Commute Options

The trips we make between work and home are a major portion of the trips on Olympia's streets. Fewer drive alone commute trips will reduce congestion and auto-related pollution.  Walking, biking, carpooling, and riding the bus can save us money individually and benefit the community. 

Bus Pass Programs: State employees are eligible for the STAR pass, a state-sponsored, free, annual bus pass.  Thurston County and City of Olympia employees are eligible for free bus passes through their employers.  With valid identification, Evergreen State College and South Puget Sound Community College students can also ride IT buses for free.  Contact your employer, school, or IT for more information.
  • Bus Service: For route and schedule information, contact IT at 360.786.1881 or visit www.intercitytransit.com.
  • Park and Ride the Dash Shuttle: It's free and it runs every 12 minutes, Monday through Friday, 6:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m., from the heart of downtown to the Capitol Campus. April through December, Dash also operates on Saturdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Note:  Buses do not serve east Capitol Campus on Saturdays). Taking the Dash Shuttle expands your parking options. The Dash Shuttle is sponsored by Intercity Transit.  

Visitor Lot - Maple Park: Easy, convenient, and a great value. Parking is just 50¢ an hour. With 35 spaces available and located conveniently off I-5, the Visitor Lot at Maple Park is a great option. Jump on the Dash Shuttle and be on the Capitol Campus or downtown in minutes.

Carpool Information: Carpool coordination services are provided by IT.  IT can help match you with a carpool partner.  Call IT's Commuter Services office at 360.786.8800, or  visit their website.

  • Do You Work Downtown?  Visit our downtown commuter page for more information on services being offered through our downtown commuter program.

Vanpools: Vanpools are ideal for long-distance commutes of 15 or more miles.  People who live or work in Thurston County can contact IT for vanpool coordination services at 360.786.8800 or via e-mail at commuterservices@intercitytransit.com.  More information about van pools can be viewed at www.intercitytransit.com

  • Vanpool Parking: Official vanpools can park at 9-hour meters in the downtown area, free of charge.  Call the City's Parking Services Office at 360.753.8017 for more information.

Walk Olympia! Brochure:  Walking is a great way to get exercise and an important mode of transportation.  The Walk Olympia! brochure provides valuable pedestrian safety information.  Call 360.753.8497 to have a copy mailed to you.