BUS ORIENTATION GUIDE

Clients who need to learn how to ride the bus are likely some of the newest arrivals to our community – many have been in the U.S. for less than a month! Learning to use public transit is their first step toward transportation independence.

The destination will be a predetermined place where the client needs to go on a regular basis — often their resettlement agency, doctor’s office, or the location of their ESL class. After arriving at the destination and meeting the caseworker or other contact person, retrace the steps and bus routes back to the client’s home.

Know Your Resources

Download the GRTC Bus Tracking and Mobile app and familiarize yourself with the GRTC website​:

Basic information about Riding the Bus, including instructional videos, is available on ReEstablish Richmond’s website under Client Resources. Please help the client to bookmark this page on their phone.

Bus Tickets

GRTC is currently operating at Zero Fare to all passengers. Should this change in the future, you and the clients will each be provided a One-Day Pass.

Language Barriers

When the client has limited English proficiency, an interpreter may be made available to you, in person or by phone. Other communication options include:

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to find the bus stop closest to the client’s home before showing up. Sometimes you have to do a lot of walking, and apartment complexes can be confusing.​

  • Study the schedules and route maps online. Then print the route that is closest to the client’s home so that they have a paper copy. If you don’t have access to a printer, let ReR know and we can get a copy.​

  • Arrive early at the client’s home. Things always take longer than you expect.​ While we have notified the clients that you are coming, they may not be ready to walk out the door as soon as you get there.

  • Be flexible. We are never sure if one bus rider or the whole family will attend the orientation. ​

  • Just showing up and giving the client access to the information they need to decide whether the bus will work for them is worth your time, even if they opt out.

  • Walk with the client to the bus stop. Model and encourage pedestrian safety by using sidewalks and crosswalks where available.

  • When you get to a bus stop, show the client how to read and understand the bus stop signs. There is also a phone number on the bus stop signs that you can call if you have a problem. ​

  • Bus drivers are friendly, patient, and helpful. If you don’t know where a stop is or need directions, they will help. Encourage the client to do the same. ​

  • Don’t feel rushed when boarding or getting off the bus. GRTC drivers will wait until everyone is safely on the bus or off and clear of the bus.

  • Most of routes (except the Pulse) run every 45 minutes to 1 hour. This means if you miss the bus, you will be waiting there for 45 minutes to 1 hour. ​

  • Teach clients how to walk against traffic where there are no sidewalks, to hit the pedestrian crossing buttons at intersections, and other pedestrian navigation rules.

  • The goal is for the client to be able to do this on their own the next time. Be creative and engage them along the way. Help them to download the GRTC app, point out landmarks (and have them take pictures of the landmarks if there is walking involved), draw maps, etc.​

  • Point out landmarks for recognizing the route, where to request a stop, and where to get off the bus. Explain how to recognize upcoming stops (the scrolling LED sign can be helpful) and how to request a stop (the yellow button or cord – different vehicles contain different systems).

  • Bus routes are different on weekends and some evenings. Make sure that the client knows this. ​

  • When you arrive back at the client's home, congratulate them on learning this new skill. Also, be prepared: You may be invited in for tea!

 

< Back to Transportation Independence Resources