How to Ride the Bus

Bus Route Schedules | Here's An Example | Payment Options
Locating and Boarding the Bus | Exiting the Bus

When you want to use the bus, the first step is to decide where you want to go and when you want to get there.

• Where do you want to go? Does a bus route serve your destination? Find out by looking at the system map.
• What day will you be traveling? All local and express routes have bus service Monday through Friday. Some local routes also have Saturday and/or Sunday service.
• What time do you need to get there? Buses run from every five minutes to every 90 minutes, depending on the route and the time of day.
• Where do you want to start? Does a bus route operate near where you live? If not, can you get to a nearby Park-and-Ride location? Remember, you can put your bike on the front of the bus!

Custom Trip Planner
Try our custom online Bus Trip Planner. Simply follow the easy steps, entering your origin, destination, and time of travel.

Bus Route Schedules

Each bus route schedule shows when a bus will leave major stops along its route. Since weekday schedules are usually different from Saturday and Sunday schedules, make sure you’re using the right schedule. Please note that express routes and some local routes operate Monday through Friday only.

Bear in mind that times shown are approximations. Actual arrival and departure times may vary according to traffic conditions. You should arrive at the bus stop at least five minutes before your bus is scheduled to leave. All information in bus schedules is subject to change. If this is your first time using the bus, call (602) 253-5000 for the most up-to-date information. Check ValleyMetro.org for schedule updates or for a copy of this information in alternate format, call TTY at (602) 261-8208.

Routes with Alternating Destinations

Some bus routes go to one destination on some trips, and to an alternate destination on other trips. Check the schedules and the sign on the front of the bus to make sure the bus you board is going to your destination.

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Here’s an Example

Let’s say you live near the intersection of Southern Ave. and 35th Ave. It’s a weekday, and you have to be at 24th St. and Camelback Rd. by 3:45 p.m. It’s easier if you begin at your destination and work backwards to your starting point. So, you’ll begin by figuring out what bus gets to 24th St. and Camelback by 3:45 p.m.

Follow these steps:

• Look at the System Map for the route that goes to 24th St. and Camelback. It’s Route 24.
• On the Routes page select Route 24.
• Look at the Route 24 Weekday North & Westbound schedule. Along the top, you’ll find the listing for 24th St. at Camelback. Look down that column for the time just before 3:45 p.m., which is when you want to arrive.
• There’s a bus that gets there at 3:39 p.m. Look three columns to the left and you’ll see that Route 24 leaves 24th St. and Southern at 3:07 p.m. Now you’ve plotted your trip backwards to Southern at 24th St., but you need to start from Southern at 35th Ave.
• Just repeat the same basic steps. You’ll see on the system map that Route 61 runs on Southern. So look at the schedule for Route 61. Use the Route 61 Weekday Eastbound schedule.
• You’ll need an eastbound Route 61 bus that arrives at Southern and 24th St. before 3:07 p.m. (the time the Route 24 bus leaves). There’s one at 2:53 p.m. Look to the left and you’ll see it leaves Southern at 35th Ave. at 2:31 p.m. This is the time you will need to board your first bus!

More Than One Way to Get There?

There may be alternate combinations of routes that will take you from one place to another. Call (602) 253-5000 for assistance in planning the quickest way to get where you want to go. TTY service, for persons with hearing impairments, is available by calling (602) 261-8208

Payment Options

There are a variety of payment options designed to make paying your fare as convenient and easy as possible. See the Bus Fare page for details.

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Locating and Boarding the Bus

Once you’ve determined which route to take, what time the bus runs, how much it will cost, and where you might have to change buses, you’re ready to climb on board.

Bus stops are located at major intersections, and approximately every quarter-mile. You should be at the bus stop at least five minutes before your bus is scheduled to leave.

As the bus approaches, confirm the route number, route name, and direction of travel by checking the sign above the windshield. Signal the operator to stop by waving. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens before you board.

Place your cash (exact change required) in the farebox, or insert your Bus Card Pass into the card reader on top of the farebox, or show your All-Day Pass to the operator.

Once you’ve paid your fare, move immediately to a vacant seat. Take window seats first. If you must stand, hold on to the railings or seat backs. Stay clear of the doorways, keep the aisles and stairwells clear, and keep your arms, hands, and head inside the bus at all times.

Special Seating

Priority seats for seniors and passengers with disabilities are located behind the operator. Buses also have designated wheelchair areas. When a person in a wheelchair is boarding, people seated near the lift or ramp are required to move to make room for that person.

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Exiting the Bus

About one block before your destination, signal the operator that you want to get off the bus. To signal your stop, pull the bell cord once or press the rubber strips between the windows.

Please remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop. Exit through the rear door whenever possible. For your safety, hold on to the door handles until you clear the door. If a person in a wheelchair is exiting, you should exit first.

If you have questions, the bus operator will gladly help, but please try not to distract the operator while the bus is moving. Be sure you don’t leave anything behind when you leave the bus. And thanks for riding!

Tight Transfer Connection Times

When transferring between buses, if the connection time between your transfer is close, inform your operator when boarding. You may ask your operator to turn on the passenger transfer light (strobe) on top of the bus to alert the operator of the connecting bus (your next bus) that you want to transfer. If circumstances permit, that bus may wait up to two minutes for you. Otherwise, you may need to wait for the next bus for your transfer or find an alternate route. Plan accordingly!

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