Staying informed about your public transportation options is crucial, especially with ongoing changes. At Rock Region Metro, we are dedicated to providing reliable transit services throughout Pulaski County, Arkansas, but we also want to ensure our riders are well-informed about the latest updates and how to best utilize our system. This guide will help you navigate Rock Region METRO, keeping you updated on service alerts, route information, and essential tools for planning your journey.
Currently, like many transit agencies nationwide, Rock Region METRO is adapting to challenges, including the impact of the coronavirus pandemic and operator shortages. This means that while our commitment to serving the community remains strong, some adjustments to services are necessary. It’s vital to pair posted schedule information with any ongoing service alerts to get the most accurate picture of your route.
Understanding Service Alerts and Schedule Information
Due to the evolving situation, the printed system map may not fully reflect current routes. We encourage riders to primarily use individual schedule brochures and the Google Maps integration available on our website for the most up-to-date route patterns. The expansion of microtransit zones in Little Rock and North Little Rock in June 2022 was designed to complement planned fixed bus route changes. However, due to a national shortage of fixed route bus operators, these fixed route changes are still pending.
One significant impact of the operator shortage is adjusted Saturday fixed route bus service, which now starts later and ends earlier than pre-pandemic schedules. For riders in microtransit zones, this can mean that microtransit services operate for longer hours on Saturdays compared to fixed bus routes.
Unexpected service cancellations or detours, including those related to the 30 Crossing construction project, can also occur. For the most reliable information, always begin by consulting regular maps and schedules. Then, crucially, check for any service alerts. You can always find the latest alerts in the prominent red bar at the top of our website.
Exploring METRO Local Services
Rock Region METRO Local operates 15 fixed routes across Pulaski County, providing service seven days a week. We only pause operations on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Choosing METRO Local is a safe and cost-effective way to travel, offering a responsible and convenient transportation solution.
To understand the costs associated with riding METRO, please visit our Fares & Passes page. Planning your route is easy with our system map (available for download below) and our free Google Transit trip planner. For real-time bus tracking and arrival information directly on your mobile device, download the METROtrack app.
Inclement Weather Procedures
During inclement weather that disrupts normal operations, Rock Region METRO will issue a “snow route” alert. We communicate these alerts through multiple channels to ensure you are informed:
- Website News
- METROtrack mobile app
For a detailed list of snow routes, please click here.
System Maps and Online Resources
For the most current service information during the COVID-era, please use our up-to-date Google map: COVID-era Service Google Map.
Please be aware that the PDF maps available for download were created before the pandemic and may not reflect current service realities due to ongoing service alerts.
- Bus System Map English
- Bus System Map Spanish
- Downtown Little Rock Map English
- Downtown Little Rock Map Spanish
Utilize our homepage Trip Planner to find the best routes and times for your specific journeys. For real-time route monitoring, visit rrmetrotrack.org to view live routes. Remember to return to rrmetro.org for comprehensive METRO information, including schedules, stop details, news, and more.
Checking the Currency of Your Printed Materials
To ensure you are using current information, check the “Current Date” on the front of your printed system maps and schedules. Refer to the table below to see if your printed materials are up-to-date.
| Map Name | Current Date (on front of the brochure) |
|---|---|
| Route 1 | 0423 |
| Route 2 | 0722 |
| Route 3 | 0722 |
| Route 4 | 0722 |
| Route 5 | 0722 |
| Route 6 | 0722 |
| Route 8 | 0722 |
| Route 10 | 0722 |
| Route 11 | 0722 |
| Route 13 | 0722 |
| Route 14 | 0722 |
| Route 16 | 0722 |
| Route 18 | 0722 |
| Route 22 | 0722 |
| Route 23 | 0722 |
Accessibility for Screen Readers
For users who rely on screen readers, our METROtrack real-time arrival information system offers a text-only option. Visit rrmetrotrack.org and select “Text Only” for an accessible experience without images and complex coding.
By staying informed and utilizing the resources provided by Rock Region METRO, you can confidently navigate public transit in Central Arkansas. Always check for service alerts before you travel and enjoy the ride!
