FAQs

  1. How do I pay to use the bus?

    Answer: The fare must be in exact change only. The bus operators do not carry cash to make change. Or, you may purchase a bus pass for monthly calendar use. See our fare page for pricing details.

  2. Where can I buy a bus pass?

    Answer: Bus passes can be purchased at our Third Street Transfer Station located at 307 Salem Avenue, SW. in Roanoke. Customer Service Representatives can explain the various passes available. Or, your can purchase via the mail sending your personal check to:

    Valley Metro
    PO Box 13247
    Roanoke, VA 24032

    Please note: Credit cards are not accepted.

  3. What time does the bus come to my stop?

    Anwser: Please consult our bus schedule link. If you have challenges with understanding the schedule, you may call our offices at 540-982-6622 (toll free 800-388-7005) or visit our Third Street Station Information Office. You may also pick up a Commuter Bus Ride Guide with complete information on all bus destinations and times at the Third Street Station.

  4. If I need to take more than one bus to get where I'm going, do I need to pay each time I board?

    Anwser: If your destination is Downtown Roanoke, and you need to connect to a Valley Metro regular route bus, ask for a Valley Metro transfer which will be punched for two free rides on that date only.

  5. How do I let the bus operator know when I want to get off the bus?

    Anwser: 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.

  6. How late do buses run?

    Anwser: The last buses leave the Third Street Station Transfer Center departing at 6:50 p.m. arriving at the end of the line (Maroon Loop Bay #1 ) at 8:10 p.m., Monday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday the last bus leaving the Third Street Station is at 8:20 PM arriving at Transit Center at 9:40 PM. Returning to Roanoke, we depart at 8:20 PM from Transit Center arriving at 9:40 PM at the Third Street Station Monday through Saturday. There is no later bus leaving Transit Center.

  7. Can I bring a baby stroller on the bus?

    Anwser: Yes, however the baby stroller cannot block the aisle for safety reasons. It must be folded up and placed between seats.

  8. If it snows, what changes can I expect with the bus service? Snow Routes Map.

    Anwser: 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 Map Click here to see a map page of our snow routes. If the roads conditions are bad, we many not be able to access the Corporate Research Center.

  9. If I left an article on the bus, how do I get it back?

    Anwser: All articles left on our buses are turned in to our Customer Service Center. You must come to the Customer Service Center to sign for and retrieve those articles. The Customer Service Center is located at 307 Salem Ave. SW, Roanoke. 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.

  10. I am in a wheelchair; can I still ride the bus?

    Anwser: All of our buses are equipped with wheel chair lifts and are ADA compliant.

  11. Are the RADAR vans that I see in Roanoke a part of your service?

    Anwser: 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 link to STAR.

  12. I qualify for Para-transit in my hometown, I will be visiting the Roanoke Valley, how do I use your Para-transit services?

    Anwser: 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.

  13. 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?

    Anwser: 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.

  14. Can I bring my pet on the city bus?

    Anwser: Assistance animals (i.e. guide dogs, etc.) are welcome on the buses. All other animals must be in a pet carrier.

  15. Does your organization rent or charter buses?

    Anwser: No. Valley Metro/Smart Way Buses do 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.