Transportation Information in California

California is a large state with various transportation options, ranging from public transit systems in major cities to private vehicle ownership. Understanding how transportation works can help immigrants navigate daily life, get to work, school, and access services. This section covers public transportation, driver’s licenses, car ownership, and tips for traveling across the state.

Public Transportation

Public transit is a popular option in California’s larger cities, though availability and reliability can vary depending on the region.

Major Public Transit Systems

  1. Los Angeles — Metro (Bus and Rail System)

Services: Metro Buses, Metro Rail (subway and light rail)

Fares: $1.75 per ride (includes free transfers within 2 hours)

TAP Card: A reloadable card used to pay for Metro services

Discount Programs: Reduced fares are available for seniors, students, and low-income riders through the LIFE Program

2. San Francisco Bay Area- BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and Muni

Bart: connects San Francisco with cities in the East Bay and South Bay

  • Fares are based on distance traveled

Muni: Operates buses, streetcars, and cable cars within San Francisco

  • Flat fare: $2.50 per ride

Clipper Card: A contactless card used across multiple transit systems, including BART, Muni, Caltrain, and AC Transit

3. San Diego — MTS (Metropolitan Transit System)

Services: MTS buses and the San Diego Trolley (light rail)

Fares: $2.50 per ride or $6 for a day pass

Compass Card: A reloadable card used for MTS services

4. Sacramento — Regional Transit (SacRT)

Services: Light rail and bus services

Fares: $2.50 per ride or $7 for a day pass

How to Use Public Transit

Planning Your Trip: Use apps like Google Maps, Transit, or Moovit to plan your route and find real-time schedules

Payment Methods: Most transit systems accept contactless cards (TAP, Clipper, Compass) and mobile payments

Driver’s License

In California, having a driver’s license is essential for many, especially those living in areas with limited public transit.

Driver’s License for Undocumented Immigrants (AB 60 License)

California allows undocumented immigrants to apply for a driver’s license under the AB 60 Law

Requirements:

  • Proof of Identity (e.g., foreign passport, consular ID)

  • Proof of California residency (e.g., utility bill, rental agreement)

  • Pass a written test and a driving test

Steps to Apply:

  1. Make an appointment at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

  2. Bring the required documents

  3. Take and pass the written test (available in multiple languages)

  4. Schedule and pass a behind-the-wheel driving test

  5. pay the application fee (around $41 as of 2025)

Why It’s Important:

  • An AB 60 license can only be used for driving and identification within California

  • It cannot be used for federal purposes (e.g., boarding a plane or entering federal buildings)

Standard Driver’s License (REAL ID)

For immigrants with legal status, it’s recommended to apply for a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, which can be used as identification for federal purposes.

Requirements:

  • Proof of Identity (e.g., green card, employment authorization card, or U.S. passport)

  • Proof of Social Security Number (SSN)

  • 2 proofs of California Residency

Steps to Apply:

  1. Make an appointment at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)

  2. Bring the required documents and additional federal identification documents

  3. Take and pass the written test (available in multiple languages)

  4. Schedule and pass a behind-the-wheel driving test

  5. pay the application fee (around $41 as of 2025)

Car Ownership

Owning a car can provide greater flexibility for work, school, and daily life, especially in areas with limited public transportation.

Buying a Car

New Cars:

  • More expensive but usually come with warranties and lower maintenance costs in the short term

Used Cars:

  • More affordable but may require more frequent repairs. It’s important to get a used car inspected by a mechanic before purchase

Key Costs

Sales Tax - Around 7.25% statewide, with higher rates in some cities

Registration Fee - Usually around $60, plus additional local fees

Insurance - Car insurance is mandatory in California. Costs vary depending on your driving record, age, and the type of car

ALL vehicles in California must be registered with the DMV. To register your car, you need:

  1. Proof of ownership (title or bill of sale)

  2. Smog certification (if applicable)

  3. Proof of insurance

  4. Payment for registration fees

Insurance Requirements

In California, car insurance is mandatory, and drivers must carry proof of insurance at all times.

Minimum Liability Coverage Requirements

  • $15,000 for injury/death to one person

  • $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person

  • $5,000 for property damage

Ridesharing and Carpooling

For those without a car, ridesharing and carpooling are convenient options for getting around.

Ridesharing Services

  • Uber and Lyft operate in most cities and towns in California

  • Ridesharing can be more expensive that public transit but is useful for areas with limited bus or train service

Carpooling

  • many people use carpool services or apps like Waze Carpool to share rides and split costs

  • Some highways in California have carpool lanes (HOV lanes) reserved for vehicles with 2 or more passengers, making carpooling faster during rush hours

Long-Distance Travel

For travel between cities in California, several options are available:

Trains

Amtrak California

  • Operates long-distance and regional services, including the Pacific Surfliner (Los Angeles to San Diego) and Capitol Corridor (San Francisco Bay Area to Sacramento)

Caltrain

  • Connects San Francisco with cities in the South Bay and Silicon Valley

Buses

Greyhound

  • Provides intercity bus services across California and other states

FlixBus

  • Offers affordable travel between major cities, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco

Flights

For long-distance travel, flying may be the fastest option. Major airports include:

  • Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

  • San Francisco Internation Airport (SFO)

  • San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Biking and Walking

In urban areas, biking and walking can be practical and affordable modes of transportation

Biking

  • Many cities have bike lanes and bike-sharing programs

  • Bay Wheels (San Francisco Bay Area) and Metro Bike Share (Los Angeles) are popular bike-sharing services

  • Helmets are required for riders under 18, and lights are required when biking at night.

Walking

  • California cities are generally pedestrian-friendly, but it’s important to use crosswalks and obey traffic signals for safety

Transportation Assistance Programs

Several programs help low-income residents and immigrants with transportation needs

Life Program (Los Angeles)

  • Offers discounted or free Metro fares for low-income riders

Muni Lifeline Pass (San Francisco)

  • Provides reduced fares for low-income residents

Ride Share Programs

  • Some non-profit offer free or low-cost transportation to immigrants for medical appointments, job interviews, and other essential services