Accessible Services - Regular Metro Bus Service
Since 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.
Table of Contents
Planning Your Trip
Riding 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:
- Metro's Rider Information Office -- 206-553-3000, 206-684-1739 TTY, or 1-800-542-7876 Toll Free -- can help you plan your bus ride;
- Bus schedules are available at many locations in King County, such as libraries, senior centers, large shopping malls, etc. New bus schedules come out in February, June and September. Metro can provide schedules in accessible formats upon request; please contact 206-684-2046 or 206-684-2029 for TTY users;
- Metro Online also has bus schedules; if don't you know your route number, you can look for schedules by neighborhood. You can also print a custom timetable for your trip.
- The Metro's online Trip Planner can help you plan transit trips within King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. You can fit your search to your individual needs by requesting a trip with minimal walking distance or specifying the need for an accessible trip, which includes bus stops. You can also look for routes and bus stops near a specific address;
- Bus Time (206-287-8463) can provide scheduled departure times for buses at your stop up to six days in advance. Bus Time is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Visit the Regional Public Information Network (RPIN) [external link] for information that may affect your travel on public transit.
And, Metro provides free transit instruction to individuals and groups that meet certain criteria. This training teaches persons with disabilities and seniors how to ride regular public transportation, including using the lift or ramp.
Table of Contents 
Fares
Riding 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.
Table of Contents
Riding Tips
Metro 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:
- if you will need help with securing your mobility aid or with the personal seat belt; or
- the stop where you will get off, if you need the lift or the ramp, so the driver can position the bus correctly; or
- if you need a priority seat and one doesn't seem to be available; or
- if you need the driver to call a specific stop or destination.
Taking a few minutes to let the driver know what you need should help ensure a smoother trip.
Table of Contents
Feedback
Prompt, 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.
Table of Contents
Turner Award
In 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.
Table of Contents
| 
