How to Ride
New to riding public transportation? We are here to help!
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Jefferson Transit buses can get you where you need to go across the County. JTA has connections with transit agencies in neighboring counties, as well as Washington State Ferries. Here are some tips on how to plan your trip:
Online Trip Planner
Enter your location and destination on our Online Trip Planner and instantly map your route.
Our online trip planner is powered by Google. Google’s trip planner does not track sidewalks that may be closed due to construction or areas inaccessible for mobility devices.
Call Customer Service 360-385-4777
Our helpful staff will assist you in planning your trip. Customer Service is open Monday through Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Be prepared to give the following information:
• Your starting location address
• Your destination address
• The day and time you wish to travel
Visit our Routes and Schedules pages to plan your trip.
JTA schedules contain a map and a timetable of stops along routes. From left to right, the locations listed across the top are called timepoints which are stops that show when the bus will arrive/depart at a certain location. The bus will stop for passengers waiting at stops in between. Use the timepoint before and after your stop to estimate when a bus will arrive at your desired stop.
If there are no bus stops close to your location, you can park for free at one of our Park and Ride locations:
63 Four Corners Road or Haines Place Park and Ride at 440 12th Street across from Safeway.
Now that you have planned your trip the following tips will help you along the way:
• All JTA routes are ZERO FARE!
• Arrive at your stop at least 5 minutes early.
• If it’s going to be dark, wear reflective clothing or have a flashlight.
• Check the route sign on the bus before boarding – Some stops are served by more than one bus. Look at the signs across the top of the bus to confirm that you are getting on the correct bus.
• Wave or signal the bus driver so they know you want them to stop.
• Stand back from the bus and wait until it comes to a complete stop.
BOARDING, RIDING, AND EXITING THE BUS
• Board the bus at the front door. You can confirm your route and stop location with the operator.
• If you need help boarding, ask the operator for help. JTA buses have lifts and ramps to assist riders who have difficulty using the bus steps. If you use a mobility device, the operator will assist you with boarding the bus and securing your device.
• If you have a bike, let the driver know before stepping in front of the bus to load your bike.
Visit our Bike and Ride page for more information and instructions on loading your bike onto the rack.
• Find an available seat, reserving the seats at the front of the bus for the elderly and disabled.
• Remain seated when the bus is in motion. It is not safe to head for the exit while the bus is pulling into the stop. If the bus is full and you need to stand, always hold a handrail.
• Be alert to your location, and stop.
• JTA follows ADA laws and guidelines regarding bus stop announcements. Pre-programmed announcements or operators will call out popular stops, changes in directions of travel, transit or transfer centers as well as stops requested by riders. JTA buses have a LED display inside showing when the bus is in proximity to bus stops so you can keep track of where you are along the route.
• When your stop is announced pull the cord to ring the bell as you approach your stop –remain seated until the bus stops.
• Once the bus comes to a complete stop, you may exit through the rear door.
• Do not cross in front of the bus! Wait until the bus has pulled away and use a designated crosswalk for your safety.
• If you will be removing a bike from the bike rack, always let the driver know as you get off the bus before stepping in front of the bus.
RESPECT THE RIDE
Help us make riding the bus a good experience for everyone by following these simple guidelines:
• Keep the aisle clear so that other passengers can safely navigate it.
• Use headphones if listening to music/other entertainment
• Please do not eat or drink on the bus.
• Be respectful to other riders while on board; this includes using family friendly language.
OTHER SAFETY TIPS
• Jefferson Transit operators are focused on driving safely. If you have questions, please ask our friendly operators questions when you are boarding or when the bus is at a complete stop so they can keep their attention on driving.
• Please keep all bags and parcels with you while using Jefferson Transit services and facilities. Report abandoned bags and parcels, and any suspicious or illegal activity to your operator or other Jefferson Transit staff.
• Strollers and shopping carts must be secured and safely stored.
• To ensure their safety, young children must always be in your care and control.
• Lead acid batteries, flammables, explosives, or other dangerous materials are not allowed on board.
Sign up for Rider Alerts to always have the latest route information.
Transferring to another Transit Agency bus? – Visit our Connections page to see all of our Transit Agency connections. Be aware of other agency policies, and fares.
Resources and Links
Passenger Code of Conduct Policy
