Bus Orientation
The bus system is the primary way that the majority of newcomers travel around King County. It is important to learn the system early on in their time in the U.S so that they can travel to medical appointments, social services, the grocery store, the public library, etc.
Seattle residents use the King County Metro Transit System, Sound Transit, of the Lightrail. It is crucial that newcomers learn how to navigate the bus system independently, otherwise they will be continually dependent on someone else to transport them.
Volunteers’ role: Outside of WRS’s bus transportation classes, refugees often need additional help in understanding the public transportation system. The best way to help is to teach people how to use the internet to research timetables, routes, and fares and go with them to someplace familiar, such as the grocery store.
Before riding the bus make sure to review
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The fare
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Covid-19 Precautions
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The route
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How to pay (Orca, Bus tickets or Cash). Remember that if using cash no change is given.
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Getting off the bus
For more information check out Pierce County Transit or King County Metro.
Extra appointments/exceptions: Although we encourage newcomers to rely on the bus system and not volunteers’ cars, there are some situations where it is more plausible for a volunteer to transport a client in his/ her car. Surgeries, various registrations or important medical appointments would be an example of this.