FAQs

Do I have to be at a designated WATA bus stop to catch the bus?: Yes, to catch the bus you must be waiting at a designated WATA bus stop and be visible to the bus operator as the bus approaches the bus stop. If you are across the street from the stop or running toward the stop but are not yet there, the bus operator may not stop and wait for you due to safety reasons. The bus is only allowed to stop at official WATA bus stops and may not let passengers board or disembark anywhere else along the route. For more tips, visit Rider Tips.

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Popular Questions

1. What is "frequency service" and what times is it provided?: Frequency service entails two buses serving the same route at the same time. During specified hours on routes with frequency service, passengers will see a bus pass their stop every half hour instead of once every hour. Frequency service helps to alleviate the overcrowding of buses and provides additional convenience to passengers. Currently, the Blue, Gray, Orange, and Red routes provide frequency service from 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and from 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

2. Do I have to be at a designated WATA bus stop to catch the bus?: Yes, to catch the bus you must be waiting at a designated WATA bus stop and be visible to the bus operator as the bus approaches the bus stop. If you are across the street from the stop or running toward the stop but are not yet there, the bus operator may not stop and wait for you due to safety reasons. The bus is only allowed to stop at official WATA bus stops and may not let passengers board or disembark anywhere else along the route. For more tips, visit Rider Tips.

3. Do you have a map that shows the whole WATA bus system?: Yes, a printable version of our latest system map can be found by clicking here.

4. How many bags are passengers allowed on the bus?: All bags and other carry-on items must be brought on board in one (1) trip, must be held securely, may not be placed in a seat, and may not block the aisles or doors at any time. For more information, please see WATA's Passenger Code of Conduct.

5. Can I use WATA bus to connect to the Amtrak station?: Yes, WATA utilizes the Williamsburg Transportation Center (a.k.a. WBG Amtrak Station) as a transfer hub, so several of our routes service the station. Check out the Routes & Schedules page for more information on which routes you can use to connect. Routes & Schedules

6. Does WATA operate transit service on holidays?: On Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, WATA is closed and does not operate any transit service. On other holidays, WATA may operate on a reduced schedule. For details on our holiday service schedules, please click here: Holiday Service Schedules

7. Can I share my WATA ticket or pass with another person?: No, tickets and passes are non-transferable and each rider must have their own.

8. I think I lost an item on the bus. Does WATA have a Lost & Found?: If you believe you have left an item on one of our buses, please call the WATA Administrative Office at 757-220-5493. Items that are not claimed by the owner will be kept for at least 30 days. Perishable items are discarded immediately. WATA is not responsible for lost or stolen items or any damage to items left behind. Lost & Found

9. Does WATA provide service to the Yorktown Victory Center?: No, at this time WATA does not run transit service to the Yorktown Victory Center or Waterfront.

10. How do I apply for Paratransit service?: For customers that are unable to get to or from a bus stop or board or ride on our fully accessible fixed-route buses due to their disabilities, we provide Paratransit service. For information on Paratransit eligibility, fares, and scheduling rides and to apply for Paratransit service, visit this page: Accessibility & Paratransit Service.

11. How can I submit my comments and feedback to WATA?: You may submit comments and feedback or file a complaint by calling 757-220-5493, emailing info@goWATA.org, or filling out this form: Contact Us

12. How old does a youth have to be to ride the bus alone?: Youth ages 12 years and older are allowed to ride the bus by themselves. All children 11 years and under must be accompanied on the bus by an adult.