Rules for riding

Grand River Transit is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our customers, employees and our community. To ensure your safety and the safety of others, anyone using our services must follow GRT’s rules for riding, what can be brought on transit and paying your fare.

Proper attire and personal hygiene

To ensure a safe and comfortable ride for all of our customers, a rider’s behaviour or personal hygiene must not disrupt the experience or service for others.

Shirts and shoes must be worn while riding GRT buses and light rail.
Please refrain from wearing strong smelling perfumes or colognes while riding. Other riders may have allergies or strong reactions to various smells.
Personal grooming should be done at home and not while you’re riding the bus or train.

Smoking, alcohol and drugs

Smoking and vaping, consumption of alcohol, medical cannabis or illegal drugs are not permitted on board vehicles, inside shelters, on ION platforms or any GRT property outside of designated smoking areas. Violators are subject to removal from the property and/or a maximum fine of $2,000.

Rider etiquette

Do not disturb or obstruct an operator.
Wear headphones and keep the volume low when using devices, so as not to disturb others.
Keep your feet off the seats to keep the seats clean and available for other customers.
Hold backpacks and bags on your lap so they do not take up seats.
Keep food and drink in closed, spill-proof containers. Take your garbage and recycling with you when you leave.

Prohibited activity

For public safety, passenger and staff safety reasons, GRT passengers must follow all rules and regulations on transit properties and vehicles.

Passengers will not:

Engage in any activity contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada, Provincial Statutes or Municipal By-Laws.
Solicit, loiter, sell or attempt to sell/distribute any goods, services or material.
Damage property by way of graffiti or vandalism.
Use profanity, obscene or abusive language or racial slurs.
Act in a manner that is perceived as threatening, intimidating or harassing.
Create a nuisance by disturbing the peace or acting contrary to public order.
Cause unsanitary conditions by spitting, urinating or littering.

Emergency Call Box

Emergency Call Boxes are for emergencies only. Please contact GRT customer service for general information or service inquiries.

Emergency Call Box locations:

All ION light rail stations
Ainslie, Fairway, Conestoga and the University of Waterloo Bus Terminals
Boardwalk, Cambridge Centre, King/University, Sportsworld and Sunrise Centre Bus Sub Terminals/Stops

During an emergency, please contact 911 or press the red button to connect with GRT security. Security staff will direct resources to assist and monitor closed circuit television (CCTV) feeds where available.

Proof of payment

Fare inspectors regularly conduct fare checks. If asked, you must show proof of payment. Proof of payment includes:

A valid ticket or transfer
An EasyGO fare card loaded with a valid pass or transfer
An activated ticket or pass in GRT Pay or Transit app
A student card with a valid U-Pass (UW, Laurier, Conestoga College only)

If you do not have a valid proof of payment, you could receive a written warning, fine or ban from transit services/properties.

If you have received a fine, visit the Provincial Offences Court and Traffic Tickets website.

Enforcement

Individuals engaging in any prohibited activity contrary to the Criminal Code of Canada, Provincial Statutes or Municipal By-laws including activities outlined in the Region of Waterloo Code of Use By-law 13-050 may be subject to investigation resulting in a warning, fine, ban and/or removal from Grand River Transit Properties or Services.