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June 20 2:45 PM

high

Route 43- WB off ramp at exit 29/ Caldwell is closed. On the pm route the stop at the NE corner of Chicago & 12th is closed. Passengers will be dropped off on the SW corner of Chicago & 12th.

April 21 4:00 AM

Routes 2, 3, 4

The stop at the airport has moved to the general public traffic lanes on the lower loop of Airport Way. The stop is located from pillar 14 to pillar 17 at the end of the arrivals pick up lanes

May 11 12:00 AM

Route 16

Outbound stop at 13th and Ridenbaugh is closed, no temp placed.

June 28 5:50 AM

normal

Route 43 - EB on ramp at exit 29/Caldwell is closed for construction. Chicago & 12th SW corner is the pick up and drop off location for both a.m. and p.m. routes. Buses will use the 10th Ave exit to access the freeway for both a.m. and p.m. routes

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Home > How to Ride

How to Ride the Bus

Valley Regional Transit provides three fixed-line routes that travel between Boise, Meridian, Caldwell, Garden City, and Nampa. Each bus has a designated route with stops along the way, all of which are scheduled and documented in our system maps. There are a few options to pay your fare, get to your bus stop, and navigate the bus system as a whole.

Woman riding a bus and smiling while looking out the bus window
Learn to Ride from a Bus Driver

We spent the day with Erin and had her explain the do's and don'ts of riding the bus. Watch this video to figure it out.

Get Started

  • 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. We have transit centers at the Boise Towne Square Mall, Main Street Station in downtown Boise, and Happy Day Transit Center in Caldwell.

    Find Your Route

  • 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 Spot app.

    Find it in the Google Play Store

    Find it in the Apple Store

     

     

Woman wearing sunglasses waiting for the bus outside

What Does It Cost?

VRT offers one-way, one-day, 31-day, and annual passes. Most buses require local fare, except intercounty routes 40, 43, and 45, which require universal fare. There are discounted rates for certain riders:

  • Students (age 6-18)
  • Seniors (age 65+)
  • Persons with a disability
  • Medicare cardholders

Children 0-5 years old ride free.

Find Your Fare

 

Local Adult Bus Fare = $1.50 for a one way ride, $2.50 for an all day bus pass

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.

  • 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/City Go 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.

  • City Go Smart Card Icon

    City Go Smartcard

    Don’t want to use your phone to pay? No problem. Simply load a City Go Smartcard with money through the City Go Wallet website, and pay for rides with the tap of a card.

    City Go Wallet

  • More Options

    You can also purchase passes at stations and some grocery stores.

    Where to Buy

Plan. Track. Pay.

Umo Mobility App
App Store Google Play

Fixed-Line vs OnDemand

Fixed-Line
(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 busses travel along the same route with the same schedule, whether or not you ride.

 

OnDemand
(Canyon County)

In Canyon County, VRT OnDemand 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

 

Which is right for you?

It’s simple! The type of bus service is determined by your location. Use the trip planner to help determine which bus route you need. If you need help, contact the help desk.

Looking back at the seats in a boise bus

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.

  • Park & Ride

    Park-and-ride lots are places where drivers (or bicyclists) can park (for free!) to catch a bus.

    Learn More

  • Lyft Transit Connections

    You’ve thought about riding the bus, but the nearest bus stop is just too far away. Not a problem with Lyft Transit Connections. You can now get a $2 ride to a qualifying ValleyRide bus stop with Lyft ride sharing services.

    Learn More

  • Ride a Bike

    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
Woman riding bus and talking with another passenger

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.
Woman wearing glasses and exiting the bus while looking back

Travel Training

Learn how to ride ValleyRide buses and read bus schedules through our Travel Training program! This service is provided free of charge to anyone. We can help even if your disability makes it difficult for you to ride, read maps, check schedules, or identify bus stops.

Learn More
Empty bus looking from the back to the front of the bus