, Marina and Salinas transit-center diagrams.

Regional and intercity connections

MST Transfers to Watsonville, Gilroy, San Jose and Long-Distance Buses

Some MST journeys require a second transit provider. These connections have their own schedules, boarding areas and transfer rules.

Watsonville: Santa Cruz METRO

MST Lines 28 and 29 serve Watsonville Transit Center, where eligible passengers can connect to Santa Cruz METRO.

MST publishes a specific transfer agreement: valid eligible MST transfers can be accepted by Santa Cruz METRO for one-way travel toward Santa Cruz METRO Center. MST GoPasses, however, are not automatically accepted as Santa Cruz METRO fare payment.

Transfer step If paying cash and intending to use a valid paper transfer, request it when boarding your first MST bus. Do not assume that a stored-value card or monthly pass works the same way.

Gilroy: VTA Connections

Line 59 connects Salinas with Gilroy. Passengers traveling onward toward Morgan Hill or San Jose may need a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority bus.

For the onward journey, our VTA bus schedule and Gilroy–San Jose route guide explains how to find services such as Route 68, check stop locations and choose the correct travel direction.

VTA payment is separate MST states that it does not accept VTA passes or Clipper cards as direct MST fare payment. Selected MST GoPass types may qualify for VTA local fare credit under the published agreement, but eligibility varies.

Greyhound and Amtrak

MST identifies connections with Greyhound for travel through Salinas, King City and regional destinations. Salinas Transit Center is also near the Salinas Amtrak station, serving the Coast Starlight and other rail or connecting-bus services.

If you are switching from MST to a long-distance coach, use our Greyhound timetable, boarding-stop and ticket guide to check the precise departure location, luggage rules and connection time. Greyhound tickets and schedules are separate from MST’s local fare system.

Check MST’s official transfer agreements and neighboring operators.

2026 timetable revisions

MST Transit Service Changes Effective August 29, 2026

MST’s 2026 service-change summary identifies adjustments affecting several routes. This is especially important if a saved PDF or an older third-party map displays a different stop or timepoint.

Line Published change Rider impact
5 Minor schedule changes at Carmel Rancho. Recheck transfers involving Line 24.
17 New stops along Imjin Road and 8th Street. Confirm current Marina-area boarding locations.
24 Minor timing adjustments at Carmel Rancho. Line 5 connections may have changed.
29 A weekday afternoon peak trip was adjusted. Check the current Prunedale–Watsonville timetable.
31 Minor route revision in Gonzales. Verify the stop sequence.
33 An afternoon trip was adjusted for Line 23/23X connections. Check South County transfer timing.
41/42 Timepoint changed to Garner/Sanborn. Older documents may show Garner/Pacific.
59 Minor changes to selected southbound Salinas trips. Check current arrival points and times.

What About the Monterey Trolley?

The seasonal Monterey Trolley ended its 2026 season in September. Do not rely on an older summer trolley timetable for travel in November. Check MST’s seasonal service notice for the next operating period.

Schedule-effective dates matter An old map can still show a route number after a stop has moved. Use the current official route list and service alerts for your exact trip.

Read MST’s current routes overview and 2026 service changes.

Accessible travel

MST Bus Accessibility and RIDES ADA Paratransit

MST states that its regular fixed-route buses are accessible and equipped with wheelchair lifts. However, passengers should also confirm whether their intended stop has an accessible boarding path.

Fixed-route buses Accessible vehicles with wheelchair boarding equipment.
Accessible stops Check sidewalks, boarding space, construction and stop-specific access.
MST RIDES ADA paratransit for eligible people whose disabilities prevent use of regular fixed-route buses.

How MST RIDES Works

RIDES is a shared-ride program for eligible passengers. MST describes its service area as generally extending within three-quarters of a mile of its regular fixed-route corridors, during comparable operating hours.

One-way RIDES fare $2 Exact fare is required according to MST’s program information.
Reservations Book up to seven days in advance. Requests for next-day travel may be made until 5 PM the preceding day.

Applying for Accessible Transportation

  1. Open the official MST RIDES information page.
  2. Read the eligibility and service-area requirements.
  3. Find the application and passenger guide.
  4. Contact MST Mobility Services if you need application assistance.
  5. Complete the certification process.
  6. Once eligible, arrange your pickup and drop-off under the reservation rules.
  7. Confirm your pickup window and mobility needs.

Open MST RIDES eligibility, reservations and accessibility information.

Personal care attendants MST says a designated personal care attendant may travel free with an eligible RIDES passenger when the program conditions are met. Other companions may need to pay the regular RIDES fare.

MST also provides free language assistance, including Spanish-language support and other available communication options. Contact Customer Service if the printed timetable is inaccessible or difficult to understand.

Practical troubleshooting

Common MST Bus Problems and What to Do

Problem Recommended action
I cannot find my route. Search the official route directory by number or destination. Confirm whether it is a regular, express, school or seasonal service.
The schedule and live tracker disagree. Use the timetable as the plan and the live prediction as an update. Check the route’s current alert status.
The RealTime text says (s). That indicates scheduled information, not necessarily a tracked approaching bus. Recheck closer to departure.
My stop is not in the PDF. Find the previous timepoint, then use the stop ID and MST RealTime for stop-specific arrival information.
My transfer charged a new fare. Check whether the same payment method was used, the two-hour window had expired or the second operator has different fare rules.
The bus passed without stopping. Confirm that the route actually serves that stop, stand visibly at the designated MST sign and signal the operator as described in MST’s riding guide.
A bus stop has moved. Read the current service notice and locate the official replacement stop rather than guessing from the old map.
I missed the last bus. Check remaining departures in the return direction, then consider another available regional connection. Do not assume overnight MST service.
I need wheelchair access. Check the physical boarding area and contact MST Mobility Services if the fixed-route trip is not accessible for your needs.
I left something on the bus. Use MST’s official lost-and-found reporting form with the route number, direction, travel time and item description.
Service alerts and holidays

How to Check MST Delays, Detours and Holiday Schedules

Road work, special events, highway delays, weather and temporary stop closures can change the actual journey. School and seasonal services may also follow different operating calendars.

  1. Open the official MST Service Alerts page.
  2. Look for a notice affecting your route or stop.
  3. Read the effective dates and direction.
  4. Check any replacement-stop instructions.
  5. Open the current route timetable.
  6. Recheck MST RealTime before departure.
Do not rely on an old alert An expired detour does not necessarily apply today, and a route without a currently displayed alert can still experience normal traffic delays. Use the live tools for your specific journey.
Official passenger assistance

MST Customer Service Phone, Transit Offices and Lost Property

Customer Service

888-678-2871

Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.

Call MST

Monterey Bus Stop Shop

201 Pearl Street

Monterey, CA 93940.

Weekdays: 8 AM–12:30 PM and 1:30–4:45 PM.

Salinas Transit Center

110 Salinas Street

Salinas, CA 93901.

Weekdays: 7 AM–5:45 PM.

Marina Transit Exchange

280 Reservation Road, Marina, CA 93933.

Weekdays: 8 AM–12 PM and 1–4:45 PM.

Accessible Telephone Support

TDD: 831-393-8111.

Ask about free language assistance or information in an accessible format.

Office hours are not route operating hours. Some buses operate before customer counters open or after they close. Use the route-specific timetable to determine passenger service hours.

Open official MST customer service and lost-and-found forms.

Before you leave

MST Bus Trip Checklist

  • Confirm Monterey-Salinas Transit is your agency.
  • Choose the correct line number or Jazz route.
  • Match the bus destination sign.
  • Check the weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday schedule.
  • Read the timetable’s effective date.
  • Find your exact stop or transit center gate.
  • Save the four-digit MST stop code.
  • Prepare your fare or pass.
  • Use the same contactless payment method for eligible transfers.
  • Check MST RealTime before leaving.
  • Look for stop closures and service alerts.
  • Allow at least five minutes before expected arrival.
  • Confirm accessibility if required.
  • Plan the last return bus in advance.
Final travel recommendation Use the official route page for planned departures, the stop sign or route map for your location, and MST RealTime for updated predictions. This is more dependable than relying only on a search snippet or a saved PDF.
Official research sources

MST Transit Official Schedules, Maps, Fares and Rider Resources

All MST Routes

Find the current route directory, individual schedules, directions and maps.

Open MST route directory
Trip Planner

Enter an origin and destination to find suggested buses and transfers.

Open official trip planner
MST RealTime

Stop-ID text commands, telephone arrivals, Transit app and maps.

Open live arrival instructions
Official Line 20

Monterey–Salinas timetable, stops, fares and printable schedule.

Open Line 20 schedule
Line 20 PDF

Printed timetable effective May 23, 2026, including weekday and weekend times.

Open official PDF
System Maps

Regional, Monterey Peninsula, Salinas and transit-center diagrams.

Open MST maps
Fares and Passes

Two-hour fare, reduced fares, daily, weekly and monthly passes.

View official fare prices
Contactless Fare Rules

Tap2Ride, fare capping, payment consistency and tap-off guidance.

Read payment FAQ
Regional Connections

Watsonville, Santa Cruz METRO, VTA, Greyhound and Amtrak.

Open transfer information
Accessibility and RIDES

ADA eligibility, paratransit reservations, fares and mobility assistance.

Open MST RIDES
2026 Service Changes

Updates effective August 29, 2026, including affected routes and stop revisions.

View current service changes
Service Alerts

Route detours, stop closures and current operational notices.

Open active alerts
Information reviewed November 3, 2026. MST fares, route descriptions, real-time instructions and 2026 service changes were reviewed using official agency resources. Timetable examples are labeled with their source-effective date. Actual travel-day conditions may differ.

Independent website disclosure: BusSchedule.us is not operated by Monterey-Salinas Transit. This article does not operate buses, sell official MST tickets, manage RIDES reservations or guarantee arrivals. MST is the authoritative source for service decisions and current operating information.

Frequently asked questions

MST Transit Bus Schedule FAQs

1. What is the official MST Transit bus schedule website?

The official Monterey-Salinas Transit website is mst.org. Its Route List page provides individual bus lines, maps, schedules and printable timetable links.

2. How do I find the next MST bus at my stop?

Find the four-digit MST stop number and text Next followed by the number to 25370, such as Next 9103. You can also use the official MST RealTime website, Transit app or telephone service.

3. What time does MST Transit start running?

Start times vary by line and travel direction. In the official Line 20 timetable effective May 23, 2026, a weekday Monterey-to-Salinas departure is listed at 5:45 AM and a Salinas-to-Monterey departure at 4:50 AM. Other routes differ.

4. Does MST run on Saturdays and Sundays?

Many MST routes have weekend service, but departures can be less frequent and some routes are restricted by service day or school calendar. Line 20 has separate Saturday and Sunday timetable information.

5. How much is the MST Transit bus fare?

The regular fixed-route fare is $2 for up to two hours of travel. Qualified discount-fare riders pay $1. MST also offers daily, seven-day and 31-day fare products and contactless fare caps.

6. Can I use Apple Pay or a credit card on MST?

Yes. MST accepts supported contactless bank cards and mobile wallets. Use the same card or device for eligible transfers and fare-capping benefits. Its dedicated contactless FAQ says tapping off is not required.

7. Which MST bus goes from Monterey to Salinas?

MST Line 20 connects Monterey Transit Plaza, Sand City Station, Marina Transit Exchange and Salinas Transit Center. Select the direction and service day on its official route page before traveling.

8. What does (s) mean in MST RealTime?

The (s) indicator means a scheduled arrival time rather than a live GPS-based prediction. MST explains that results more than approximately 15 minutes away may be scheduled until the bus gets closer.

9. Can I transfer from MST to Santa Cruz METRO or VTA?

Yes, connections are available, but fare rules differ. MST publishes an eligible transfer arrangement at Watsonville Transit Center and separate conditions for VTA local fare credit. Clipper and VTA passes are not accepted as direct MST fare payment.

10. Is MST accessible for wheelchair users?

MST says its regular buses are accessible and equipped with wheelchair lifts. Eligible passengers who cannot use regular fixed-route service because of a qualifying disability may apply for MST RIDES ADA Paratransit.

Leave a Comment