Being a Niagara Region Transit Passenger
Starting July 31, riders must wear a face covering when riding transit in Niagara. Learn about the mandatory mask by-law approved by Niagara Regional Council.
Comfort and Safety
For the comfort and safety of all passengers:
- Seats at the front of conventional transit buses are reserved for customers with disabilities only. You must vacate these seats for customers with disabilities.
- Running for a moving bus is dangerous and can lead to an accident. If the bus is already moving away from the stop, don't chase it. For everyone's safety, bus drivers are not allowed to make sudden stops unless absolutely necessary. Please be at your stop at least five minutes early.
- Smoking is not permitted on any transit bus in Niagara, in bus shelters or at bus terminals. This ban includes e-cigarettes.
- If standing, remain behind the white line and hold onto the stanchions while the bus is in motion
- When you see your bus approaching, give a wave to alert the driver that you want their bus. If it's not your bus, simply step backwards to indicate that you don't need that bus.
- Toxic, flammable or hazardous substances are not permitted on any transit bus, in bus shelters or at bus terminals. The consumption of alcohol isn't permitted on any bus, in bus shelters or at bus terminals.
- The Stop Request program is available to all customers travelling by bus after dusk. Stop Request allows customers who are feeling vulnerable to get off the bus between regular bus stops.
- The request should be made at least one block ahead of the desired location
- The operator must be able to stop safely in order to meet your request
- Exit the bus via the front doors, the rear doors will remain closed
Accessible Service
All Niagara Region Transit buses are fully accessible. All buses are low floor design (one-step on, one-step off) at the front and rear door areas, for passengers with walkers and canes, or who are able to walk unassisted but have difficulty using stairs.
All low floor buses are equipped with a folding ramp for easy boarding, with slip-resistant and raised edges to prevent assistive devices (wheelchair, walker, cane or strollers) from slipping off. Upon request, the transit operator will lower these ramps at the front door area to assist people with disabilities.
Bicycles
All Niagara Region Transit buses are equipped with bicycle racks. Passengers are responsible for their own bicycles, including loading and unloading bicycles.
Bulky Items
No bikes or large bulky items are permitted on transit buses. All parcels, knapsacks and smaller bulky items must be kept clear of the aisle.
Courtesy Seating
Transit authorities recognize there are other customers who would also benefit from having a seat near the front of the bus. A courtesy seating area has been designated for seniors, expectant mothers, adults travelling with infants / small children or any other customer who may benefit from a seat near the front of the bus.
Keep your Bus Clean
Help us keep the seats and floors clean and free of garbage. Children standing on seats can make them dirty and is unsafe. Don't consume food or drinks while on the bus.
Pet Policy
Certified service animals are allowed on all buses if they're identified by collar, neckerchief, vest or harness, with certification from a professional institution.
Non-certified small dogs and animals are also allowed on transit buses provided they're in animal carriers. Acceptable carriers are either rigid plastic, or soft-sided vented duffel style. The animal must be completely secured in these carriers. The animal must be carried at all times by the passenger, not bother other passengers, not take up a seat and not cause an obstruction in the aisle.
Priority Seating
Priority seating is for the use of passengers with a disability and seniors. These seats are located close to the front of the vehicle. If you're seated in a designated seat, you must vacate the seat for any passenger with a disability.
Use of these seats by persons with a disability is on a first come, first served basis. You're not required to leave a transit bus to make room for a customer with a disability. We ask all passengers to show consideration to those whose need is greater than your own.
Strollers on Buses
The safest place for a young child while on-board a bus is in the arms of an adult. The following policy is in effect for the safety of all transit users:
- The maximum size for a stroller is two feet wide and four feet long. This allows for safe maneuverability.
- Passengers with strollers may bring their child on-board while the child remains in the stroller. You may ask the bus driver to lower the bus to kneeling height or extend the ramp.
- Securement devices are for the safety of passengers who use wheelchairs and scooters. They are not permitted to be used with strollers.
- When space permits, passengers may leave their child in the stroller if the passenger holds the stroller and the stroller doesn't block the aisle. The brakes must also be applied. It's recommended that the child be removed from the stroller and the stroller folded up.
- The priority seating areas must be vacated if the seat is required by a person who has a mobility impairment or is visually impaired
Take your Personal Belongings with you
Remember to take all your personal belongings with you when you leave the bus. The transit provider isn't responsible for any personal items which go lost or missing on transit property.
Universal Support Person Pass
If you need assistance while travelling on public transit, you may be eligible for the Universal Support Person Pass. Print and complete the application. This allows one support person to ride for free while accompanying a valid fare paying customer who needs assistance while travelling. The Universal Support Person Pass has been developed for use across all of the transit systems in Niagara.
If you're thinking of applying for the pass, the following information is important:
- The pass holder must pay a fare, but is entitled to be accompanied by one support person free of charge
- Passes are issued to those whose application to the service meets the eligibility criteria as verified by a health or medical professional
- There is no fee for the Universal Support Person Pass
- This pass complies with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA)
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
