Rider Resources
Conduct & General Info
General Route Information
Routes:
Each bus route is identified by a number indicating its path, direction, and destination. Ensure you board the correct bus by checking the route number and destination displayed on the front of the bus. If unsure, ask the operator.
Transfers:
Some routes continue as others without requiring a transfer. For example, Route 55 becomes Route 52 at Tanglewood Mall. Free transfer slips are available and valid for 30 minutes at designated transfer points.
Schedules:
Locate the nearest time point on the map to find your bus schedule. If uncertain, call us at 982-2222.
Code of Conduct
Safety:
Do not step in front of buses. Once they pull out, they will not stop again. Buses stop only at designated stops.
Fares:
Have exact fare or a ticket ready before boarding.
Food & Drinks:
No open containers or consumption of food/beverages on buses. Drinks must have a secure lid.
Respect:
Offensive language, loud music, and unruly behavior are prohibited. Use headphones at a reasonable volume.
Service Animals: Allowed but must be under control and not on seats. Non-service animals must be in carriers.
Riding Tips
- Arrive at your stop at least 5 minutes early.
- Allow exiting passengers to disembark before boarding.
- Use handrails when boarding or exiting.
- Signal your stop by pulling the bell cord about one block before your destination.
Third Street Station
Valley Metro’s Transportation Center is located at 325 Salem Avenue, SW. Weekly and monthly passes are available for purchase here.
For more information, maps, or schedules, visit the Third Street Station or call 982-2222.
Fares
Explore our range of fare options to find the best fit for your travel needs. Whether you're a daily commuter or an occasional rider, we offer convenient and cost-effective solutions.
Basic
Discount
Valley Metro Discount ID Required
Smart Way
S.T.A.R.
Accessibility
Valley Metro proudly offers safe, accessible transportation to valley citizens of all abilities. Our buses are compliant with the American with Disabilities Act of 1993, and 100% of our fleet is wheelchair accessible. Our convenient routes and central transfer station make it easy to access all points of service in Roanoke, Salem, and Vinton.
From Third Street Transfer Center, passengers can gain access to the Smart Way Bus service, our accessible regional transportation between the Roanoke Valley and the New River Valley.
Commuters who have questions about specific special transportation needs should call our Administrative Office at (540) 982-0305, Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm
Bike N' Ride
Valley Metro invites you to "Bike 'N Ride" with our new, easy-to-use bicycle racks. Racks are available on a first-come, first-served basis and have a weight capacity of 50 pounds per bike. If the bike rack is full (racks hold two bikes), you may still be able to take your bicycle onto our Valley Metro buses. For obvious safety reasons, a bicycle cannot block the bus aisle, so please ask your driver before boarding with your bike.
Tips for Taking your Bike on a Bus Trip
Be prepared when the bus arrives at your stop.
Remember to remove any loose items BEFORE the bus arrives:
- water bottles
- tire pumps
- personal belongings
You are responsible for loading and unloading your bicycle. For safety reasons, the driver cannot leave the bus to assist you. Pull the handle and lower the bike rack into place. Instructions are written on the rack.
Be considerate of your fellow passengers. Load your bike as quickly as possible, while other passengers are boarding.
Ensure your bike is properly secured. When used correctly, the rack will safely hold your bike. If you cannot secure your bicycle, do not delay the bus. Ask the driver if there is room for your bike on the bus, and then carefully board the bus with your bike. Do not block the aisle.
Your driver needs to know when you will be exiting. When your bike is on the rack, sit near the front if possible, and exit by the front door. As you exit, make sure you tell your driver that you will be unloading your bike.
If no other bikes are on the rack, please return the rack to the upright position. Just pull the handle and raise the rack until it clicks and you will know that it is locked into place.
ALWAYS approach the bike rack from the curbside. NEVER step to the street side of the bus when loading or unloading your bike.
Children under the age of 12 are asked not to load or unload bicycles, unless an adult accompanies them.
If there is no rack space available, and the bus operator deems it too crowded to bring your bike onto the bus, you may have to wait for the next bus.
Valley Metro is not liable for any theft, loss, or damage to bicycles on transit property or vehicles.
FAQ
The most frequently asked questions and answers, for full list click the button to the top right.
All of our buses are equipped with wheel chair lifts, or ramps and are ADA compliant.
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.
MetroFLX is a microtransit service in the Roanoke Valley. MetroFLX operates Monday-Saturday: 8:45pm - 12:45am; and Sunday 9:00am - 6:00pm. For more information see our MetroFLX brochure.
Assistance animals (i.e. guide dogs, etc.) are welcome on the buses. All other animals must be in a pet carrier.
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.
All articles left on our buses are turned in to our Customer Service Station. You must come to Customer Service Station to sign for and retrieve those articles. The Customer Service Station is located at 307 Salem Avenue S.W. 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.
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 information on all bus destinations and times at the Third Street Station. You can get real time passenger information by downloading the VMGOAPP on your mobile device
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.
Still have questions?
Clicke the button below to go to our full FAQ page
Lost & Found
If you find any item on a bus, please turn it in to the operator. All items left on the buses are turned in at the end of the day and kept for 60 days at the Valley Metro Customer Service Center at 307 Salem Avenue S.W. If you have lost an item on the bus, call (540) 982-2222.
Regional Connections
Smart Way
The Smart Way is a commuter bus service that links the Roanoke Valley to the New River Valley. The service begins in downtown Roanoke at Valley Metro's Third Street Station Transportation Center and ends at the Virginia Tech Transit Center. The route from the New River Valley to the Roanoke Valley is the exact reverse.
Smart Way Express
The Smart Way Express (SWX) is a commuter bus service operated by Valley Metro. It connects the Virginia Tech main campus in Blacksburg with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute (VTCRI) on the Roanoke campus.
New River Valley
Roanoke Valley
- City of Roanoke
- Roanoke City Libraries
- Roanoke CITY Social Services
- Roanoke County
- Roanoke COUNTY Social Services
- RIDE Solutions - Commuters! Sign Up for Free Services!
- Downtown Roanoke, Inc - Activities and events
- The Virginia Museum of Transportation
- Virginia Department of Health
- Social Security Administration
- Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Commission
- Town of Vinton
- City of Salem
RIDE Solutions
RIDE Solutions is a commuter assistance program serving the Roanoke Valley and surrounding regions in southwestern Virginia, offering sustainable transportation options like carpooling, vanpooling, biking, walking, and public transit support. The program is free to join and helps individuals and businesses reduce commuting costs, improve environmental sustainability, and access services like guaranteed rides home. RIDE Solutions also engages the community through creative events and partnerships to promote alternative transportation and enhance the region's infrastructure.
Conduct & General Info
General Route Information
Routes:
Each bus route is identified by a number indicating its path, direction, and destination. Ensure you board the correct bus by checking the route number and destination displayed on the front of the bus. If unsure, ask the operator.
Transfers:
Some routes continue as others without requiring a transfer. For example, Route 55 becomes Route 52 at Tanglewood Mall. Free transfer slips are available and valid for 30 minutes at designated transfer points.
Schedules:
Locate the nearest time point on the map to find your bus schedule. If uncertain, call us at 982-2222.
Code of Conduct
Safety:
Do not step in front of buses. Once they pull out, they will not stop again. Buses stop only at designated stops.
Fares:
Have exact fare or a ticket ready before boarding.
Food & Drinks:
No open containers or consumption of food/beverages on buses. Drinks must have a secure lid.
Respect:
Offensive language, loud music, and unruly behavior are prohibited. Use headphones at a reasonable volume.
Service Animals: Allowed but must be under control and not on seats. Non-service animals must be in carriers.
Riding Tips
- Arrive at your stop at least 5 minutes early.
- Allow exiting passengers to disembark before boarding.
- Use handrails when boarding or exiting.
- Signal your stop by pulling the bell cord about one block before your destination.
Third Street Station
Valley Metro’s Transportation Center is located at 325 Salem Avenue, SW. Weekly and monthly passes are available for purchase here.
For more information, maps, or schedules, visit the Third Street Station or call 982-2222.
Fares
Explore our range of fare options to find the best fit for your travel needs. Whether you're a daily commuter or an occasional rider, we offer convenient and cost-effective solutions.
Basic
Discount
Valley Metro Discount ID Required
Smart Way
S.T.A.R.
Accessibility
Valley Metro proudly offers safe, accessible transportation to valley citizens of all abilities. Our buses are compliant with the American with Disabilities Act of 1993, and 100% of our fleet is wheelchair accessible. Our convenient routes and central transfer station make it easy to access all points of service in Roanoke, Salem, and Vinton.
From Third Street Transfer Center, passengers can gain access to the Smart Way Bus service, our accessible regional transportation between the Roanoke Valley and the New River Valley.
Commuters who have questions about specific special transportation needs should call our Administrative Office at (540) 982-0305, Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4:30pm
Bike N' Ride
Valley Metro invites you to "Bike 'N Ride" with our new, easy-to-use bicycle racks. Racks are available on a first-come, first-served basis and have a weight capacity of 50 pounds per bike. If the bike rack is full (racks hold two bikes), you may still be able to take your bicycle onto our Valley Metro buses. For obvious safety reasons, a bicycle cannot block the bus aisle, so please ask your driver before boarding with your bike.
Tips for Taking your Bike on a Bus Trip
Be prepared when the bus arrives at your stop.
Remember to remove any loose items BEFORE the bus arrives:
- water bottles
- tire pumps
- personal belongings
You are responsible for loading and unloading your bicycle. For safety reasons, the driver cannot leave the bus to assist you. Pull the handle and lower the bike rack into place. Instructions are written on the rack.
Be considerate of your fellow passengers. Load your bike as quickly as possible, while other passengers are boarding.
Ensure your bike is properly secured. When used correctly, the rack will safely hold your bike. If you cannot secure your bicycle, do not delay the bus. Ask the driver if there is room for your bike on the bus, and then carefully board the bus with your bike. Do not block the aisle.
Your driver needs to know when you will be exiting. When your bike is on the rack, sit near the front if possible, and exit by the front door. As you exit, make sure you tell your driver that you will be unloading your bike.
If no other bikes are on the rack, please return the rack to the upright position. Just pull the handle and raise the rack until it clicks and you will know that it is locked into place.
ALWAYS approach the bike rack from the curbside. NEVER step to the street side of the bus when loading or unloading your bike.
Children under the age of 12 are asked not to load or unload bicycles, unless an adult accompanies them.
If there is no rack space available, and the bus operator deems it too crowded to bring your bike onto the bus, you may have to wait for the next bus.
Valley Metro is not liable for any theft, loss, or damage to bicycles on transit property or vehicles.
FAQ
The most frequently asked questions and answers, for full list click the button to the top right.
All of our buses are equipped with wheel chair lifts, or ramps and are ADA compliant.
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.
MetroFLX is a microtransit service in the Roanoke Valley. MetroFLX operates Monday-Saturday: 8:45pm - 12:45am; and Sunday 9:00am - 6:00pm. For more information see our MetroFLX brochure.
Assistance animals (i.e. guide dogs, etc.) are welcome on the buses. All other animals must be in a pet carrier.
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.
All articles left on our buses are turned in to our Customer Service Station. You must come to Customer Service Station to sign for and retrieve those articles. The Customer Service Station is located at 307 Salem Avenue S.W. 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.
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 information on all bus destinations and times at the Third Street Station. You can get real time passenger information by downloading the VMGOAPP on your mobile device
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.
Still have questions?
Clicke the button below to go to our full FAQ page
Lost & Found
If you find any item on a bus, please turn it in to the operator. All items left on the buses are turned in at the end of the day and kept for 60 days at the Valley Metro Customer Service Center at 307 Salem Avenue S.W. If you have lost an item on the bus, call (540) 982-2222.
Regional Connections
Smart Way
The Smart Way is a commuter bus service that links the Roanoke Valley to the New River Valley. The service begins in downtown Roanoke at Valley Metro's Third Street Station Transportation Center and ends at the Virginia Tech Transit Center. The route from the New River Valley to the Roanoke Valley is the exact reverse.
Smart Way Express
The Smart Way Express (SWX) is a commuter bus service operated by Valley Metro. It connects the Virginia Tech main campus in Blacksburg with the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute (VTCRI) on the Roanoke campus.
New River Valley
Roanoke Valley
- City of Roanoke
- Roanoke City Libraries
- Roanoke CITY Social Services
- Roanoke County
- Roanoke COUNTY Social Services
- RIDE Solutions - Commuters! Sign Up for Free Services!
- Downtown Roanoke, Inc - Activities and events
- The Virginia Museum of Transportation
- Virginia Department of Health
- Social Security Administration
- Roanoke Valley - Alleghany Regional Commission
- Town of Vinton
- City of Salem
RIDE Solutions
RIDE Solutions is a commuter assistance program serving the Roanoke Valley and surrounding regions in southwestern Virginia, offering sustainable transportation options like carpooling, vanpooling, biking, walking, and public transit support. The program is free to join and helps individuals and businesses reduce commuting costs, improve environmental sustainability, and access services like guaranteed rides home. RIDE Solutions also engages the community through creative events and partnerships to promote alternative transportation and enhance the region's infrastructure.
Contact Us
ADA Complaint(s)
Any issue(s) related with Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
Please use the following link to learn more about ADA: Disabilities Act
To file ADA grievance(s) or ADA complaint(s):
Phone
Bus Information:
+1 (540) 982-2222Smart Way Bus:
+1 (540) 982-6622Office:
+1 (540) 982-0305Toll Free:
+1 (800) 388-7005Customer Service
General information, service problems, or just to tell us how we are doing!
info@valleymetro.comAdministrative Office
No Buses Available Here
1108 Campbell Ave., SERoanoke, VA 24013
Mailing Address
P.O.Box 13247,Roanoke, VA 24032
Lost and Found
If you find any item on a bus, please turn it in to the operator. All items left on the buses are turned in at the end of the day and kept for 60 days at the Valley Metro Customer Service Center at 307 Salem Avenue S.W.
If you have lost an item on the bus, call (540) 982-2222