10 tips for new and returning riders

Sep 14, 2022, 13:22 by Evan Ebert

If you’re starting or restarting a commute to school or work or if you’re new to riding altogether, here are our top tips to make the best of your transit ride.

1. Our online tools make planning easy

Wondering how to get to use transit to get where you need to go? Trip Planner has you covered. Just enter a starting and ending address and you’ll see all of the trip options we offer. You can also optimize your trip for speed, number of transfers, or walking distance.

2. Know when your bus will arrive

Find your bus in real time with BusFinder. View estimated arrival times for buses based on real-time location data so you know when to expect your bus. Plus see alerts for schedule or stop changes.

3. Find your fare

Wondering what your bus trip will cost? Fares may vary by route and can be paid with cash or an ORCA card. 

Youth (aged 18 and younger) ride free! Seniors, people with disabilities, and people who meet certain income requirements can qualify for a free or reduced fare

4. Pay with ORCA for the most savings

If you take more than one bus or train to complete your trip, or if you ride the bus frequently, an ORCA card will save you time and money. The ORCA card works like cash or a pass, automatically tracking the value of different fares and transfers so you don't have to. 

We recently upgraded the ORCA system. You are now able to add value to your account in real-time and manage your account from anywhere with the myORCA app. Visit myORCA.com to learn more.

5. Rider Alerts keep you updated

Delays sometimes happen. We’ll make sure you have the most up-to-date info you need to plan when they do. See the latest Rider Alerts online,  subscribe to our Rider Alerts by email or text, and follow @MyCommTransBus on Twitter to stay in the know. 

6. All of our buses are bike-friendly   

It’s easy to take your bike on our buses or to store your bike at a bike locker where you catch your bus. Here’s what you need to know.

7. We offer work and school commute options beyond the bus

Community Transit’s Vanpool Program provides safe, reliable vans so groups can commute together to save time, money and the planet. Vanpool groups split the cost for the low monthly fare that covers all expenses needed to keep your van on the road, including gas, maintenance and insurance.

8. Your school or work may help pay your fare

Many schools and employers offer subsidies for transit. Check with your school’s student services department or the HR department to ask about subsidy options or connect with your Employee Transportation Coordinator if your worksite has one.

Are you a business owner? Or do you want to encourage your employer to look into helping with transit? Check out our ORCA for business options

9. All of our buses are accessible

All Community Transit buses can carry wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Most buses have a kneeling feature that makes it easier to step onto the bus. Many bus stops have benches and shelters.

If you are unable to use Community Transit's fixed-route buses due to a disability or condition, you may be eligible for Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART), which provides paratransit service for people who cannot access or use Community Transit’s fixed-route bus service due to a disability or condition.

 

10. We’re here to help!

Anyone who needs a little extra help learning to ride our buses can sign up for our free Travel Training program. We'll walk you through the basic skills necessary to ride Community Transit’s bus service. Travel Trainers ride with you during training — guiding you through the transit experience all the way to your destination.

Our Customer Care team is also here to help answer your questions, hear your feedback, or help you find the information you need. 

Customer Care
Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. 
(800) 562-1375
(425) 353-RIDE (7433)
TTY Relay: Dial 711

RideStore at Lynnwood Transit Center
Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
20110 46th Ave W, Lynnwood

More news

10 tips for new and returning riders

Sep 14, 2022, 13:22 by Evan Ebert

If you’re starting or restarting a commute to school or work or if you’re new to riding altogether, here are our top tips to make the best of your transit ride.

1. Our online tools make planning easy

Wondering how to get to use transit to get where you need to go? Trip Planner has you covered. Just enter a starting and ending address and you’ll see all of the trip options we offer. You can also optimize your trip for speed, number of transfers, or walking distance.

2. Know when your bus will arrive

Find your bus in real time with BusFinder. View estimated arrival times for buses based on real-time location data so you know when to expect your bus. Plus see alerts for schedule or stop changes.

3. Find your fare

Wondering what your bus trip will cost? Fares may vary by route and can be paid with cash or an ORCA card. 

Youth (aged 18 and younger) ride free! Seniors, people with disabilities, and people who meet certain income requirements can qualify for a free or reduced fare

4. Pay with ORCA for the most savings

If you take more than one bus or train to complete your trip, or if you ride the bus frequently, an ORCA card will save you time and money. The ORCA card works like cash or a pass, automatically tracking the value of different fares and transfers so you don't have to. 

We recently upgraded the ORCA system. You are now able to add value to your account in real-time and manage your account from anywhere with the myORCA app. Visit myORCA.com to learn more.

5. Rider Alerts keep you updated

Delays sometimes happen. We’ll make sure you have the most up-to-date info you need to plan when they do. See the latest Rider Alerts online,  subscribe to our Rider Alerts by email or text, and follow @MyCommTransBus on Twitter to stay in the know. 

6. All of our buses are bike-friendly   

It’s easy to take your bike on our buses or to store your bike at a bike locker where you catch your bus. Here’s what you need to know.

7. We offer work and school commute options beyond the bus

Community Transit’s Vanpool Program provides safe, reliable vans so groups can commute together to save time, money and the planet. Vanpool groups split the cost for the low monthly fare that covers all expenses needed to keep your van on the road, including gas, maintenance and insurance.

8. Your school or work may help pay your fare

Many schools and employers offer subsidies for transit. Check with your school’s student services department or the HR department to ask about subsidy options or connect with your Employee Transportation Coordinator if your worksite has one.

Are you a business owner? Or do you want to encourage your employer to look into helping with transit? Check out our ORCA for business options

9. All of our buses are accessible

All Community Transit buses can carry wheelchairs and other mobility devices. Most buses have a kneeling feature that makes it easier to step onto the bus. Many bus stops have benches and shelters.

If you are unable to use Community Transit's fixed-route buses due to a disability or condition, you may be eligible for Dial-A-Ride Transportation (DART), which provides paratransit service for people who cannot access or use Community Transit’s fixed-route bus service due to a disability or condition.

 

10. We’re here to help!

Anyone who needs a little extra help learning to ride our buses can sign up for our free Travel Training program. We'll walk you through the basic skills necessary to ride Community Transit’s bus service. Travel Trainers ride with you during training — guiding you through the transit experience all the way to your destination.

Our Customer Care team is also here to help answer your questions, hear your feedback, or help you find the information you need. 

Customer Care
Monday through Friday, 6:30 a.m.–6:30 p.m. 
(800) 562-1375
(425) 353-RIDE (7433)
TTY Relay: Dial 711

RideStore at Lynnwood Transit Center
Open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
20110 46th Ave W, Lynnwood

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For background information, interviews or photos about Community Transit, please contact our on-duty Public Information Officer at (425) 521-6156.