Other Transit in Washington

Using Rideshare Apps

If you need a quick ride to a specific destination, using rideshare apps can be a good option. There are many apps to choose from depending on your region. These often require you to make an account that includes your email and credit card information. Please note that the cost of rideshare apps can increase dramatically during busy periods. Other transit options will be much more affordable during peak hours.

How to use rideshare apps:

• Once you’ve made an account with a rideshare app, you can start scheduling rides. You can choose to call a ride immediately or sometimes even schedule one in the future by selecting an exact date and time.
• Many phones will use your location services to determine your pickup location, but you can also select a specific address where you would like the driver to meet you.
• After you input the address of your destination, you will be offered a variety of ride options. After you make your selection, a ride request will be sent and your driver will meet you at your pickup location.
• The driver’s vehicle information will appear on the app before you are picked up. Please note the type of car they are driving and their license plate to ensure that you are entering the right vehicle for your trip.
• After completing your trip, you will be asked to rate and tip your driver. Many rideshare drivers rely on good reviews and tips if you had a positive experience riding with them.

Here are some general tips for using rideshare apps in your area:

• (which services are available, how to use them, etc.)

Using Rental Bikes and Scooters

Some cities manage electric bike or scooter sharing programs that allow you to rent vehicles on a per-minute basis. Accessing these services usually requires a smartphone and a valid credit card. You can either download the company’s app or use other methods provided by the company. Certain apps will also allow you to see where the nearest available vehicles are on a live map.

How to use rental bikes and scooters:

• Find out which company operates the bikes or scooters you’re interested in renting.
  • For example, Seattle has four separate companies that offer bike and scooter rentals: Bird, Lime, LINK, and Veo
• Either download the relevant app, scan a QR code on the vehicle, or use text/call-to-rent services that may be offered by the company. Locate a vehicle you want to rent to unlock it for your trip.
• Once you pay an initial fee to unlock the vehicle, your trip timer will begin. Many of these services charge on a per minute basis rather than a per mile basis, so you will pay for a 15-minute ride regardless of how far you go.
• Once you have finished your ride, either use the app to end your ride or continue using the other processes you used to rent the vehicle.

Here are some general tips for using rental bikes and scooters in your area:

• Include safety and parking guidance
• (where they’re available, how to pay for them, etc.)

Riding Bikes

Many people ride their bikes to work or to run errands close to home! As long as you obey bicycle safety laws (including wearing a helmet and keeping your bike in good condition) you can ride on roadways or designated bike lanes. Many public transit options also allow you to board with your bike or store it during your trip.

How to ride a bike safely:

• Review the following rules and tips for riding a bike in Washington:
  • Bicycle safety laws
  • Bicycle commuting tips
  • List of laws and safety code for Washington
  • Washington Bikes Bicycle Law Pocket Reference
• When you are riding on the street, you must obey all the same laws that vehicles do, including using hand signals for your turns!
• Make sure that your bike and safety gear is the right size for you. Riding with incorrectly sized gear can put you and others around at risk of injury or accidents.
• Even if you do not plan to ride at night, you should invest in a mounted bicycle light along with front and back reflectors. These improve your visibility and help others see you in rain, fog, or at night.
• Bike locks are very important, especially in busy areas. Make sure that you have a lock that can go around the frame of your bicycle instead of just a tire. Tires are easily removed and can allow your bike to be stolen very quickly.
• You should carry a bicycle emergency kit that includes a tool kit, tire pump, tire repair kit, and chain grease. These items will help you perform emergency repairs if anything goes wrong with your bike.
• Make sure to dress appropriately for your ride. Many areas in Washington see significant rainfall, so keeping warmer clothes with you even if it isn’t raining at the time will help you ride comfortably in any conditions.

Here are some general tips for riding a bike in your area:

• (safety tips, legal requirements, where to find bikes and use bike paths, etc.)

Walking

Traveling on foot allows you to use any forms of public transit you’d like on the way to your destination. Many areas maintain paved sidewalks and walking paths to help keep you safe from other vehicles, but some streets will not offer paths. You should check that your route allows safe travel on foot before you leave. Services like Google Maps will allow you to choose your travel method (including walking) and will provide you with an optimized route.

How to stay safe while walking:

• Review the following resources for pedestrian safety in Washington:
  • Pedestrian Laws and Safety