Frequently Asked Questions

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Bike Racks

Is there an extra cost to use the Bike Rack?

There is no extra fare cost to board your bicycle on Bracebridge Transit using the bike rack. The bike rack is available on a first-come first-serve basis.

How many bicycles can I board using the Bike Rack?

The bike rack can accommodate 2 bicycles with wheel sizes of at least 50 cm (20 inches). If your bicycle does not fit on the bike rack, you will have to find another way to travel.

How do I load my bicycle onto the Bike Rack?

The bike rack is user-friendly and only requires a few steps in order to secure your bicycle correctly.

Rack n' Roll - Guide to Loading and Unloading the Transit Bike Rack

Face Coverings during COVID-19 Pandemic

Why are face coverings required?

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit has provided instructions to all public transit services to ensure the use of face coverings while indoors. These instructions are being issued by the Medical Officer of Health at Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) under the authority of the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) and will continue while the provincial Emergency Orders remain in force.

While cases of COVID-19 are currently decreasing across Simcoe Muskoka region, the risk of the ongoing spread of COVID-19 remains as the re-opening process continues across the region. The use of face coverings in all indoor public spaces is an additional public health measure (along with physical distancing, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and staying home when sick) that may prevent the spread of COVID-19 within our community.

Why isn’t the operator wearing a face covering while driving?

Operators do not have to wear a face covering while behind a barrier or inside the driver's cab. Transit drivers must wear a face covering on transit when they are not behind a barrier.

What if I can’t wear a face covering?

The following individuals are exempt from wearing a face covering on the transit service:

Children under 2 years of age, or children under the age of 5 years either chronologically or developmentally who refuse to wear a mask and cannot be persuaded to do so by their caregiver.
Individuals with medical conditions rendering them unable to safely wear a mask, including breathing difficulties or cognitive difficulties or difficulties in hearing or processing information.
Anyone who has trouble breathing.
Anyone who is unable to remove the mask without help.
Anyone who is unconscious or incapacitated.
Anyone wearing a face covering that would inhibit the ability to breathe in any way such as, but not limited to, during moderate to intense physical activity (such as running) or activity that would preclude its use (such as swimming).
For any cultural or religious reasons.

Do I need to wear a face covering while waiting at a bus stop?

Face coverings are not required while standing outside at a bus stop. However, please maintain a physical distance of 2 metres from others.

Face coverings are required if you are waiting inside a bus shelter at a bus stop.

Will I be refused entry if I don’t have a face covering on?

Wearing a face covering is a simple and easy way to protect yourself and others around you. Although a public transit service has the right to deny entry to their premise, the policy regarding the use of face coverings should be used as a means to educate people on face covering use. As such, we have instructed the transit driver to verbally remind customers to wear a face covering.

Can I wear a face shield instead of a face covering?

Face shields do not replace face coverings or masks. Your nose, mouth, and chin must be covered. Face shields protect the wearer from respiratory droplets but do not protect those around them, and must be worn with a mask.

Who is responsible for enforcing this requirement?

Under the EMCPA both the public health unit and municipal bylaw officers can enforce these requirements.

Can I be fined if I don’t wear a face covering

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's focus is on raising public awareness and educating people on the use of face coverings in premises where physical distancing may be difficult. However, individuals, businesses or organizations who do not comply with the requirements may be fined as per the EMCPA. It is important to know that while we will commence with an educational and supportive approach, as per the EMCPA, those who do not comply with the above noted requirements may be fined. Individuals may be liable for a fine of $750 -$1,000 up to a maximum of $100,000, while corporations may be liable for a fine of up to $10,000,000 for each day or part of each day on which the offence occurs or continues.

How do I properly wear a face covering?

Wash your hands immediately before putting it on and immediately after taking it off (practice good hand hygiene while you are wearing the face covering).
Make sure the face covering fits well around your nose and mouth.
Avoid moving the face covering around or adjusting it often.
Avoid touching the covering while using it.
Do not share it with others.
Face coverings should be changed when they get slightly wet or dirt.

How do you clean and dispose of a face covering?

When removing a face covering, you should:

throw disposable face coverings into a lined garbage bin
wash your hands
do not leave any discarded face coverings in shopping carts or on the ground
reusable face coverings must be cleaned frequently.

If your face covering is damp or soiled you should:

put it directly into the washing machine or a bag that can be emptied into the washing machine
wash with other items using a hot cycle with laundry detergent (no special soaps are needed), and dry thoroughly
wash your hands after putting the face covering into the laundry
all face coverings that cannot be cleaned should be thrown out and replaced as soon as they get damp, soiled or crumpled.

For more information or questions about wearing face coverings, please call the SMDHU Health Connection at 1-877-721-7520.

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Fares and Passes

Do drivers carry money to make change for bus fare?

No. Exact fare must be placed in the fare box at the time of boarding.

Where can I pick up Bus Passes and Transit Schedules?

Schedules, pre-paid cards and monthly passes may be obtained at the Bracebridge Public Library, Bracebridge Sportsplex and Municipal Office.

Priority and Courtesy Seating

Why do seniors and people with disabilities have priority over strollers at the front of the bus?

Seating areas at the front of the bus on either side of the aisle are designated for passengers with greater need of a seat.

It is a requirement under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Using the front of the bus provides seniors with quick access to a seat and handholds. This reduces their risk of falling when the bus is moving. A light fall can result in a devastating life-changing injury to seniors. For persons with vision loss, this location is vital to hear the driver and to accommodate a guide dog.

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: 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/operators 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:

seniors
expectant mothers
adults traveling with infants or small children
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:

Drivers/operators will not enforce this requirement or intervene in any dispute related to Courtesy Seating. We ask, however, that you respect this designated seating area and show consideration for those whose need is greater than your own.

Seniors' Public Transit Tax Credit (Ontario)

The Seniors' Public Transit Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit to help seniors with public transit costs. Eligible transit expenses incurred on or after July 1, 2017 can be claimed for the credit. For more information on this new tax credit, visit the Ministry of Finance.

Strollers

I have a large stroller, is there room on the bus for these strollers?

Large strollers should be no more than 34 inches in width to board the bus entrance.

Strollers may be denied if they will limit passenger access once on board the bus. Passengers should be aware that if the bus cannot accommodate their stroller, they may need to wait for a later bus or choose an alternate form of transportation.

The stroller should not obstruct the aisle or impede the flow of passengers.

Strollers too large to fit comfortably down the centre aisle, or that result in passengers not being able to access seats or exits, must be folded and stowed at the front or back of the bus as space permits.

If a stroller must be folded, children should be seated or held securely on an adult's lap.

Winter Weather Conditions

If the school buses are cancelled, has the Transit bus been cancelled too?

Bracebridge Transit is an important public service and every effort is made to maintain service during winter months. Service will continue if the area school buses are cancelled. If service is not possible due to severe weather, notices will be posted to the public via the media, website, Facebook and Twitter.