Transit 101

Bags and Backpacks

Passengers with bags or backpacks are asked to be considerate of other passengers while manoeuvring on and off the bus. While seated, bags should be held on the passenger's lap. Bags, backpacks and other personal items may not occupy a seat or block aisles and exits.

Bike Racks

Bracebridge 'Ride the Wave' bus has a bike rack that can hold 2 regular bicycles. There is no extra fare to use the bike rack. 

Things to know before you board

• Passengers are responsible for loading, securing and unloading their bicycles.
• All passengers use the bike rack at their own risk. Bracebridge Transit assumes no liability for lost or damaged bicycles.
• Before your bus arrives, make sure that saddlebags, child carriers, water bottles, pumps or any other item that could interfere with the driver’s vision or fall off of the bike during transport are removed.
• Tell the driver you want to load your bicycle when the bus arrives. 
• Ensure the bus has come to a complete stop before stepping in front of the bus.
• Load and unload your bicycle from the curbside of the bus.
• Bike rack use is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. 
• The bike rack fits bicycles with wheels 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.
• A driver may refuse access due to unsafe conditions or if your bicycle has any items on it that could block the driver’s vision.
• Do not lock or chain your bicycle to the bike rack.

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

Loading a bicycle

Buggies and Large Articles

When there is space and when other passengers will not be affected, shopping buggies and other large articles may be allowed on the bus at the operator's discretion. The operator has the authority to refuse such objects at any time that he/she feels safety may be compromised.

Courtesy and Priority Seating

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).

The bus has a capacity of 20 seated passengers which includes 5 priority passenger seats, identified by blue upholstery. The priority seating area can be modified to accommodate 2 standard wheelchairs. 

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, 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:

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.

Dangerous Items, Materials or Carrying Containers

For the safety of the public, firearms and other weapons are not permitted on Bracebridge Transit vehicles, shelters or stops. Toxic, flammable or hazardous substances or materials are not permitted with the exception of medically necessary materials. Individuals found with these items in their possession may be asked to leave the bus or Bracebridge Transit property. If the item is deemed as a threat to others, the proper authorities will be notified.

Food and Beverages

Keep Aisles Clear

Travelling with bags, parcels, laptops, strollers or other items is acceptable on Bracebridge Transit, but please remember to keep them tucked away as much as possible to keep aisles clear so people can move through the bus safely and easily. Please keep free seats clear of items and available for someone to use.

Lost and Found

Bracebridge Transit is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged bus passes. The owner is responsible for replacing these items at their expense.

All lost items that are found by transit staff will be kept up to 90 days. If you believe you lost an item on the bus, contact Bracebridge Transit at 705-645-8444.

Noise

Talking on your cell phone is acceptable behaviour while riding the bus, but keeping your conversation quiet means you aren't sharing it with the rest of the bus. For your own privacy and for the courtesy of other passengers, please keep your voice quiet.

Passengers using audio/visual equipment are asked to use earphones and adjust the volume accordingly so as to not disturb other passengers or the operator, and as determined by the operator.

Operator

Exercise courtesy towards the driver and passengers alike. Refrain from engaging the driver in unnecessary chit-chat when the bus is in motion. Do not 'hover' behind or beside the driver's seated area.

Operators have the authority to deny passengers the right to board vehicles or remove any passenger who may be causing a disturbance or damaging the vehicle.

Recreational Gear

Passengers on Bracebridge Transit vehicles and at shelters or stops are not permitted to wear inline skates or roller skates or to use skateboards. These items should be removed and safely held at all times to prevent them from becoming a hazard. Ice skates should have ice guards or be properly enclosed in a bag. Large recreational items likely to inconvenience or jeopardize the safety of other passengers, such as bicycles, will not be permitted inside the bus cabin but instead can be transported on the bus using the bike rack, which is available on a first-come first-serve basis.

Respectful Behaviour Required

Operators have the authority to deny passengers the right to board vehicles or remove any passenger who may be causing a disturbance or damaging the vehicle. Respectful behaviour includes but is not limited to the following:

• Shirts and shoes must be worn while riding a Bracebridge Transit bus.
• Passengers must refrain from using profanity.
• Riders my not interact rudely with the operator and other passengers or behave in an aggressive or intimidating manner.
• No horseplay is permitted, and feet are to be kept off of seats.

Service Animals and Pets

Passengers who require the support of a service animal are permitted to bring their service animal on to Bracebridge Transit vehicle. For the safety of all passengers, service animals must be securely leashed and under the care and control of the owner at all times. An operator may ask for confirmation of service animal certification. When service animals are present, please remember:

• Do not distract or interact with the animal. It is a working animal and must pay attention at all times.
• Be aware of the service animal and give it enough space, and avoid stepping on or bumping the animal.
• Respect the other person's need for the animal.

Note: Non-service animals and pets are not permitted on Bracebridge Transit vehicles.

Smoking

Smoking is strictly prohibited on any Bracebridge Transit vehicles and future shelters.

Storage of Assistive Devices or Mobility Aids

Where room is available and safe storage is possible, transit operators will ensure assistive devices/mobility aids are safely stored and secured within the bus.

Walkers, canes, etc. should never obstruct the free flow or safety of other passengers in the aisle or entrance/exit area of buses. Persons using crutches, walkers, or other mobility aides are requested to fold or stow the aid in a safe place and out of the way.

The bus has at least two seats that fold up. This area can be used by passengers traveling with strollers.

The bus operator will fold and unfold these seats as required. However, should this seating area be marked as Priority Seating and a passenger with a disability boards the bus, they will be given priority for this space.

Strollers

The boarding and unloading of a stroller is the responsibility of the passenger. For the safety and well-being of young children in strollers, as well as other passengers and the operator, these guidelines must be followed:

• Passengers may park strollers in the wheelchair accessible area only if the area is NOT required by priority passengers. If space allows, seats should be flipped up so that the stroller can be parked out of the aisle. Passengers with strollers must vacate these seats if they are requested to do so by passengers with priority requirements.
• If the front seats are unavailable, passengers with strollers are asked to move to the rear of the bus. Once the stroller is parked, passengers should lock the wheels of the stroller and remain in firm control of it at all times.
• 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.
• Play buggies, plastic pull-along carts and wagons are not permitted at any time.
• 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.

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