1. PLAN YOUR TRIP ______________________________________

Use Metro’s online Regional Trip Planner

Or

Talk to one of Metro’s Customer Information Specialists at 206-553-3000; hearing impaired customers please call the Washington State Relay Service at 711. Please be prepared with exact addresses and your desired travel time, and be ready to make a note of your trip plan.

Or

Visit your nearest bus stop and see what buses stop there. The route numbers are shown on the bus stop flag and in many instances the schedules are shown in a holder that is mounted to the pole, and in many instances the schedules are posted in a holder mounted to the shelter or post. Check to see if the schedule times refer to your stop, or to a timepoint that may be a short distance away.

Once you know your trip, plan to arrive at your bus stop five minutes early. It’s good to find out the schedule and bus stop locations for your return trip, too

2. GET ON BOARD _______________________________________

• When the bus arrives, look at the destination signs on the front and side.
• The sign will tell you the route number and where the bus is going. More than one bus route may serve an area, and not all routes operate at all times. Make sure you know and get on the right bus!
• Pull the signal cord above the window about one block before your stop. If you are unfamiliar with the area, ask the driver to assist you. The driver will announce major stops, but not every stop. Wheelchair users in the securement area can also use the yellow pushbutton strip on the underside of the flip-up seats on newer buses. The bell will ring twice and an indicator will light on the dashboard to let the driver know you want off.

When to Pay

Most of the time, you’ll pay when you get on the bus. However, if you get on the bus in the ride free area in Downtown Seattle, you won’t pay until you get off the bus. A sign on the farebox tells you when and what to pay.

What to Pay

See Metro's fare information. Please have the exact fare ready; drivers do not carry change.

How to Pay

• Put your money in the farebox located next to the driver. The farebox has a sign that tells you the fare.
• When your travel requires riding a second bus, or you will be making your return trip within 90 minutes, ask the driver for a free transfer.

3. ENJOY THE RIDE ______________________________________

• All buses have a bike rack that will carry two bikes. Signal the driver before you load a bike
• Four children, up to age five may ride FREE with a fare paying adult.
• We ask all our customers to follow some simple "Ride Right" guidelines for safety and courtesy found in the code of conduct.
• To find out about other convenient transportation choices Metro offers visits Metro's Travel Options.

All buses are accessible to senior citizens or persons with disabilities.

All Metro buses have lifts or ramps for wheelchair and scooter users and others who use a walker or cane or simply have trouble climbing steps. You will need to get on and off the bus at an accessible bus stop. The bus stop sign will be marked with one of three stickers:

The international access symbol, which means anyone can use the lift or ramp there;

The international access symbol with cross-hatching to the right and the words, 'Limited Lift Use Space', which means the bus stop is accessible but with limited space; and

A "No Lift" decal, which means the lift or ramp cannot be used at that stop.

Most Metro bus stops are accessible; however, please call Metro to make sure the lift or ramp can be used at the bus stops where you will get on and off the bus. If your route uses low-floor buses with ramps, using a stop that has a curb at least 6 inches high will make boarding easier.

Information on accessibility of bus stops is also included in the Metro's online Trip Planner if you select 'Yes' in response to the question, 'Do you require an accessible trip?'

Individuals who are unable to use regular bus service due to a disability may be eligible for the ADA Paratransit Program. Access Transportation vans provide advance reservation service in King County for this program. For additional information, call Accessible Services at 206-263-3113 or TTY 206-263-3116.