How to prepare, what to expect
If the forecast hints at possible snowfall, we prepare and plan to provide as much service as possible before any snow hits the ground.
We want you to prepare, too! Here are some tips and links to resources to help you keep informed about our service when snow and ice threaten to delay, reroute or cause service cancellations.
Know Before You Go
Bookmark these links:
Updated hourly, 5 a.m. – 7 p.m., during inclement weather. Inactive until the next Snow Event
For more info on our snow routes
For real-time service alerts
For general agency updates
What is a Snow Route?
Snow routes let drivers and riders know the safest way a bus may travel during a snow event.
For example, buses may not serve areas along a route due to hills. Snow routes determine the portion of the road that will not served.
Snow Routes will appear in real time in Find My Bus during a snow event. Here is an example of what a Snow Route on a map looks like:
- Snowflakes that appear on the map indicate that the bus is on Snow Route and stops on that route will not be served.
- Stops that are closed due to snow are labeled as such in the list of stops
When it snows, not all buses will be on a snow route. Depending on the road conditions, one route may be on a snow route; another may not be.
Also, a bus may be on a partial snow route or a slightly different snow route than shown on the map. Rider alerts will tell you if the snow route your bus is traveling is different than what appears on the snow route map.
- Regular bus schedules don't apply when it snows—buses may come less frequently.
- Icy road conditions mean buses will take longer to get to each destination. Rider alerts will tell you how often a bus may arrive.
Look for the signs
If your bus stop has a snowflake symbol on the bus stop sign and snow or ice on the ground impacts service, please wait at another stop.
Snow, schedules, and Find My Bus
When it snows, regular bus schedules may not apply:
- Buses may come less frequently
- Articulated buses are generally not used and may be kept on base.
- We use Double Decker and 40-foot buses when there is snow and ice on the road.
- It will take longer to get to each destination; if buses are chained, they can only travel 25 miles per hour.
- Rider alerts (on our home page and Twitter) will indicate how often a bus may arrive.
Finding your bus during snow events
Find My Bus is our real-time bus information web application. During snow events, the BusFinder app's departure time
predictions may not be accurate because buses:
- Will likely be on reroute
- Are traveling at slower speeds due to icy road conditions
You can use the map feature on the Find My Bus page to see where the bus is on your route to help predict when the bus may arrive at your stop.
Be Prepared
Dress for the elements
Wear sturdy shoes and dress for warmth. You may need to wait longer or walk more when weather conditions are poor.
Be seen
Make sure the bus driver can see you. Carry a flashlight and a cell phone to flag the bus. Wear something bright, light-colored, or reflective to be easily seen.
Stay alert
Speaking of Rider Alerts, sign up for them here. You can select specific routes and can choose to receive them by email or text.
Seek shelter
Get to a park & ride or another major hub for the best service options.
Stay connected
Fully charge your mobile device. Have a portable charger ready so you can use Find My Ride, receive Rider Alerts and visit our website for updates. You may also need your phone to call someone if you need assistance.
Be patient
When weather conditions are bad, Find My Ride time predictions may not be accurate. The real-time system behind Find My Ride estimates departures based on the time it typically takes to get to a bus stop. If traffic is moving slower, the countdown may appear stuck. Find My Ride will let you know if there is a bus coming. Use the map feature to see where the bus is on your route to help predict when the bus may arrive at your stop.
Be Prepared
Dress for the elements
Wear sturdy shoes and dress for warmth. You may need to wait longer or walk more when weather conditions are poor.
Be seen
Make sure the bus driver can see you. Carry a flashlight and a cell phone to flag the bus. Wear something bright, light-colored, or reflective to be easily seen.
Stay alert
Sign up for Rider Alerts to find out if your bus is delayed or rerouted. You can select specific routes and can choose to receive them by email or text.
Seek shelter
Get to a park & ride or another major hub for the best service options.
Stay connected
Fully charge your mobile device. Have a portable charger ready so you can use Find My Bus, receive Rider Alerts and visit our website for updates. You may also need your phone to call someone if you need assistance.
Be patient
When weather conditions are bad, Find My Bus time predictions may not be accurate. The real-time system behind Find My Ride estimates departures based on the time it typically takes to get to a bus stop. If traffic is moving slower, the countdown may appear stuck. Find My Ride will let you know if there is a bus coming. Use the map feature to see where the bus is on your route to help predict when the bus may arrive at your stop.
Updated hourly, 5 a.m. – 7 p.m., during inclement weather. Inactive until the next Snow Event
For more info on our snow routes
For real-time service alerts
For general agency updates