511 Departure Times
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR THE DEPARTURE TIMES FEATURE

Here is a list of frequently asked questions about the 511 Departure Times feature. If you have a question that's not answered on this page, please contact us.
General

How do I get departure times for my train or bus?
To get departure time predictions for your specific route, call 511 and say “Departure Times.” You will then be asked to enter your Stop ID. If you don’t know your Stop ID, you will be prompted to use 511’s backup help system to hear your departure times and learn your Stop ID number.
What is a Stop ID number?
A Stop ID is a unique number associated with a specific transit stop that 511 uses to identify the stop for which you want to receive departure time predictions. This ID automatically includes your direction of travel (i.e., the side of the platform or street the stop is on). For example, Stop ID #16996 identifies the outbound platform at Van Ness Station. When you enter this ID number, 511 Departure Times will play predictions for every outbound transit line that stops at Van Ness Station. Stop ID #15419 will play predictions for inbound service at Van Ness Station.
How do I learn my Stop ID?
You can get your Stop ID either over the phone or on the web. To get your Stop ID over the phone, call 511 and say “Departure Times.” When 511 prompts you to enter your Stop ID, say, “I don’t know” to use the backup help system to identify your stop. After hearing the predicted departure times for your stop, 511 will play your stop’s ID number. You can also use the Departure Times Stop ID lookup feature on the 511 Transit page .
Why are there two stop IDs for one station?
Each station has one Stop ID for its outbound platform and another Stop ID for its inbound platform. Likewise, stops on opposing sides of the street have a different ID. Therefore, you can use one Stop ID to obtain your departure times without having to request a specific direction.
Why can’t I just say my cross streets to find out my departure time information?
You can still use cross streets to get departure time predictions by using the backup help menu on the 511 phone service. To access the backup help system, say “I don’t know” after being asked for your Stop ID number. You will then be able to say your agency name, route number, and cross streets to obtain your departure times. By using Stop IDs instead, however, you will be able to access your departure times information in an instant, without having to say your agency name, route number, and location.
Can I save my most frequent trips and receive alerts when my next bus or train is coming?
Departure Times is currently being added to MY 511, which will allow users to save trips and receive alerts. Look for transit information to be available on MY 511 in the fall.
How do I get departure time predictions on 511.org?
Departure time predictions are currently available only on the 511 phone service. However, we are in the process of adding the Departure Times feature to MY 511. When this is complete, you will be able to save transit trips to instantly access departure time predictions on your personalized home page, or receive your predictions through text and e-mail alerts. Also, you can currently find your Stop ID by using the Stop ID lookup feature on the 511 Transit page.
When will there be departure times for additional agencies?
Departure times are currently available for all Muni routes and BART lines. As departure times become available for other Bay Area transit agencies, we will work to include them in 511.
Why are Stop IDs not posted at stops and stations?
The 511 Departure Times service is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. While having to learn a stop ID number may initially seem challenging, the 511 system currently offers two options for learning and remembering stop ID numbers. These options are: 1) look up all stop ID numbers on the 511.org website using the 511 Departure Times link on the Transit page , or 2) say “I don’t know” when asked for your stop ID on the 511 phone system. In the future, stop ID numbers will also be integrated into the 511 TakeTransitSM Trip Planner. 511 and participating transit agencies will be assessing the costs and benefits of placing Stop ID numbers at stops and stations.