The following steps will answer some common questions and help make your trip a pleasant one. If you have questions about bus stop locations or route planning, please feel free to call Skagit Transit at 360-757-4433 or 877-584-7528, from outside Skagit County, or consult this website.
To plan your own trip, use the Trip Planner on the home page. Insert your address or cross streets on the PLAN YOUR TRIP box on the right side of the page. Type in your destination address in the TO block and click the GET DIRECTIONS button. Google maps will pop up and give you options for bus routes and trip times.
1. WHERE DO I CATCH THE BUS?
Bus stops are identified with a Skagit Transit sign. Check the sign for which bus lines stop there. Signal the coach operator to stop by standing up at a bench or shelter when the bus approaches. Please be at the stop to signal that you want to board.
Arrive at your stop a few minutes early so you can be in place to signal the bus. Have your fare ready when boarding.
For your safety, buses stop only at designated Skagit Transit bus stops.
2. WHICH BUS DO I TAKE?
Use the drop-down list above titled "Routes" to find the correct bus to take you to your destination. You may need to transfer from one route to another to reach that destination.
Identify your bus by looking for the bus route number and direction in the sign above the windshield. Buses headed toward a transit center will indicate the destinations. Buses headed toward another destination will state the furthermost stop in that direction.
Before boarding, check the sign to make sure it is the bus you want to take. If you are not sure, ask the coach operator to help you.
3. WHEN WILL THE BUS ARRIVE?
The schedules for each bus route are on this Web site. They are listed by route number. See the listing under "Routes".
Each route has a map and departure schedule with time points for several stops along its route. The buses travel through the schedule from the left to the right. The time points in the schedule correspond with the time points shown on the map. To know when to be at a stop that is between two time points, use the time point before your stop.
Time points are also listed on the post holding the Skagit Transit bus stop signs. The time points listed are for the routes that will stop at that point.
4. HOW DO I PAY?
Paying is easy. Just put your coins or paper money into the fare box and you're on your way. Go to the Fare Information page for fare rates and other ways to pay. IMPORTANT: If you are purchasing a multi ride pass please inform the coach operator BEFORE any money is inserted into the farebox.
If you need to change buses to reach your destination, request a transfer when you board.
5. WHAT IS A TRANSFER?
A transfer allows you to complete your trip. Transfers are free and are good for a maximum of 90 minutes depending on the time you board your first bus. Ask the coach operator for a transfer when you first board.
Present the transfer to the coach operator of the bus that will take you to your next destination.
(Please note: Unfortunately, transfer connections cannot be guaranteed due to traffic delays or other circumstances beyond Skagit Transit's control.)
6. WHERE DO I SIT?
After entering the bus and using your fare card, quickly move to a vacant seat. Please be aware that seniors and persons with disabilities have priority to the seats directly behind the coach operator.
If all seats are taken, hold on to the hand rails.
Please offer your seat to someone who may have difficulty standing on a moving bus if you are able to stand comfortably.
For more Safe Riding Tips, check out the Rules for Riders page.
7. LEAVING THE BUS
Watch for your destination or ask the coach operator to call it out as the bus approaches that stop.
Signal the coach operator that you wish to get off at the next stop by pulling the cord, preferably one block before the desired stop.
When the bus stops, get up and exit through the rear doors, when possible.