Rider’s Guide
Buckwheat Express – Preston County, WV
How to Ride with Us
Whether you’ve never rode a public bus before or just need a little refresher, it can be helpful to go over the basics of how to plan your trip and catch the bus. The purpose of this Rider’s Guide is to help you learn how to ride the bus along a standard route so you can travel with confidence. If you have any questions about how to ride Buckwheat Express or would like to learn more about our flexible and accessible travel options, please call us! Our friendly staff is happy to answer your questions Monday through Friday from 8AM to 4PM.
How to Ride
1. GET ON THE BUS
BUS STOP
Wait at your nearest bus stop (be there 5 minutes before scheduled stop).
WAVE
Simply wave for the bus to stop anywhere along our route.
2. PAY YOUR FARE
Place your exact cash fare in the farebox when you get on the bus.
3. SIGNAL FOR STOP
As you near your destination, let the bus driver know to stop by pulling down on the cord or pushing the button near the window to ring the bell.
If you are not sure where to get off, please ask your driver. We are always happy to help!
Note: The front seats are reserved for riders with disabilities and seniors. When you get on the bus, you may occupy one seat. Place any purses, bags, or items you are carrying in your lap or under your seat. View our Rider Rules for more information.
How to Plan Your Trip
There are three ways to plan your trip. Please choose the way you feel most comfortable with.
#1: Plan Your Trip with Personal Assistance
Buckwheat Express assistants are available to help plan your trip. Have paper and pen ready and call (304) 329-0464 Monday through Friday. When someone says hello, let the assistant know that you would like help planning a local bus trip on Buckwheat Express.
TELL:
Tell the assistant these three important things:
1. YOUR LOCATION
Where you will start your trip (this might be your home address)
2. YOUR DESTINATION
Where you are going
3. TIME
When you want to travel
**Most riders take two trips. Don’t forget to ask how to get back home!
WRITE DOWN:
Be ready to write down the information you need to plan your trip. Your assistant will tell you your travel plan:
1. YOUR BUS ROUTE
This is the name of the bus route that will get you where you need to go
2. WHERE AND WHEN TO GET ON
This is the place where you will go to wait for the bus to pick you up. Also, what time you should be there. Please be at the bus stop 5 minutes early. Wave at the driver to let them know you are a rider.
3. WHERE AND WHEN TO GET OFF
This is the place where you will go to wait for the bus to pick you up to return home. Also, what time you should be there. Please be at the bus stop 5 minutes early. Wave at the driver to pick you up.
**REMEMBER: Most riders take TWO trips. Don’t forget to ask how to get back home! Before your trip, be sure you know the BUS ROUTE, WHEN AND WHERE TO GET ON, AND WHEN AND WHERE TO GET OFF for the trip where you are going, and also the trip back home.
You should have TWO Travel Plans written down. Be sure to label them. (Example: “How to Get to Wal-Mart” and “How to Get Home”).
Write down the phone number for Buckwheat Express and keep it with you in case you have any questions: (304) 329-0464.
#2: Plan Your Trip with a Buckwheat Express Schedule
Read the Buckwheat Express Schedules and figure out which route you will be taking, what time to be at the bus stop, and where to get on and off the bus. You can learn how to read the schedules on the Maps & Schedules page.
How To Catch a Buckwheat Express Bus
You can board a Buckwheat Express bus anywhere along its route of travel. You can choose to wait at a scheduled bus stop or wave to a driver along the route. Our first concern for you is always your safety, so please be sure to follow these simple safety tips:
SHOW YOURSELF
Make sure you are visible to the Buckwheat Express driver from where you are standing.
STAND SAFELY
Do not stand in the street or anywhere that could pose a danger to you.
ID THE BUS
Be sure you are dealing with a Buckwheat Express vehicle. Our vehicles are ALL clearly marked with our name and logo.
WAVE
Please wave to the driver of the Buckwheat Express bus to let them know you are a rider.
TELL YOUR DESTINATION
Once you are safely on the bus, please confirm with the driver your destination and that you are on the correct vehicle.
Now you are ready to begin your Buckwheat Express trip.
#3: Plan Your Trip with Our Online Trip Planner
Buckwheat Express now offers a convenient online Trip Planner that you can use to plan your local or long-distance trip. This tool also allows you to track your bus in real-time and checks whether your bus is on-schedule.
**Before your trip, please review the Buckwheat Express Rider Rules and Rider’s Guide.