Travel Wise! bus safety tips
Our Travel Wise tips help you practise safety every time you board the bus.
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Arrive early:
When trying to board a bus, be at the stop 5 minutes in advance of the bus arrival time. Due to safety reasons passengers may not be allowed to board the bus once it has pulled away from the curb and has proceeded on its route. - Stand behind the yellow line:
When you get on the bus, go past the yellow line and find a seat as quickly as possible. If there are no seats available, hold on tightly to the designated poles or straps in the aisle. Stand with feet apart and firmly planted on the floor.
- Move back:
To ensure that the bus operator has clear sight lines, move behind the yellow line to the back of the bus. Drivers may not operate the bus if they feel it is unsafe. Moving back also allows the next passengers to board freely. - Exit by rear doors:
Exit the bus by the rear doors when possible to allow others to board quickly. - Operating the rear doors:
GRT buses have four different types of rear doors. The low-floor buses have either a push bar or motion sensor.- Push bar doors have two vertical bars Wait for the green light above the door to illuminate, then push against one of the bars to open the door. Keep pressure on the bar until you have safely exited.
- Motion sensor doors are marked with a green sticker showing a picture of a hand. Stay well back and wait for the green light to illuminate. Then wave your hand near the indicated area and the doors will open. They remain open until the sensor detects the path of the door is clear. Touching the door is not required. Always wait for the green light.
- Our 300 and 500 series buses are only found on Cambridge area routes. The rear doors on these vehicles are controlled by the bus operator, who will open and close them once the bus stops. You do not need to touch the door.
- Our high-floor buses have a pressure-sensitive mat at the rear door. Wait for the green light above the door to illuminate, then step down on to the first step. This opens the door. Touching the door is not required.
Bikes on the bus
Exterior bike racks must be used if a space is available. Only if the rack is full can you bring your bike on board the bus. Then you must move with your bike to the area opposite the rear door designated by a sign.
Note: You will not be permitted to board with a bike if all seats are taken and people are standing. If you are already on board when standee conditions develop, you may remain on the bus until you reach your destination.
Motorized bikes are not permitted on any GRT bike rack or bus.
Strollers
When attempting to board the bus all strollers must be able to fit through the front doors and in between the aisles.
On some buses the front doors are 40 inches wide. And on all other buses the front doors are 30 inches wide. The aisles in a bus are roughly 24 inches wide. Strollers must be able to fit through the front doors and down the aisles in order to board the bus.
GRT recommends small umbrella strollers that can easily fit in the aisles and allow space for passengers boarding and exiting the bus.
All customers should know the dimensions of their stroller before attempting to board the bus.
Strollers do not need to be folded up unless there are crush load conditions or standees on board the bus. Under crush load or standee conditions, children must be removed from the stroller and the stroller folded down before boarding.
Customers with strollers are required to move to the rear of the bus, lock the wheels of the stroller and remain in firm control of it at all times.
Hold on to the stroller at all times to avoid tipping. Position the stroller so passengers can walk freely down the aisle.
Music & videos
Loud music or videos can be a distraction to the bus operator and an annoyance to other passengers. Loud music and videos are strictly prohibited.
Pets
Small animals that are kept inside a crate/enclosure are allowed on the bus. These animals are also allowed at various terminal locations if kept inside their enclosures.
Larger dogs or other animals that could pose a threat to GRT customers are not allowed on any bus.
Service Animals
Service animals that accompany passengers with disabilities, such as guide dogs, are welcome at all public areas of the Grand River Transit system.
If you have a service animal, please remember:
- The animal must be under your care and control at all times.
- Service animals must not pose a risk to other passengers or to GRT operators.
- If it is not clear that the animal is a service animal, the GRT operator might ask you for a note from a doctor or nurse stating that the animal is needed for reasons of a disability.
If you notice a service animal while using Grand River Transit, 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 the animal.
- Remember, you are not asked to interact with the animal, but to respect the other persons need for the animal.
For more information on service animals, please visit the Region of Waterloo's website.
All persons using a service animal must meet the criteria stated in the Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
No feet on seats
To keep our buses clean, we ask that you do not place your feet on bus seats.
Athletic equipment or large items
Athletic equipment such as inline skates (roller blades), ice skates and skateboards cannot be worn or used while riding the bus. Skis, ski poles and snowboards are not permitted on any GRT bus unless properly enclosed. Ice skates should have ice guards or be properly enclosed in a bag. Large items likely to inconvenience or jeopardize the safety of other passenger will not be permitted on the buses.
Dangerous Items, Materials or Carrying Containers
For the safety of the public, handguns, paintball guns, pellet guns or any type of concealed weapon are not allowed on any buses or on GRT property.
Explosive materials such as gasoline, diesel, reactive and acidic chemicals, and containers carrying these materials are not allowed on any buses or on GRT property.
Individuals found with these items in their possession may be asked to leave the bus or GRT property. If the item is deemed as a threat to others, security may confiscate the item and the proper authorities will be notified.
Proper attire
Shirts and shoes must be worn while riding any GRT bus.
Courtesy & Respect
Customers engaging in rowdy or disruptive behaviour may be asked to leave the bus. Any person found willfully damaging or vandalizing GRT property could be subject to full prosecution
Smoking & alcoholic / hazardous substances
Smoking and the consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited on or at all GRT buses, terminals, shelters and designated GRT waiting areas.
Personal Hygiene
Please try and refrain from wearing strong smelling perfumes or colognes while riding the bus. Please respect that others may have allergies or strong reactions to various smells.
Low-floor buses
If you need a low-floor bus, look for the universal wheelchair symbol on the front or side of the bus. GRT currently buys only low-floor buses to make transit accessible for everyone.
Designated wheelchair & scooter positions
Designated seats and areas for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices are clearly marked on GRT buses. These positions are located at the front of the bus close to the operator.
Once you have manoeuvred into position, lock your device in place. Use all ties or belts available to further secure your position.
Priority seating is a Priority
The new Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005) regulation "O.Reg.191/11" requires "Priority Seating" at the front of the bus to be reserved for people of all ages with disabilities and mobility challenges.
Priority seating at the front of all GRT buses, will be given to:
Customers who use wheelchairs, scooters, mobility aids and customers with a disability.
All other customers must vacate these seats upon request.
New and more visible "Priority Seating" decals have been placed on all GRT buses near the front of the bus.
Thank you for helping to make the transit experience comfortable and safe for everyone.
Skateboarding on platform
Skateboarding on platforms and major transfer points can be a serious health hazard to GRT customers. To protect riders from accidents, skateboarding on platforms and transfer points is not permitted.
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