Cerritos on Wheels
(COW)
Updated February 6, 2024
Download the new Passio GO! app or click the link provided below to check the location of buses in real time. Available for mobile devices running iOS and Android operating systems.
passiogo.com
("Select an Agency" > "City of Cerritos")
Cerritos on Wheels currently operates Monday through Saturday, except all major City holidays. Hours of operation and route information is provided below:
COW Schedule
Monday–Saturday (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
COW buses arrive at each bus stop every 60 minutes
Sunday
COW buses do not operate on Sunday
COW Maps/Schedules
For more information, please call
(562) 928-4COW or (562) 916-1202
COW: Your Convenient and Reliable Local Transportation Service
The City of Cerritos provides the community with the Cerritos on Wheels (COW) public transportation system. You can ride the COW to such popular destinations as parks, schools, retail centers and Cerritos Library.
The History of the COW
Cerritos on Wheels (COW) buses have roamed Cerritos since 1993. A contest was held to name the new transit service and the community chose the name COW, a moniker which harkens back to the City's early days as Dairy Valley.
Why the COW?
COW buses are comfortable and air-conditioned The COW is also equipped with wheelchair lifts, tie-downs and folding seats to accommodate most wheelchair configurations. In addition, all COW buses are equipped with bicycle racks, for easy travel to out-of-the-way destinations.
Riding the COW also benefits the environment as COW buses run on clean-burning fuel. COW riders help reduce air pollution and traffic by keeping their cars off the road.
How to Catch the COW
Look for the COW signs which indicate more than 110 locations to catch the buses. Signs with "Route 1" and "Route 2" identify which direction the COW buses will travel. Also look for these route numbers on the bus destination signs.
COW Fare
Fifty cents ($.50) per trip
Monthly Bus Pass
Order a COW bus pass (regular or discounted)
Regular Rate
Monthly bus passes for the Cerritos on Wheels (COW) transit service are available for purchase for $20. Each pass entitles holders to an unlimited number of rides for the month purchased.
Discounted Rate
Passengers may also purchase three (3) bus passes for a total of $30, which is a 50% discount rate when purchased at once. Any additional bus passes to the three (3) bus passes are $10 each. Each pass entitles holders to an unlimited number of rides for each month purchased.
Purchase Monthly Bus Passes
Monthly bus passes are available for purchase online or in-person at Cerritos City Hall. Should you wish to purchase bus passes in-person at City Hall, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with the Department of Community Development at (562) 916-1201 prior to your visit.
Please note that bus passes ordered online after regular business hours will be processed on the following business day. Should bus passes be required immediately, please call (562) 916-1201 to schedule an appointment to pick-up bus passes in person at City Hall otherwise, please allow 2-3 business days from the time of purchase for the U.S. Postal Service to deliver bus passes.
For more information, please call (562) 928-4COW or (562) 916-1202.
COW Information and Lost and Found Items
COW Info Line
(562) 928-4COW or (562) 928-4269 during COW operating hours
Please report comments or complaints to:
Cerritos City Hall
(562) 916-1202
Monday through Friday - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
cerritostransit.com
Title VI Program
In accordance with Federal Transit Administration requirements, the City has adopted a Title VI compliance program. Title VI is a provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and specifically establishes non-discrimination and accessibility standards for any federally funded or assisted programs. As the City of Cerritos has been the recipient of federal assistance for the City's transit operation, the City is pleased to adopt and implement applicable provisions of Title VI. For additional information on the City's Title VI program, please review the links provided below.
City of Cerritos Title VI Program (PDF)
City of Cerritos Notice of Civil Rights (PDF)
City of Cerritos Public Transit Programs
COW service is paid for with local Proposition A and C funds, which are earmarked specifically for transit programs. The COW is the second tier of the City of Cerritos' public transit program. The Cerritos Dial-A-Ride service is the first tier.
Dial-A-Ride is available to seniors and disabled people who are unable to ride the COW. The COW also connects with several regional transit providers that offer trips in wheelchair-friendly buses. For those seniors and disabled people who cannot ride the COW, Dial-A-Ride service can be scheduled by calling (562) 402-RIDE or (866) 402-RIDE (toll free).
Regional Transit Connections
Ride the COW to make convenient connections with Long Beach Transit, OCTA, Norwalk Transit or Metro buses. You can connect with other transit systems at Los Cerritos Center and many other places along the route. For information about public transportation in Los Angeles County, call Metro's transit information line at (800) COMMUTE or (800) 266-6883. Metro's website offers a Metro Trip Planner at metro.net.
Additional Transit System Information
Cerritos on Wheels (COW)
(562) 928-4269
cerritostransit.com
Fare is $.50 per trip
Hours: Weekdays and Saturdays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., no service on Sundays or City recognized holidays.
Access Services, Inc. (LA County)
(800) 827-0829
accessla.org
For people with hearing and communication disabilities: (800) 827-1359
Long Beach Transit
(562) 591-2301
lbtransit.com
Metro
(323) 466-3876
metro.net
OCTA
(714) 636-RIDE (7433)
octa.net
Norwalk Transit
(562) 929-5550
ci.norwalk.ca.us/transportation.asp
Metrolink (Regional Rail)
(800) 371-5465
metrolinktrains.com
Bellflower Bus
(562) 804-1424, ext. 2267
bellflower.org
Bellflower Dial-A-Ride
(562) 865-7433
bellflower.org
Artesia Bus
(323) 430-8300
cityofartesia.us
Transit Tips
Riding public transit can be a little intimidating if you aren't well prepared. The following tips will help you get a great start in taking advantage of the transit opportunities in the Cerritos area:
- Determine your point of departure and your destination.
- Call the appropriate transit agency or access its web site for schedules and fares.
- Wait at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
- Carry exact change for fares; most operators do not give change.
- When you enter the bus, ask the driver to confirm that the bus is going toward your destination.
- Insert your fare into the fare machine.
- When you want to stop, use the device on the bus (such as a button or a cord); if unsure, ask the driver.
- Some Metro, OCTA and Long Beach Transit buses are equipped with bicycle racks; contact the operator for details.
- Have fun!
General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) Data
Pursuant to Federal Transit Authority (FTA) regulations, the City’s GTFS data is available.
Requests for Reasonable Accommodations
The City of Cerritos in partnership with Metro has developed policy and procedures for reasonable accommodations requests to ensure compliance with regulations under the Federal American’s with Disability Act and Federal Register Vol. 80, No. 49. The City may allow a reasonable accommodation to the City’s transit policies in an effort to accommodate special needs of persons with disabilities in order to allow for the full utilization of the Cerritos On Wheels and Dial-A-Ride services
A request for a reasonable accommodation or modification may be filed by a disabled person by utilizing the following three methods:
- Individuals with a disability may file a reasonable accommodation request at City Hall at the Department of Community Development, Advance Planning Division. City Hall is located at 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703. A Reasonable Accommodations Request Form (PDF) will be given in person, and shall be completed prior to review by City staff
- Individuals with a disability may call the Department of Community Development, Advance Planning Division at (562) 916-1201 and file a reasonable accommodation request. City staff will complete the form on the requestor’s behalf.
- Individuals with a disability may download and print the City’s Reasonable Accommodations Request Form (PDF) from the City’s website and send via mail to the Department of Community Development, Advance Planning Division, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, Cerritos, CA 90703.
Requests for reasonable accommodations or accommodations will not be approved if the request would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity; create a direct threat to the health or safety of others; result in an undue financial and administrative burden to the City or its respective contractors; or the disabled person would still be able to fully use the services provided by the City without the modification.
For additional information regarding transportation accommodation requests, please contact the Department of Community Development at
(562) 916-1201.