Frequently Asked Questions
The Otter Bus runs Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10:00am – 4:00pm.
The Otter Bus has two different routes: Weekday and Weekend. The main difference between the two routes are the Saturday route stops at Falling Creek Park while the weekday route stops at locations that are not open on Saturdays.
Currently, the Otter Bus is free to ride through September.
Please see this document for restrictions on carry on items, and general rules for riding the bus.
The Otter Bus started operations as a six month pilot project in September 2021. Based on the ridership numbers gathered during that period, operations were extended another six months.
Currently, the Otter Bus is solely funded by the Bedford Community Health Foundation. The Town of Bedford and the Bedford Community Health Foundation collaborated on a grant submitted to the DRPT to continue funding through July 2023.
This fall a survey will be available for riders to share their experiences with the Otter Bus. There will be signs in the bus and the website will be updated once the survey is available.
RIDE THE BUS!! The success of the Otter Bus depends on the number of passengers we are able to serve. If people aren’t riding the bus, the service will not expand. If monthly ridership numbers continue to increase, that will help justify adding more service days and/or extending service hours.
Make a donation to the Bedford Community Health Foundation to support the Otter Bus. Your donation will be much appreciated and tax deductible.
During cases of inclement weather, please check WSLS 10 or WDBJ 7 to see if the Otter Bus is running. An update will also be posted to the website.
Yes! The Otter Bus has two spaces for standard wheelchairs or one space for a larger motorized wheelchair.
Awesome. You will need the following:
- CDL license with a passenger endorsement
- DOT medical card.
- 3 years of driving experience with your CDL
If you meet these criteria please reach out to hello@goridesource.com to begin the application process.
Otter Bus Points of Interest
The Bedford Otter Bus exists to connect residents to basic needs for healthy living.
Below is a general list of what is accessible at each stop. There are many things to see and do beyond this list so enjoy the ride and find your way to connect in Bedford!
- Salem Court Apartments
- Joseph’s Dream Apartments (Saturdays)
- Powder Horn Apartments
- Center Street – Free Clinic of Central Virginia, Farmer’s Market, Banking, Bedford Christian Ministries.
- Elba Grocery Store – Central Business District – Arts and Culture, Banking, Dining, Shopping. Government Services – Bedford County Administration, Bedford County DSS, Bedford County Courthouse, Town of Bedford Municipal Building.
- Post Office – Restaurants, Chamber of Commerce orientation center.
- GO Mart Convenience Store – Laundromat, Reynolds Memorial Park.
- Walmart Shopping Center – Walmart, DMV, Goodwill Industries, Dollar Tree, Various Restaurants.
- Horizon Behavioral Health – Horizon Behavioral Health, Bank of the James.
- Food Lion – Food Lion, CVS, Subway, Dollar General, Shentel.
- Bedford Memorial Hospital – Hospital, Centra Medical Specialty Services, Oakwood Health & Rehab.
- Hampton Ridge Apartments
- Old Middle School/ North Bridge St. – Bedford Public Library, Bower Center for the Arts, Restaurants, Wharton Garden.
- Health Department – Health Department, Johnson Health Center Dental Clinic.
- West Gate Shopping Center – Bedford Health Center, Dollar General, Schewel Furniture.
- John Early/Rain Tree Village Apartments
- YMCA/Oak Tree Business Center – YMCA, encircle, SML Hearing Center, Va. Department of Probation and Parole, Lutheran Family Services, USDA Service Center.
