Help with info on city buses!
 

Hi again! I have another question for all of you experts! I am taking a third trip to D.C. in August. This time I'm taking my mom who is in her 70's and my sister who is in her 50's. Usually we just walk from place to place when we visit. However, this time I don't see that it will be possible. Last time I was there I noticed you could take a city bus upon exiting a Metro station for like 50 cents with a ticket you get in the Metro station. Does anyone know anything about the bus system? Also, I have noticed that there are senior citizen rates for the Metro passes. Do we have to purchase a special pass from the clerk in the station or can we purchase them from the machines as we do with normal passes? I'm looking for a 7 day senior pass. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Tia

Right here on Fodors:

http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...n=tra&pg=2

according to
http://www.wmata.com/riding/senior_disabled_id.cfm

She need only show photo identification that indicates her date of birth. However, getting a free Metro Senior ID might be worthwhile so that drivers and station attendants don't waste time "scrutenizing" her non-Metro i.d.

Each subway station should have bus schedules for buses servicing that station. To get the rail transfer (which is the thing that makes the bus fare 25 cents in most cases but not all), after you enter the station and go through the "turnstyles", look for the brown rail transfer machines. Press the button to get the transfer before you board the train. When you get off the train, exit the turnstyles and the station. When you board the bus, give the drive the transfer and the money. You still are eligible for a bus-to-bus transfer if you need to change buses, too - just ask the driver for a "transfer."

The Metro website has bus schedules that you can download and print as PDF. See the prior postings for more information about the Metro website and senior fares.

Thanks for the info!!! You've been very helpful.

Tia