About Flex Service

Routes that offer flex service serve bus stops on a regular schedule, and can also “flex” off-route within the flex service area. There are no eligibility requirements; flex service is available to everyone. Advance reservations are required.

Flex Service is offered on the following routes:

  • Route 71X Everson/Nooksack/Sumas to Cordata Station 
  • Route 72X​​ Kendall via Mt. Baker Highway to Bellingham Station.  
  • Route 75​ Blaine/Birch Bay via Ferndale Station to Bellingham Station. 


See our maps of where flex service is available here.


Making a Flex Reservation

Flex service reservations must be made at least one hour before the requested bus is scheduled to depart Bellingham Station or Cordata Station. Or for morning service, by 5:00 pm the day before. Since seating is limited, we recommend calling a day (or up to a week) in advance. All WTA buses are wheelchair accessible. If you plan to use a wheelchair or other mobility aid, please inform us when making your reservation.​

To schedule a ride, call (360) 73​3-1144.

Reach us during the following hours:

Mon-Fri.......... 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sat-Sun.......... 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Holidays..........Call to leave message​​


How much does it cost to ride flex service?

Fares for flex service are the same as those for fixed route.​ Click here​ for fare information.​


Cancellations and No-Shows

​If your plans change and you do not need your ride, please call to cancel at least one hour before your earliest pickup time. WTA enforces a no-show policy. If you habitually no-show, we can temporarily suspend you from service.​


Penalties for No-Shows

​Failing to cancel a ride is called a no-show and occurs when: 

  • you are not at the requested pick-up address; or
  • you are at the pick-up address, but decide not to go once the bus arrives; or
  • you are at the pick-up address, but don't board within five minutes of the time the bus arrives; or
  • you can't be left alone and are not met by a caregiver at your destination. In this case, public safety personnel may be called to assume custody; or
  • you don't cancel your ride at least an hour before your earliest pick-up time.


A missed trip is not considered a no-show when:

  • you miss a trip due to a WTA-caused error or delay; or
  • an emergency or sudden change in your health prevents you from calling to cancel


If you no-show on a day when you have booked more than one trip, we will not automatically cancel your later trips.  Please cancel each trip you don't need to avoid receiving multiple no-shows on a single day. 


How WTA Calculates No-Shows
  1. WTA tracks No-shows and No-Show violations by calendar month and calendar year.  At the beginning of a new calendar year, No-Show violation tracking starts with a “clean slate” for all riders.  Violations from previous years do not affect riders’ No-Show records in the new year.
  2. WTA calculates violations by comparing the number of No-Shows to the number of actual trips riders receive each calendar month.  Riders who travel less are charged with violations for fewer No-Shows than riders who travel more. Here's how it works: 
    1. ​Riders who receive 0-19 trips in a month will be charged with a violation when three or more valid No-Shows are recorded during the month.
    2. Riders who receive 20-39 trips in a month will be charged with a violation when four or more valid No-Shows are recorded during the month.
    3. Riders who receive 40 or more trips in a month will be charged with a violation when five or more valid No-Shows are recorded during the month.

If you continue to no-show after the first suspension, the next suspension can last 14 days. Further no-show suspensions can last 30 days.

Riders can appeal a suspension before it takes effect. Call (360) 733-1144 for a copy of our suspension policy.


Is flex service available if the roads are snowy or icy?

WTA may limit or cancel flex service when road conditions become hazardous. I​f you have a flex ride scheduled call us at (360) 676-7433 ​to confirm or reschedule your ride.

When we're not able to offer flex service, we'll communicate this via Twitter. Follow us on twitter @ridewta, or see all tweets on our Twitter page.


Does paratransit connect with flex or zone service?

Riders who are eligible for paratransit​ service may also use flex service​ or zone service. Connections to paratransit at transit stations can be scheduled in advance by calling (360) 733-1144​​.​