How to Ride

Plan Your Trip

• Use our Trip Planner to find out which bus route you want, where it stops, and what time to catch it
• For live updates on exactly when your bus will arrive, check out RealTime Arrivals or the Transit App

Board the Bus

• Get to your bus stop early, and wait in a safe area – NOT the street
• Have your fare ready (exact change, SmarTrip or iRide), then when the bus arrives, enter through the front door and pay your fare at the fare box
• Move into the bus and take a seat, remembering to offer priority seats directly behind the driver to senior citizens and persons with disabilities
• If you have a bicycle with you, secure it in the bike rack on the front of the bus before boarding

Enjoy the Ride

• No eating, drinking or smoking
• Avoid rowdy behavior and excessive noise – use headphones when listening to music or watching videos, and don’t talk to the driver while the bus is moving
• Stand behind the safety line and don’t lean on or stand in the doorway
• Keep aisles and doorways clear of items like suitcases, bags and boxes at all times
• Wheelchairs and mobility devices must be securely fastened, and strollers should be folded or placed with wheels locked in the priority seating area when available
• Only service animals are allowed on board, and hazardous materials like car batteries and flammable liquids are never permitted
• Check out our full code of conduct here
• If you see any suspicious activity, tell the bus operator, report it to the Arlington County Police or call 911

Get Off the Bus

• Press the yellow strip or pull the yellow cord near the window to let the driver know you want off at the next stop
• Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop, make sure you have all of your belongings, and exit through the back door
• If your bike is on the bike rack, tell the driver and then exit through the front door

Stroller Policy

Placement of Strollers:

• Strollers should be placed in the priority seating area when space is available.
• If the priority seating area is occupied, strollers should be stored out of the aisles, away from doorways and secured in an area near you. 
• Strollers must not obstruct aisles or doorways at any time.

Securing Strollers:

• Children must be properly secured within the stroller at all times.
• Stroller wheels must be locked when stationary.
• The stroller must be held by the accompanying person at all times.

When to Fold a Stroller:

• Strollers must be folded if they obstruct aisles or doorways.
• Strollers must be folded if they pose a safety risk to other passengers.
• Strollers must be folded and placed away from aisles and doorways in a seating area near you, if the priority seating area is occupied.
• Strollers must also be folded if instructed by the bus operator.

Other Guidelines:

• The accompanying person is responsible for assisting children when boarding or departing the bus.
• All passengers shall vacate their seats for individuals with disabilities, seniors, and pregnant women when necessary.