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- THE BUS
- HOW TO RIDE
HOW TO RIDE
Overview
The MET stops at designated locations marked by MET bus stop signs. A simple wave to the driver when the bus is approaching helps to let the driver to stop. All MET vehicles are equipped with ADA ramps and kneeling capabilities to assist in boarding; if you need the ramp or the bus kneeled, let the driver know.
Getting on the Bus
The route name is displayed over the windshield and curbside window. The route number is also displayed on the rear of the bus.
Have the exact fare ready as you board if paying in cash; drivers cannot make change. If paying with your phone by using the Umo Mobility app or with a printed pass, line up the QR Code with the pass reader's camera. If paying with an UMO Mobility fare card, simply tap your card against the reader. The light on the reader will flash green or yellow when you have used a valid pass; red means the pass is NOT valid. For specific fare and pass information, or to purchase fares, please click here.
Getting off the Bus
To get off the bus, signal the driver by pulling the yellow cord next to the window. The driver will then stop at the next bus stop.
Transfers & the Pulse System
Transfers to a connecting bus to complete a one-way trip are free and the transfer is valid for 30 minutes - if paying in cash, ask the driver for a transfer slip before you disembark the bus. If using a pass or other fare media, scan the media when you board the connecting bus within 30 minutes. Transfers are possible at the transfer centers or at some places where two routes cross.
Please always tell the driver if you need to transfer - even if you don't need to ask for a transfer slip. The driver will notify the other bus of your desire to transfer. The MET System is set up as a "pulse system." This means that one set of buses arrives and departs the transfer centers at the same time and then, a half hour later, a second set of buses arrives and departs the transfer centers.
Reading the MET Bus Map
The MET bus map displays the entire routing system on one and route timepoints with example times for both Weekdays and Saturdays on the other side. The timepoints listed are for reference and are NOT the only times the bus will be running. The timepoints serve as examples of how many minutes past the hour a bus will arrive at that specific stop. These timepoint schedules also indicate how often a bus runs (either every 60 minutes, every 30 minutes, or every 15 minutes).
For example, if a timepoint shows 5:45 AM as it's example time on a 60 minute route, the bus will arrive at that timepoint :45 minutes after the hour every hour during MET operations. Many stops exist BETWEEN the listed timepoints; please refer to individual Bus Route Schedules or the bus tracking smartphone app for specific stop locations. A digital copy of the MET Bus map can be found by clicking here; physical copies of the map are available on every MET bus and locations throughout the community.
Routes that run between two transfer centers will generally have an INBOUND run on traveling to Downtown and an OUTBOUND run travelling away from Downtown. Loop routes will have the same stop listed as a starting and ending point.
Reading MET Bus Route Schedules
Individual MET Bus Route Schedules can be accessed by clicking here.
Individual route maps show a detailed map of each route with all bus stops listed by stop identification number. The backpage of the individual route maps listed the each individual stop by STOP ID and a descriptive location. The full timepoint schedule for each route is also listed. Most bus stops listed will be between two reference timepoints. To determine what time to be at your stop, find your stop on the map and use the stop ID listed in the timepoints to determine which two timepoints your stop is between. Be at your stop at the time listed for the prior timepoint (the earlier of the two timepoints).
For example, route 13 - King Ave West is shown below. In the example, let's catch the bus at stop 1317. The stop is located on the map between