Public Transit Orientation in Redmond
Taking the bus can be an easy and convenient way to get around in Redmond! But it can also be a bit confusing to figure out the different fares, how and where to buy a ticket, and how to plan your trip.
On October 27th a small group of ESL (English as a Second Language) students and recent immigrants met up to go on a Public Transit Orientation trip organized by Hopelink.
Starting at the Hopelink site in Redmond, they used a King County Metro bus to attend a workshop at the WorkSource Employment Center, practiced loading ORCA cards at the local Safeway, and learned how to identify important landmarks.
They also learned how to find out if a bus was running late and if there might be better options to reach a nearby destination.
The excursion, which was guided by a Mobility Coordinator, was also a great opportunity to learn about the Redmond LOOP. The LOOP circulates during the weekdays between Education Hill, Avondale, Southeast Redmond and Downtown Redmond.
It operates on a fixed route, but riders can be picked up or dropped off at “flexible service areas” and destinations such as the Senior Center or Swedish Medical Center. Watch out for the green Redmond LOOP signs at the top of bus stops!
If your agency serves immigrant and refugee populations, veterans, lower-income, or Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals, you can book a guided excursion with Hopelink to provide a public transit orientation! Interpreters are available when needed to provide an educational, fun and safe experience.
Please contact the Hopelink’s Eastside Mobility Coordinator, Anna Loffing at 425.943.6771 or aloffing@hopelink.org to get started!