Riding the bus

Finding your stop Boarding the bus Riding the bus Getting off at your stop Requesting an alternate stop Safety on buses

We have several tools to help you plan your trip, let you know what you can bring on transit and we offer travel training. We also have information about transit accessibility and priority seating.

Watch our 'How to ride transit' video and don't forget to pay your fare.

orange, blue and white bus stop marker sign

Finding your bus stop

All GRT bus stops have stop markers with the four-digit stop number. Orange markers indicate local bus routes; routes with green markers are served by an express route.

You should plan to be at your stop at three to five minutes before your bus is scheduled to depart.

Boarding the bus

When you see the bus approaching, check the destination sign above the windshield to make sure it's the bus you want.
Let the driver know you want to board the bus by standing close to the curb next to the bus stop marker.
As the bus comes to a stop and the doors open, it will announce the route number, name and the final destination of the trip.
GRT buses only pick up customers at bus stops. Be safe when riding transit; don’t walk into traffic or try to flag down the bus in the middle of the street.

Riding the bus

Stand behind the yellow line at the front of the bus. Do not block aisles and doorways.
Keep your bags and belongings on your lap so seats are free for other riders.
When standing, hold onto the poles, handrails on seats or overhead straps.
Listen for your stop to be announced.

Getting off at your stop

All GRT buses have automated stop announcements.

When your stop is announced, pull the yellow cord that runs along the windows or press the red 'Stop' button along the centre aisle. The 'Stop Requested' sign at the front of the bus will light up.
Gather your things so you're ready to exit the bus when it stops.
When the bus stops, exit through the rear door of the bus whenever possible. The rear doors have a yellow strip that says 'Touch here to open doors' or a sticker with a picture of a hand.
Wait for the green light to come on, then touch the yellow strip or hold your hand in front of the sticker for at least two seconds.

Requesting an alternate stop

You can request an alternate stop along any bus route that is closer to your destination after dusk or 9 p.m., whichever is earlier, until the end of service.

Operators will not leave the scheduled bus route but will select the safest place to pull over and stop near the requested area. Operators will not stop on highways.

When requesting an alternate stop, give operators advanced notice and exit by the front door for added safety.

Safety on buses

To ensure your safety and the safety of others, anyone using our services must follow GRT’s rules for riding.

If you have a safety concern while riding the bus, speak to the operator. Additionally, our Safe Haven program is designed to offer temporary refuge in times of danger or trouble. If you feel you are in danger, have lost a child, or fear for your safety, you can get on a bus, day or night. A supervisor or our security personnel will be contacted to help you.