Bus Amenities

Fleet

METRO Local operates 35 buses along 15 routes each week. Thirty-nine buses in the fleet are powered by compressed natural gas, with remaining buses powered by the electric grid. METRO converted all buses in the fleet to CNG and battery electric buses in Summer 2023, roughly 1.5 years earlier than the agency had planned to transition away from diesel-powered mass transit buses. Currently, each of the 39 CNG buses are either 35 or 40 feet long. The CNG buses are Gillig low-floor models and can seat 31 people, including two people who are using wheelchairs. All buses in the fleet are equipped with free WiFi service so riders can make the most of their commute.

River Cities Travel Center

Most METRO Local buses proceed along routes from and to the River Cities Travel Center, at 310 E. Capitol Ave. in Little Rock. This major transfer hub features a sales office, climate-controlled waiting area, pedestrian-friendly walkways, water fountains and public restrooms to provide riders with greater comfort as they buy transit passes, get schedule information and catch buses. The center’s design is reminiscent of 19th century small town train stations, a few of which can still be found around Arkansas. The design also incorporates a river theme through the interior tile selection and in the concourse walkway design, which ends at the center’s landmark north clock tower. Located in the heart of Little Rock’s thriving downtown, the center is a few blocks from major area attractions such as the Clinton Presidential Center, the Arkansas River Junction Bridge and Arkansas River Trail, Little Rock’s River Market and Creative Corridor districts and restaurants, shops, museums, offices, apartments and condos. The METRO Streetcar route begins two blocks north of the River Cities Travel Center.

Shelters

In 2016, METRO was able to increase the number of its agency-owned shelters with a Transportation Alternatives Program grant. All new shelters have benches. Shelters are placed in locations of high importance based on ridership. Search the stops information link for your favorite routes to see which stops have shelters.

Stops

All 1,600 METRO bus stops offer branded bus stop signs with a texting system customized to unique stop locations for real-time bus arrival information.