How to Ride

Start planning your trip using our online Bus Tracker. Enter in your destination to find the closest bus stops, pickup times, and route details for your trip.

You can also visit our online Routes & Schedules page or plan your trip with third-party Mobile Apps like Google Maps or Transit.

A single-ride adult fare is $2.00 and acts as a 2-Hour Pass, allowing you to transfer between routes and complete your trip without paying an additional fare. 

Half-price fares are available to youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals who qualify through verified eligibility.

Cash is not accepted on buses boarding at BRT stations. To pay your fare, use a contactless credit or debit cards or a virtual wallet like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay at the fare validator by each bus door.

Fast Fare cards are also accepted, great for frequent riders, which allows you to track your trips and reload funds with an online account. If you prefer to pay with cash, use the automatic ticket machines at most Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) platforms to buy a single-ride ticket or a 1-day pass.

Routes 80–84 near the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus are free to ride. 

Get to your bus stop at least five minutes before your bus is scheduled to arrive. Before boarding, check that the bus displays the correct route and destination, and make sure they match the route listed on the bus stop sign for your trip. This helps you confirm you are in the right location.

When you see your bus approaching, and it displays the correct route, give the driver a friendly wave to let them know you want to be picked up.

You can track your bus and view real-time arrival information with third-party apps or by using our online Bus Tracker.

Carefully board the bus and pay your fare at the fare validator, located at each entry of the bus. Find your seat and enjoy the ride.

Keep in mind our code of conduct and riding rules to make sure you and your fellow riders have a safe and comfortable trip.

On-board announcements and message displays inside the bus will display the next stop along the route. You can continue tracking your bus to your destination using our online Bus Tracker or third-party apps.

To signal the driver that you'd like to get off at the next stop, use the signal areas located throughout the bus at least one block in advance of your stop. Pull the Yellow Cord located between the windows, Touch Strips located in wheelchair securement areas, or use the Push Button on poles in the walkways.

If you're not certain where your stop is located, ask your driver for help to ensure you get off at the correct destination safely. Listen for automated bus stop announcements and remain seated until the bus comes to a complete stop. Exit through the rear door or side doors of the bus. Push the door open when the light above the rear door is lit.

Follow these simple steps, and you'll be riding Metro Transit with confidence in no time.

If you ever need assistance, just ask your bus driver or contact Metro Transit Customer Service at (608) 266-4466 or email mymetrobus@cityofmadison.com.