Things you Should Know

Who Can Ride?
Services are available to the general public.

Fares
rT service is FARE-FREE! 

Bad Weather & Winter Trips
Call Customer Service at 1-253-472-7846 to check for delays due to snow and other bad weather. Vehicles may be delayed or rerouted to keep everyone safe. Check with all transit agencies you’ll use for your trip, as each provider makes their own decisions about bad weather.

When traveling on our system during the winter months, please dress warmly and be prepared for delays. Wear bright reflective clothing to keep yourself safe.

Holidays
Buses do not operate on the following holidays or the day they are observed:

  • New Year's Day
  • Memorial Day
  • 4th of July
  • Labor Day
  • Thanksgiving Day
  • Christmas Day

Route Deviation
To accommodate riders, rT will deviate its route by up to three-quarters (3/4) of a mile. Please contact Customer Service at 1.253.472.7846 to make arrangements.

Flagging Down the Bus
ruralTRANSIT offers flexibility to pick up passengers at stops other than those specifically designated, at the driver’s discretion. To board:

  • Flag down the driver by waving for the bus, giving enough time for a safe stop. If the stop is deemed safe and you have been seen by the driver, they will stop and pick you up.
  • Use your mobile phone’s flashlight to assist being seen, particularly if waiting in inclement weather or in darkness. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Accessible Services
All vehicles are accessible for persons using wheelchairs and other mobility devices. 

Bike & Ride
Bike racks are available on all vehicles. Bikes are not allowed inside the vehicle.

Following the posted rules on the bus is required.

Read the rules >>

How to Read the Schedule & Timetable

 Look at the maps and determine where you want to go. The numbers across the top of the timetable show the name, address and order of stops along the route. Look at the column under each of the stops printed on the schedule. Each stop has a time list underneath to show when the bus arrives at that stop. Times are listed with the earliest time the bus stops at the top of the schedule and the latest time at the bottom.

Call customer Service at 1-253-472-7846 for assistance. Services are available to the general public.

how to read the schedule

Example

You want to go from Yelm to Tenino to meet a friend for lunch at 1:00 pm.

  1. Find the Route Map that includes the locations you are traveling between.
  2. Find your starting point on the map. In this case, Yelm is timepoint 1 on Route 2.
  3. Find your destination on the map, then locate the corresponding timepoint name at the top of the timetable. In this case, Tenino is timepoint 3.
  4. Look on the schedule for your destination and preferred arrival time. A bus arrives at timepoint 3 in Tenino at 12:30 pm. 
  5. To arrive on time, you must catch the bus in Yelm at 12:00 pm.
  6. Additional note: Transfer connection times are highlighted in color.

Tips for Riding rT

Services are available to the general public.

  • Wait at the bus stop or designated area.
  • Be ready to board when the bus arrives.
  • Let other passengers get off the bus before you board.
  • Allow people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices to board first.
  • You can tell the driver if you are a first time passenger or want to get off at a particular stop. Drivers can usually answer your questions.
  • Select a seat and sit down. Allow elderly or disabled riders to sit in the front seats.
  • Signal the driver about 1 block before your stop.
  • Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before leaving your seat.
  • Be careful when exiting the bus. Once you get off, wait until the bus pulls away before crossing the street. Never cross in front of the bus – approaching motorists may not see you.

Contact Us

  1. thumbnail image showing cell phone and customer service number 1-253-472-7846

    We want your experience to be a good one. Call one of our Customer Service agents with questions or concerns.

    Thank you for riding ruralTRANSIT!

Download a Guide

  1. Download printer-friendly versions of the Route Guides - Route 2, Route 3, Route 4. 

    Zero-Fare Service
    Services are available to the general public.