Dept. of Transportation Metro Transit Division King Street Center 201 S Jackson St Seattle, WA 98104 |
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Accessible Services - Regular Metro Bus ServiceSince 1978, Metro has provided accessible bus service to persons with disabilities. Metro routes serve neighborhoods and destinations throughout King County. The accessible downtown Seattle map helps you avoid the hills. The George Benson Waterfront Streetcar travels from the International District along the waterfront, past the ferry terminal at Colman Dock to Myrtle Edwards Park. Dial-A-Ride Transit (DART) for the general public provides flexible service within some suburban communities. Park & Ride lots provide convenient places to hop on a Metro bus for longer trips. Other local transit agencies provide bus and rail service in King County and into nearby counties. Planning Your TripRiding the bus is easy, especially if you plan ahead. Metro has several ways to help you find out how to get where you are going:
And, Metro provides free bus travel training to individuals and groups that meet certain criteria. FaresRiding Metro is a great deal for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. If you have a valid Regional Reduced Fare Permit, you can ride for 50¢ on any Metro route. If you have a Personal Care Attendant Regional Reduced Fare Permit, someone can ride with you to help you travel and not have to pay a fare. Service animals ride free. Or, you can buy Metro's monthly or annual reduced fare sticker and not have to worry about having correct change when you ride the bus. Stickers are valid only when affixed to a Regional Reduced Fare Permit and are good only on Metro service. An Access pass for Metro's Access Transportation service is also good for Metro's reduced bus fare if you have a Regional Reduced Fare Permit. If you travel on other local transit systems, either within King County or to nearby counties, you may need to pay an upgrade for an intercounty transfer. Or, you can buy a regional PugetPass instead. If you have a Regional Reduced Fare Permit, you can buy a less expensive PugetPass than the full fare pass for the same trip. Metro fare media, including monthly and annual fare stickers, and select PugetPass denominations, are available from numerous retail outlets. If you have any questions regarding fares, contact Metro's Customer Services Office at 206-553-3060 or 206-684-2029 for TTY users only. Riding TipsMetro drivers have received specialized training on accessible service procedures, such as lift and ramp operation, securing mobility aids, announcing stops, disability awareness and other topics. Although Metro drivers are familiar with the basics of providing accessible service, it is important that you let the driver know of your specific needs as you get on the bus, as appropriate. For example, it is helpful if you let the driver know:
Taking a few minutes to let the driver know what you need should help ensure a smoother trip. FeedbackPrompt, detailed feedback helps us improve our services and lets our staff know when their work is appreciated. If you have concerns about how a driver has provided accessible service, wish to commend a driver or other Metro staff member for making an extra effort, or have a suggestion on how we can do things better, you can contact Metro's Customer Service Office by phone or postal mail. Turner AwardIn 1984, Metro and the NW Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America (NWPVA) established the "PVA Award" to honor operators for going above and beyond the call of duty in providing service to riders with disabilities. The award was later renamed the George Turner Award in honor of a PVA member and Metro advisory committee member who was a driving spirit in creating the award. Each quarter, a committee of Metro staff and a representative from NWPVA reviews commendations received by the Customer Service office and selects an operator who has clearly provided exceptional service to a someone with a disability. An award ceremony is held at the driver's operating base. PVA presents the driver with a lapel pin commemorating the award. This pin is one of the only non-Metro items that a driver is allowed to wear on their uniform. A traveling plaque, which stays at the base until the next award, is inscribed with the driver's name. An annual luncheon is held to honor that year's Turner Award recipients. If you would like more information on NWPVA, you can reach them at 206-241-1843. |