Valley Metro Welcomes Joe Lee as the 2025 Writer by Bus!

We’re thrilled to announce that Joe Lee has been selected as the 2025 Writer by Bus! Through this unique program, Joe will spend time riding Valley Metro buses in April and May, capturing the voices, moments, and stories that make transit an essential part of our community.

What is Writer by Bus?

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As part of the Art by Bus project, Writer by Bus invites a local literary artist to immerse themselves in public transit and create an original body of work inspired by their experience. The goal is to highlight the connections transit fosters, celebrate riders, and reflect on how buses help build a more just, healthy, and welcoming community. Joe’s work will be released in September, offering a creative glimpse into life on board Valley Metro.

Why It Matters

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Public transportation is more than just getting from point A to point B—it’s where lives intersect. Writer by Bus helps shine a light on the everyday moments that make our city vibrant. Whether it’s a quiet observation, an overheard conversation, or the rhythm of the city passing by, Joe’s will help tell the story of Roanoke through the lens of transit.

How You Can Follow Along

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Ride with us! You might just find yourself in a future piece of Joe’s work.

Check out past Writers by Bus at www.ridesolutions.org/artbybus.

Stay tuned for the release of Joe Lee’s work in September!

A huge thank you to RIDE Solutions and the Roanoke Arts Commission for supporting this initiative. We can’t wait to see what stories unfold!

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