Learn to Ride with VRT Staff!

Ever thought, “I really want to try riding the bus someday” — but it just hasn’t happened yet?

Good news: your someday is here.

Join Valley Regional Transit for a hands-on Learn to Ride event on Thursday, April 23, from 6–7 PM. This guided experience is designed to help you feel confident, comfortable, and ready to ride on your own.

We’ll meet at the Boise Towne Square Mall Park & Ride (just north of Dillard’s) at 6:00 PM, hop on Route 7 Fairview at 6:15 PM, and ride downtown to Main Street Station, arriving around 6:32 PM. There, you’ll enjoy a quick behind-the-scenes look at Boise’s underground transit hub before catching Route 29 Overland back to the mall, arriving just after 7:00 PM.

Event Details

Meeting Point: Boise Towne Square Mall Park & Ride (north of Dillard’s)

Address: 350 N Milwaukee St, Boise, ID 83704

Time: 6:00–7:00 PM

Agenda: Towne Square Mall → Route 7 Fairview → Main Street Station → Route 29 Overland → Towne Square Mall

Your bus pass for the training will be provided when you register — just show up ready to ride!

Along the way, you’ll learn how to:

• Plan trips using VRT’s tools
• Read route maps and schedules
• Track buses in real time
• Pay your fare using the Umo Mobility app, cash, or a physical smart card
• Load and secure your bike on the front-mounted bike rack
• Use Park & Ride locations to combine driving, biking, and bus travel
• Ask all your lingering, “I’ve always wondered…” bus questions — no judgment, we promise

Whether you’re brand new to transit or just curious about how it all works, this is a fun, low-pressure way to explore Boise by bus — with VRT staff right there to help.

What to Bring / What to Expect

What to Bring

• Yourself — no prior bus experience needed
• A smartphone (optional, for exploring the Umo Mobility app & ETA Spot app)
• Weather-appropriate clothing for short outdoor stops

What to Expect

• A free bus pass provided for the training
• A guided ride with VRT staff on Routes 7 and 29
• Practice loading a bike on the bus
• A quick behind-the-scenes tour of Main Street Station
• Hands-on help with trip planning, fares, bike racks, and Park & Ride options
• Plenty of time to ask questions — big, small, or “I’ve always wondered…”

*Winter / Weather Disclaimer

This event runs rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for weather conditions, as participants will be outdoors briefly while boarding, transferring, and touring facilities

Please dress appropriately for weather conditions, as we’ll be outdoors briefly while boarding and transferring.

Can’t join us but want to learn as a group?

VRT also offers custom group Learn to Ride trainings for workplaces, schools, nonprofits, and community groups.

To schedule a group training, email navigation@ridevrt.org.

Come ride with us — curiosity encouraged, confidence guaranteed