Learn how to ride our bus service

Is Travel Training right for you?

Our complimentary Travel Training Program teaches people who may need extra help how to use our bus service. Travel Trainers ride with you during training — guiding you through the transit experience all the way to your destination. The training is tailored to meet your needs, whether you need general bus-riding information or more one-on-one in-depth training.

Who qualifies for Travel Training?

Travel Training is geared to anyone who needs a little extra help navigating the transit system, such as:

  • Senior citizens
  • Students
  • People with disabilities
  • Non-English speakers
  • New residents
  • New riders

We can provide group presentations to senior centers and residential facilities, adult family homes, schools, community groups, and other organizations.

What will I learn in Travel Training?

The training is customized to meet your unique needs and can last from one hour to several sessions — as long as you need to feel safe and confident. Signing up is easy and there is no cost to you.

You will learn:

Plan a trip
How to plan a trip including what bus to take
Bus Stops
Where bus stops are located and the best way to get to and from the bus stop
How to pay
How to pay your fare, obtain bus passes, and transfer between buses
Accessibility
Boarding tips, including how to signal for a stop and how to use the wheelchair ramp or lift
What to do
What to do if you miss the bus or have a change of plans

I think it's a good program. It could help a lot of people who wouldn't otherwise be able to do things, like I have done. 

—Emma, Travel Training graduate

How to get started

If you’re ready to schedule Travel Training or just want to learn more, there are several easy ways to connect with us:

  • Call Customer Care at (425) 353-7433 and ask for Travel Training,
  • Email us at riders@commtrans.org, or
  • Submit our quick interest form below and we’ll reach out to you within 1–2 business days.

Benefits of learning to ride the bus

  • Bus service lets you travel on your schedule.
  • You have the independence and flexibility to travel whenever and wherever you want.
  • Buses operate on convenient and reliable schedules to major destinations. In many areas buses run every 15 minutes.

Community Transit buses are easy to access

  • All buses are wheelchair accessible.
  • All buses have a “low floor,” so it takes only one step up to enter.
  • Buses can “kneel” to make stepping in even easier.
  • Many bus stops have benches and shelters.

Did you know?

  • Over 20% of our bus trips are taken by seniors, people with disabilities, and non-English speaking customers.
  • Our drivers receive training to assist the special needs of seniors and riders with disabilities.
  • Any person who has a disability or is 65 years or older may get a Regional Reduced Fare Permit ORCA card. Whether or not you use this card to pay your fare, having it allows you to ride public transit buses and the Washington State Ferries throughout the Puget Sound region at a discounted fare.