Long Beach

Long Beach Transit on Oct. 1 will become the first public transportation system in the country to use a magnetically coded pass card on its buses, spokesmen for the local system have announced.

The passes, which are similar in appearance to credit cards, will be validated by a computerized machine near the bus door.

The new $1.1-million system, purchased with a combination of federal and state transportation grants, will help transit planners with scheduling. It will keep track of how many riders board each bus by time of day, said transit officials.

Prices for monthly passes will remain at $25 for the general public, $16 for full-time college and vocational students, $12 for students through 12th grade and $6 for senior citizens and disabled persons.

The passes will go on sale Sept. 25. Information may be obtained by calling (213) 591-2301.