How to Ride the Bus
Valley Regional Transit provides 21 bus routes in the Treasure Valley. Each bus has a designated route with stops along the way, all of which are scheduled and documented in our system maps. We have great tools to plan your trip, track your bus, pay your fare, and navigate the bus system.
Get Started
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Plan Your Trip
Although we have many routes and bus stops, figuring out your trip is pretty quick. Printed route brochures are available at each bus station and in our offices. There are tools online to point out which stops and routes are right for you. Depending on your route and final destination, you may have to transfer to another bus.
Plan Your Trip -
Follow the Bus in Real Time
We control the bus, not the road. Sometimes there are delays. Follow the bus in real time and see exactly when it will arrive at your stop.
Find it quicker next time with the ETA Spot app.
Find it in the Google Play Store
Find it in the Apple Store
What Does It Cost?
VRT offers single ride, one-day, 31-day, and annual passes. Most buses require standard fare, except Route 40, which requires regional fare. There are reduced rates for certain riders:
- Students (age 6-18)
- Older adults (age 65+)
- Persons with a disability
- Medicare cardholders
Children 0-5 years old ride free.
Find Your Fare
How to Pay
You can purchase a pass ahead of time at one of our stations, offices, or participating locations. They’re also available on the bus. Or, just pay your fare on your phone.
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Mobile App
Purchase any pass in the Umo Mobility app. Both local and universal fares are available for youth and adult riders.
To pay with the app, open the QR code in the wallet section of the app and hold the code in front of the Umo scanner until it briefly flashes green.
Download on the App Store Download on Google Play -
Cash or Coin
If you’re bringing cash on-board to purchase a pass, it’s best to bring the exact amount. Otherwise, change is given on a change card that can be used or redeemed later.
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Umo Card
Don’t want to use your phone to pay? No problem. Simply load a Umo Card with money and pay for rides with the tap of a card.
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Plan. Track. Pay.
Umo Mobility App 
Fixed-Line vs OnDemand
Fixed-Route
(Ada County and Inter-county Routes)
Most VRT buses use fixed-line service. Fixed-line buses are what you probably think of as a traditional bus. To ride, look up when your bus is scheduled to arrive at a stop and make sure you’re ready as it approaches. On fixed-line service, all buses travel along the same route with the same schedule, whether or not you ride.
VRT On-Demand
(Canyon County)
In Canyon County, VRT On-Demand allows you to get to more places by booking a ride when you need it using our mobile app or website. Once your ride is scheduled, a VRT bus will pick you up at the bus stop, then drop you off at the bus stop closest to your destination.
Learn More
Getting To & From Your Stop
Is your stop too far to walk? Find additional tools to get you to and from your next bus stop.
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Park & Ride
Park-and-ride lots are places where drivers (or bicyclists) can park (for free!) to catch a bus.
Learn More -
VRT Lyft Pass
You’ve thought about riding the bus, but the nearest bus stop is just too far away. Not a problem with the VRT Lyft Pass! You can get a $2 ride to a qualifying VRT bus stop with Lyft ride-sharing services.
Learn More -
Bike & Ride
If you have a bicycle, there is a bicycle rack on the front of every bus. A rack holds at least two bikes. If the rack is full, you can either lock up your bike near the bus stop or wait for the next bus—bikes are not allowed in the buses.
Learn More
Tips for Riders
- If you’re close to your destination and need to stop, pull the yellow cord and the driver will be sure to pull over at the next scheduled stop.
- Stand with your fare ready when you’re at a bus stop, and signal that you need the driver to stop. If you’re seated and not paying attention, the driver could pass you by.
- Ride your bike to the bus stop. There’s a rack on the front of the bus. It’s easy to use. See How
- There’s Wi-Fi on each bus. Free to use. Save on your data plan.
- Spilled coffee is the worst kind of coffee. If you can turn your coffee tumbler upside down without spills, you can bring it on-board. Otherwise, leave it at home.
- Not sure where to get off? Ask the folks around you or the driver. We’re all in this together. There are also announcements over the bus speakers.
- If you need to transfer to another bus, tell the driver that you need to connect to “X” route. We’ve got you covered.
- Have your fare ready. Regardless of how you’re paying. Our drivers like to stay on schedule — as do all the people riding the bus with you.
- Keep your bag on your lap or nearby on the ground so that seats are open for other passengers.
- Phones are great, but keep the calls to a minimum out of respect for your fellow passengers.
