Transit
Mountain Empire Transit provides public transportation across Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton.
We offer two types of service to meet community needs:
- Demand-Response Service provides free curb-to-curb trips scheduled in advance to any destination in our service area.
- METGo! On-Demand Service offers affordable, app-based rides within two service zones: Wise–Norton and Big Stone Gap–Appalachia.
Both services are open to the public and give riders safe, dependable, affordable ways to get where they need to go.
Demand-Response Service
Our FREE demand-response service provides curb-to-curb rides Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. This service covers nearly 1,390 square miles across Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton.
Anyone can ride, and we welcome passengers of all ages. Vehicles are equipped to serve riders using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids.
How to Schedule a Trip
Call 276-523-7433 or 1-888-877-6748 at least 24 hours (and up to 30 days) in advance. Reservations are taken on a first-call basis. First-time riders may be asked to provide extra details when booking.
METGo! On-Demand Service
- Wise–Norton
- Big Stone Gap–Appalachia
- Pennington Gap–Jonesville
It works like a small bus that adjusts to rider requests instead of following a fixed route. Just book a ride through the app (or by phone), and a vehicle will meet you nearby.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m.
Price: $1 per trip, effective October 1, 2025
Download the MetGo! app to get started:
Ride In 3 Simple Steps
1. Create an account in the METGo! app (App Store or Google Play).
2. Book a ride by entering your pickup and drop-off addresses.
3. Meet your driver at the designated spot provided in the app.
No smartphone?
Call 276-523-7433 and we’ll schedule your ride for you.
FAQS
Can I book rides without a smartphone?
Yes, simply call 276-523-7433 and someone will assist you over the phone.
Can I bring someone along with me?
You can bring up to 2 additional passengers.
Why am I being asked to walk to my pickup spot?
The METGo! technology pairs riders heading in the same direction, meaning passengers might be getting picked up and dropped off throughout your ride. To keep things moving as quickly and efficiently as possible, we may ask you to meet us at a nearby corner instead of right outside the address you entered. That way, the driver doesn’t have to make any detours that could slow things down.
How do I know where to meet my driver?
After you book a ride, the app will display your pickup spot. We’ll either give you the address or business name at your pickup spot to help you find it. Either way, there will always be a dotted line to show you how to get there!
What happens if I cancel my ride?
If you cancel a ride, there’s no charge. However, please remember that MetGo! is a community service and cancelling rides can impact other riders.
What do I do if my driver left without me?
Re-book directly in your app, then call 276-523-7433 to explain what happened. You won’t be charged for this ride.
What do the vehicles look like?
All vehicles are branded with MetGo!’s logo and colors, so they should be easy to spot.
Are vehicles wheelchair accessible?
Yes! Please let us know you need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle when you book your ride by tapping your profile picture or image at the top of the app menu and tapping the Wheelchair toggle to turn it on.
Can I change my destination once I’m on board?
Once you start a ride, the destination cannot be changed. If you have not yet boarded the vehicle, you can cancel the ride and re-book with a new destination.
Can I set a favorite location in the app?
Yes. Tap the Favorites tab in the app menu, then tap Set Home Address or Set Work Address and type in the address of your preferred location.
Can I leave feedback for my driver?
Feel free to fill out the feedback screen in the app after your ride.
How do I reset my password?
Open the app and select Get Started. In the password box, select Forgot Your Password? and follow the prompts.
I left something in the vehicle. How do I retrieve it?
Please email us at info@meoc.org with a description of the missing item.
Policies
Zero Tolerance Policy
Mountain Empire Transit has a strict Zero Tolerance policy. We do not permit the use of drugs or alcohol by drivers, nor do we tolerate inappropriate behavior by drivers toward passengers.
If you believe that your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, is behaving in a manner that you consider inappropriate or that makes you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, or engages in conduct which could be considered unlawful or illegal, please ask the driver to terminate the trip immediately. If you feel that you are in imminent danger, please contact the police directly by calling 911. After the ride, report concerns by calling 276-523-7433, using the METGo! app, or emailing info@meoc.org.
Age Requirements
Riders must be at least 13 years old to travel alone. Children under 13 may ride if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Animals
Service animals are welcome. Other dogs and cats may ride if they are in an airline-approved carrier that can fit on the rider’s lap or under the seat.
Smoking
Smoking of any kind is prohibited, including e-cigarettes, vaporizers and smokeless tobacco.
Food and Drinks
To help keep vehicles clean and comfortable, please avoid bringing food or drinks on board. Strong-smelling food can also be distracting for other passengers. Drinking alcohol and carrying open containers of alcohol are not allowed.
Luggage and Strollers
Because vehicles are shared, riders are asked to limit personal items to one piece of luggage or a reasonably sized bag.
Phone Calls
Please keep phone calls short and limited to quick logistics or emergencies.
Important Links
Other Area Transit Systems
- Mountain Lynx Transit
- City of Bristol, Virginia, Transit System
- Bluefield Area Transit
- Four County Transit