Rider Etiquette

Benches & Bus Stops:

1. Please be advised that the benches throughout the City are privately owned. Although most are placed at Transit stops, others are provided as rest stations for pedestrians.
2. To wait for a bus, ensure there is a Transit sign designating the location as a bus stop.
3. If waiting at a bus stop, be aware of the oncoming bus and make yourself seen, so the driver knows you wish to board the bus.
4. If waiting inside a shelter, you must step out of the shelter, so the driver knows you wish to board the bus.

Boarding the Bus:

1. Please move to the back of the bus, to allow other passengers to board. We do not like to leave anyone standing at the stop.
2. Read the details about Priority & Courtesy Seating on buses.

Conversations with Drivers:

1. Our drivers are trained professionals who are in their workplace when behind the wheel.
2. They are responsible for passenger, traffic and equipment safety; schedule adherence; and fare collection.
3. Please do not distract the drivers by engaging in conversations with them, other than Transit-related questions or business.
4. Do not obstruct the driver's view. Please remain behind the line at the front of the bus at all times when the bus is in motion.

Priority and Courtesy Seating

Show you care — offer your seat to someone who needs it more than you. Please read and respect these signs.

Priority Seating

Priority seating is for the use of passengers with a disability. These seats are located close to the front of the vehicle. Customers are expected to respect and obey the purpose of the designated seating area, which means the following:

If you are sitting in one of these designated seats, you must vacate the seat for a passenger with a disability.

Please note:

• A person with a disability occupying a priority seat is not required to move for another customer with a disability. Use of these seats is on a first come, first served basis.
• You are not required or expected to leave a transit vehicle in order to make room for a customer with a disability.
• Bus drivers will not intervene to enforce the requirement. We ask, however, that you show consideration for those whose need is greater than your own.

Courtesy Seating

Courtesy seating is intended to provide additional seating for people who will benefit from having a seat near the front of the vehicle, including the following:

• Seniors
• Expectant mothers
• Adults traveling with infants or small children or any other passenger who may benefit from a seat

If you are sitting in one of these designated seats, please respect its purpose and give up your seat to those who need it.

Please note:

Detours:

Buses are not allowed to board or drop off passengers at bus stops in construction zones.

Firearms:

Firearms are not allowed on board Transit Windsor buses, even if cased and secured.

Getting Off the Bus:

1. Pull the stop request cord or press the button when the bus leaves the stop preceding the stop at which you want to get off.
2. Always exit by the back door, and wait until the bus stops and the doors are fully open before getting off the bus.
3. Exceptions to exiting by the back door:
• Persons requiring the ramp to exit
• Persons having difficulty using the stairs may exit at the front, and request the driver to lower the bus to the curb. The bus only "kneels" at the front door.
• If snow conditions are such that you cannot alight safely from the rear door.

Large Items:

1. If you are carrying a large item, such as a musical instrument or sports equipment (e.g. hockey bags, golf clubs, fishing rods, skis), please try to stow items under the seat, out of the aisle and as close to your seat as possible.
2. The rear of the bus is more spacious for this than the front.
3. Please do not use a seat for large bags or items if the bus is crowded, and be careful not to hit other passengers with large totes carried over the shoulder. Backpacks should be removed to ensure you don't accidentally hit another passenger with the bag.
4. If you are not sure if the item you wish to bring on board is allowed, please call.
5. Wagons are not allowed on board, regardless of the size.
6. You may not bring any item on the bus that would either impede other passengers or cause a hazard to anyone on the bus.

Passenger Courtesy:

1. Always show common courtesy and respect to your fellow passengers.
2. Please move to the back of the bus to allow other passengers to board. We do not like to leave anyone standing at the stop.
3. Everyone on board is entitled to a comfortable and pleasant trip, so please do not yell, play music loudly or use offensive language. You could be asked to leave the bus.
4. Eating or drinking is not permitted.
5. Shirt and shoes must be worn.

Pets:

1. Passengers are permitted to board a bus with a small pet, provided the pet is secured in a proper pet carrier.
2. The pet must remain in the pet carrier for the duration of the bus ride.

Working animals assist persons with disabilities in our community. A working animal is allowed on board under the following circumstances, and documentation must be presented if requested by the driver:

• A harness or vest is in use.
• A letter is available from a physician or nurse verifying that the animal is required for reasons relating to the disability.

Smoking By-Law #113-2006:

1. Prohibits smoking in the workplace under provincial legislation and includes a ban on smoking in City vehicles.
2. Please extinguish any tobacco products prior to the bus opening the door, and exhale before stepping on board.

Strollers:

1. The safest place for a young child while on-board a bus is in the arms of an adult.
2. Passengers with strollers may wheel their child on-board while the child remains in the stroller.
3. Parents should make sure that their child is secured using the restraint system of the stroller.
4. When on-board, you can park the stroller with the child in the wheelchair accessible area when not in use, the brake/wheel lock of the stroller must be applied, and the adult is to hold the stroller securely while the bus is in motion. If a wheelchair is to board the bus, the stroller must vacate the spot.