You are in:
- Rider Tools
How to Ride Metro
Getting Started
Planning your trip
Find a schedule, route map or bus stop
Visit a bus stop near you
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, shelter or post. Check to see if the schedule times refer to your stop, or to a timepoint that may be nearby. After you get on, you can grab a timetable for your route.
Need help finding a bus stop or route?
Use Metro's Trip Planner
Use Google Transit
Enter address, intersection, or landmark. Use a forward slash for intersections.
Need help?
Talk to one of Metro's Customer Information Specialists at 206-553-3000; hearing disabled customers please call the Washington State Relay Service at 711. Be prepared with exact addresses and your desired travel time, and be ready to make a note of your trip plan.
Getting 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. Be sure to get on the correct bus!
Paying your fare
Starting on Sept. 29, 2012 you board and pay at the front door for every ride. This "pay on entry" system is also used on Sound Transit and Community Transit buses operating in King County.
The only exceptions are on Metro's RapidRide lines at stations with ORCA readers, ST's Link Light Rail and Sounder which allow boarding at all doors, and on morning Vashon Island service leaving the Fauntleroy ferry dock for downtown Seattle.
A sign on the farebox tells you what to pay.
Traveling and exiting
How to get off the bus
Riders are encouraged to exit through the rear door(s) of the bus. You may exit through the front door if you have a mobility device or stroller, need a little extra time, or if you need to unload a bicycle from the bike rack.
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. Most buses have automated 'next stop' displays and announcements, but if not, 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.
Helpful hints when you ride
- All buses have a bike rack that will carry two or three bikes. Signal the driver before you load a bike.
- 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, visit Metro's Travel Options.
- Check out Metro's special programs to help keep you moving.
