Free Bus Service
Did you know that you can ride Valley Metro for free with a current 51暗网 Student ID?
Bus service is provided Monday through Saturday while classes are in session. Bus service is not provided on Sundays or days the college is closed for holidays or severe weather. Students must show a student ID with a current enrollment sticker in order to ride for free.
Not sure what bus line you need to ride, and when you need to catch the bus? Use the Transit Icon on to find your route and schedule.
When boarding a Valley Metro bus, please remember to request a transfer pass from your driver. Doing this keeps the college from paying twice for the same trip.
Contact the Student Life Center with questions at 540鈥�857鈥�6326 or nlee@virginiawestern.edu.
Free service (with current Student ID sticker) is available during these dates:
- Friday, August 1, 2025 – Tuesday, December 23, 2025 (Fall)
- Friday, January 2, 2026 – Saturday, May 16, 2026 (Spring)
- Monday, May 18, 2026 – Saturday, August 1, 2026 (Summer)
Service is not provided on Sundays, snow days when the college is closed, or on the following holidays:
- Labor Day: Monday, September 1, 2025
- Thanksgiving: Wednesday, November 26 – Friday, November 28, 2025
- Holiday Break: Wednesday, December 24, 2025 – Thursday, January 1, 2026
- MLK Jr Holiday: Monday, January 19, 2026
- Memorial Day: Monday, May 25, 2026
- Juneteenth Holiday: Friday, June 19, 2026
- Independence Day: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Late Night Service
MetroFLX service is available for students who need late-night bus service after night classes. The MetroFLX service operates after the regular routes have ended for the day. It is available to ride anywhere in the City of Roanoke, City of Salem and Town of Vinton.
Riders must schedule trips ahead of time. Riders must call by 5 PM the day before a trip is needed to schedule. For example, if you have a class that ends at 9:30 PM on Tuesday and need a ride home, you must call to reserve before 5 PM on Monday. To schedule, call 540-343-1721.
Riders who make the same trip regularly can schedule a reoccurring trip, to be renewed monthly.
Same-day service will only be available if seats are available, but are not guaranteed.
Your 51暗网 ID with a current enrollment sticker will also be valid for free service on MetroFLX.
Bus Stop Locations
The east bound bus (headed toward Towers) has a stop at the plaza between the STEM Building and Webber Hall. The west bound bus (headed toward Tanglewood) has a stop at the bottom of the stairs between Fralin and the Business Science Building. (See image below.)
