How to Ride a Metro Bus
Video Script
Narration
Operator: Welcome Aboard.
Narrator: There's a lot to do and see around here and King County Metro is ready to take where you want to go. Whether you're going to work or school or meeting friends or family, taking the bus is easy - once you know how to get around.
Metro serves most places in King County and we have many different ways to get you there. And we have many different ways to get you there. There are many types of buses: such as standard buses, Articulated buses, Trolley buses that use power lines, Buses that use the bus tunnel, Mini buses, And the Waterfront Streetcar. We also help people to form vanpools and carpools.
Getting information
Getting bus route information.
Some bus stops have schedules on the pole. The times are usually for a stop that is several minutes before your stop.
You can ask a teacher or case worker; you can ask people at the bus stop; you can get bus schedules from Metro offices; you can get bus schedules from Metro transit centers, libraries, and shopping centers.
Metro bus route information is on the internet at http://metro.kingcounty.gov/.
Metro has rider information specialists that you can call anytime. The number is (206) 553-3000. When you call Metro, you need to have the following information:
- Address where you will catch the bus
- Address where you will be going
- The day of the week you will be traveling
- The time you need to leave or
- The time you need to arrive
- Ask the amount of the bus fare.
Have paper and pencil to write the information down.
How to pay your bus fare
There are many ways to pay your bus fare. You can use cash, Bus tickets, or a Puget Pass. You can buy bus passes at one of Metro Customer Assistance Offices, and at many Bartell's stores, or order through the mail.
Regional Reduce Fare Permit (RRFP)
If you are a senior citizen or have a disability, you can get a Regional Reduced Fare Permit or RRFP. You can buy a monthly pass or an annual sticker.
Call Metro Customer Assistance office. (then: dialogue with CAO rep). Ask them to mail you an application.
Complete the application. You may have to have your doctor sign the form.
Then come to Metro's Customer Assistance Office. Remember to bring your application along with the processing fee and identification such as a driver's license.
You pay a reduced fee with your RRFP or you can buy a monthly sticker or an annual sticker.
Fare System
Metro Transit has two zones
- A one zone fare is where you stay inside the City of Seattle, or you stay outside the City of Seattle.
- A two-zone fare is when you cross the City of Seattle
Detailed maps inside the bus schedule show the fare-zone line. When you look at a timetable, look for the fare zone line. This is one-zone. And this is one-zone. When you cross the far zone line it is a two-zone fare.
Metro has peak fares which are 6 to 9 in the morning and 3-6 in the afternoon. Peak times are shown on the timetables in the shaded areas. Off-peak times are mid-day, evenings and during the night. The fare is less at these times.
When to pay your bus fare
When you get on the bus you will see a sign on the farebox. When the sign says pay as you enter, pay when you get on the bus.
If you get on the bus in downtown Seattle, you will see the "Ride Free" sign.
If the bus travels from the "Ride Free Area," then you will pay as you leave.
Remember, you must pay with exact change.
How to use a transfer
Transferring is going from one bus to another. A transfer is used to get on the second bus. You can use it for 1� hours.
When you pay your fare for the first bus with cash or tickets, ask for a transfer. This way you can go from one bus to another and you do not have to pay a second fare. Show the transfer to the operator when you should pay your fare.
Waiting for a Metro Bus
When you are ready to ride a Metro bus, you need to wait at a Metro bus stop sign.
If the bus leaves at 5:10 p.m., you need to arrive by 5:05 p.m. Five minutes earlier.
If you are in a wheelchair, look for the blue disabled sticker on the Metro bus stop sign. Some Metro bus stops can only use the lift for someone who is standing. Some bus stops will have a red "no lift" sticker so you cannot use the lift at this stop.
The number on the bus needs to be on the bus stop sign.
When your bus arrives, you will see the route number and the destination on the front of the bus and the side of the bus. You will also see the route number on the back of the bus.
When You Need Help�
Operators are here to help you. Ask the operator if you have questions.
If you are deaf or blind and use identifier cards, or if you have a cane the operator will help you by announcing the bus number.
Operator: "This is bus number ___"
Narrator: If you are in a wheelchair, the operator can help with the straps.
Riding on the Metro Bus
When the bus comes, wait for people on the bus to get off first, then get on.
If you are not sure where to get off the bus, ask the operator to let you know. It is helpful when you try to talk to the operator, to have the address written down.
When you get on the bus, go to a seat. Make sure that you use the bars and rails as you go to your seat.
Please keep the aisles clear so people can get past you.
If you are on the bus, please move back so other people can get on the bus.
The front seats are reserved for the elderly and people with disabilities. If you are sitting in the front seat and an elderly or disabled person gets on, please move. You can ask people to move or the operator can ask them to move.
Operator: "These seats are for�."
Getting off the Metro Bus
Narrator: When you want to get off at the next Metro bus stop, pull the bell cord one block prior to your stop.
The operator will announce major bus stops (Operator: "Burien Transit Center")
Narrator: Stay behind the yellow line.
If you have to pay as you leave, pay your bus fare.
When you get off a Metro bus, wait on the sidewalk or the side of the street, until the bus leaves. Then cross the street carefully.
Other Transportation Choices
Taking Metro doesn't always mean taking the bus. Metro also helps people find partners to share the ride.
Check at your work to see if anyone wants to start a vanpool, or you can call Metro to find out how you can join a vanpool or a carpool.
So, when you leave your home, travel to work or within your community, we're here to help you get where you want to go.
See you on Metro.
| 
