Start Your Bus Commute

How to Ride the Bus: A New User Guide

1. Find Your Route

   • Put where you want to go and when you want to arrive into the Metro Trip Planner or Google Maps to quickly and easily see your route options
   • Pay attention to the side of the road you need to catch your bus to ensure you're going the right direction.  
     • The readerboard along the top of the bus tells you the final destination of that bus.  
     • When in doubt-ask the driver or another rider!  

2. At the Bus Stop or Park & Ride

   • Route numbers are along the top of the bus to make your bus easily identifiable.  
   • Bus stop signs will list which routes serve that stop so you know where to wait.
   • Timetables will show you the estimated arrival times from different stops on your route.  You can get printed timetables, or look them up online.
     • One Bus Away is a free smart phone app shows real time arrival information of buses at your stop.

3. Pay for Your Trip On Entry

   • Cash: Bring exact change, the driver won't be able to make change.
   • Tap your ORCA* card bus pass against the card reader as you get on the bus.
     • ORCA cards: buy a monthly pass or pay as needed with the e-purse.  
     • New riders can request a free 1 month pass from Go Redmond. 
     • ORCA Lift: reduced fares for lower income users are available through an application process. 

4. Request Your Stop

   • The driver announces upcoming stops and they will be displayed on the readerboard inside the bus.
   • When your stop is next, pull the yellow cable near the window, or push the red "stop" button on the edge of some seats.
     • If you're on the aisle, you can ask your seatmate to request the stop for you. 
     • This will let the driver know you want to stop, a red light will come on over the center aisle when a stop has been requested.

When in doubt, you can ask the driver or other riders for help!

Bus Etiquette Tips:

• Have your fare or ORCA card ready to make boarding quick for everyone.
• Unless you need the handicap ramp, please exit to the rear of the bus at busy stops.  If the back door doesn't open a polite "Back door please!" will get the drivers attention.
• When the bus is full, hold your purse, backpacks, and other personal belongings in your lap.
• Wear headphones when listening to music, and listen at a low volume.
• Leave front seats open for families, older adults, and those in wheelchairs. 
• Please refrain from eating or drinking on the bus.

*ORCA stands for "One Regional Card for All" and is accepted on Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro Transit, Kitsap Transit, Pierce Transit, Sound Transit and Washington State Ferries.