Bus/Rail

Take the bus and give yourself a better commute.

Commuters in the know understand the benefits of traveling by public transportation. It’s efficient—you can shorten your commute time by riding in the swift-moving HOV lane. It’s economical—you can save literally thousands of dollars a year over driving alone. And it’s environmental—bus riders eliminate millions of pounds of pollution a year. Visit your local transit provider to find the bus service available in your area.

New to the bus? Here’s how to give it a try.

Are you a first-time bus user? Check your specific provider for tips particular to their system—here are some basic tips:

• Visit a bus stop near you. Visit your nearest bus stop and see what buses stop there. The route numbers are typically shown on the bus stop flag, and in many instances the schedules are shown in a holder 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 the bus, you can grab a timetable for your route.
• 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!
• 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, ask the driver to call out your stop or the major stop next to yours.

And if your home or work is just a bit too far from a transit center or bus stop, there are other connection options to help you complete your trip.

Log your trips, track your savings, and earn rewards.

By logging your trips on Trip Calendar, you can quickly see both your financial and environmental savings. Plus, when you track your trips on a regular basis, you may qualify to be entered into monthly prize drawings when available.

Get on the right track with rail.

The Puget Sound region offers you two smart choices to smooth out your commute and speed you to your destination.

• Sounder Commuter Rail operates between Tacoma and Seattle and between Seattle and Everett during peak morning and evening commute hours with stops along the way.
• Link Light Rail service is available between SeaTac Airport and Downtown Seattle with stops along the way.

You can connect with rail stops using the bus or park and ride lots that serve rail stops. And if your home or work is just a bit too far from a rail stop, there are other connection options to help you complete your trip.

For information about rail stops and schedules visit Sound Transit.