5 Back to School Transit Tips

The new school year is here! Whether it's your first quarter at Bellevue College or your final year at the University of Washington, fall is the perfect time to explore sustainable travel options.  

Taking transit, carpool, vanpool, walking, or biking not only saves money but also reduces traffic congestion around campuses. Here are some tips to make your back-to-school commute smooth and stress-free.  

Make Transit Part of Your Routine

Check bus schedules ahead of time and plan a little extra cushion for the first week while you adjust.  

Apps like OneBusAway, Google Maps, or the Transit App, can help you plan your trips beforehand and even see when your bus is coming in real time. If you’re new to transit, practice your route once before your first day of school so you’ll feel confident. 

Bike or Walk Safely to School

Walking or biking are great options, especially for shorter trips.  

If you’re biking, make sure your helmet fits properly, and your bike has front and rear lights for shorter days in the fall.  

For walkers, use marked crosswalks and stay extra alert during rush hour when traffic is busiest.  

Share the Ride: Carpool or Vanpool Options

If transit or walking isn’t an option, consider carpooling or vanpooling.  

Sharing the ride reduces traffic, saves on gas, and cuts down on those long car lines. You might even find neighbors or classmates heading the same way.  

Plan Ahead for Flexibility

Life happens. Traffic delays, weather changes, or road closures mean that having more than one way to get to school (like knowing both a bus route and a safe bike path) keeps your commute stress-free.  

Earn Rewards for Your Trips 

If you live, work, or go to school in Bellevue, you could be eligible to log your trips with the Choose Your Way Bellevue Rewards program and earn rewards like gift cards! Just log your non-drive-alone trips to or from Bellevue and start earning rewards. It’s a win-win: reduce traffic and pollution while treating yourself for making a smart commute choice.