FAQs
How do I pay to use the bus?
Answer: The bus operators do not carry cash to make change. If you pay over the amount of the fare, you will be issued a transit change card. Transit change cards are non-refundable. This includes lost, stolen, and/or damaged transit change cards. See our Fares page for pricing details.
Where can I buy a bus pass?
Bus passes can be purchased at our Third Street Transfer Station located at 17 West Campbell Ave. Information Officers can explain the various passes available. Please Note: Information Officers will not accept bills in excess of $20.00.” Or, you can purchase passes via mail by sending a personal check to Valley Metro, PO Box 13247, Roanoke, VA 24032.
I am a student. Where can I get a student photo ID?
Answer: For City of Roanoke school students under the age of 18, please check with your school principal's office. City of Roanoke school students, grades 6 through 12, ride cost is $.85 with a current year school photo ID.
What time does the bus come to my stop?
Answer: Please consult our bus schedule link. If you have challenges with understanding the schedule, you may call our offices at 540-982-2222 or visit our Third Street Station Information Office. You may also pick up a Ride Guide with complete information on all bus destinations and times at the Third Street Station and other locations around town.
Do I have to pay an extra charge for my bike? And can I bring my bike on the bus if the rack is full?
Answer: There is no charge for using the bike racks on the front of all our buses. If the bike rack is full, you may ask the bus operator if there is room to bring your bike on the bus without causing safety issues. If the bike rack is full, and there is no room on the bus you will need to wait for the next bus that comes along.
If I need to take more than one bus to get where I’m going, do I need to pay each time I board?
Answer: When you board your first bus, ask the bus operator for a free transfer pass. The time of that transfer pass expires 30 minutes after your bus reaches its final destination.
How do I let the bus operator know when I want to get off the bus?
Answer: Pull the cord, located on each side of the bus. Make sure to pull the cord about a block from your stop so the bus operator has adequate time to make a safe stop.
How late do buses run?
Answer: The last buses leave our Third Street Transfer Station departing at 8:15 p.m. arriving at the end of the line at 8:45 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Can I bring a baby stroller on the bus?
Answer: Yes, however the baby stroller cannot block the aisle for safety reasons. It must be folded up and placed between seats.
If it snows, what changes can I expect with the bus service?
Answer: Many snow events do not require Valley Metro to go to snow routes. However, when it is determined that the road conditions make it necessary to use snow routes, we will immediately post information on this web site and contact all local media (radio & TV stations) and ask them to inform the public. Snow routes differ from regular routes in some areas where icy hills and curves may be an issue. Click here to see a map page of our snow routes
If I left an article on the bus, how do I get it back?
Answer: All articles left on our buses are turned in to our dispatch offices. You must come to our Administration Office Building to sign for and retrieve those articles. The Administration Office is located at 1108 Campbell Ave. SE. Hours of operation of our lost and found department are 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday. Articles are kept for 60 days and then discarded.
I am in a wheelchair; can I still ride the bus?
Answer: All of our buses are equipped with wheel chair lifts and are ADA compliant.
I left my bike on the front rack of the bus, where do I go to retrieve it?
Answer: Inquire at our Information Officers booth at our Third Street Transfer Station. If the bike was found, they will have the information of its whereabouts
Are the RADAR vans that I see a part of your service?
Answer: We contract with RADAR to provide our STAR Para-transit services for qualified individuals. These individuals may have a physical or mental condition that prevents them from using our regular fixed route service, whether or not a bus serves their area. For further information see our STAR page.
I qualify for Para-transit in my hometown, I will be visiting the Roanoke Valley, how do I use your Para-transit services?
Answer: Before visiting our area, please call our offices at 540-982-0305 (7:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday - Friday) to arrange transportation through our STAR service. You may visit and use our services for 21 days.
I will be moving to the Roanoke Valley and I qualify for Para-transit in my hometown, how do I sign up for your STAR service?
Answer: If you are pre-qualified for Para-transit, call our office at 540-982-0305 (7:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday – Friday) so that we can expedite your application process
Can I bring my pet on the city bus?
Answer: Assistance animals (i.e. guide dogs, etc.) are welcome on the buses. All other animals must be in a pet carrier.
Does your organization rent or charter buses?
Answer: No. Valley Metro does not provide charter bus service because state and federal regulations prohibit us from competing with local charter service vendors. The same regulation also prohibits us from renting buses to private parties.