What can I bring

Mobility devices are permitted on all transit vehicles. Learn more about priority seating, bus dimensions, accessibility on buses and more.

Bicycles

Definition: Two-wheeled, pedal-powered (no motor)

Cargo bikes, foldable bikes and other wide/large bicycles partially blocking aisles/doors  cannot be accommodated on board GRT buses and ION trains. For these items bike parking is available at most stations and iXpress stops.

Bringing your bicycle on the bus

Bikes should be placed on the bike rack located on the front of the bus. Children’s bikes that do not fit on the rack may be brought on board if space permits. 

If the bike rack is full and space permits, bring the bike onto the bus. Ensure you have full control of the bike at all times. Bicycles must not block the aisles. If the bus or train is full, you will not be permitted to board and will have to wait for the next bus or train. If you are already on board when it fills up, you can remain boarded until you reach your destination.

Learn how to load your bicycle on the bus bike racks.

Bringing your bicycle on the train

• Never cycle on or along the tracks and follow the signs and signals.
• Always look both ways and check your blind spot before crossing the tracks.
• Cross the tracks at a right angle. If the tracks are at an angle to the road you may need to use a full lane to cross.
• Board through the train’s double doors.
• Stand with your bike in the priority seating area if unoccupied.
• Hold on to your bike at all times with a wheel brake engaged to prevent it from moving or slipping.

Please note that passengers with bikes must vacate the priority seating area for persons with disabilities.

If you have to move, ensure your bike is not blocking aisles or doors.

If an arriving train is full, do not board. Please wait for a train with available space.

E-bikes

Definition:

• Battery-assisted, pedal-assisted, or pedal-electric bicycles (Pedelec).
• Traditional bicycle with battery-powered electric motor to provide pedal assistance when travelling.
• Battery-assisted pedal bikes still require pedalling/muscle power to move.

Battery-assisted bicycles are permitted on ION trains and buses, but not regular GRT buses. Look for the yellow and blue decal on the front of the ION bus to know which bus can take e-bikes.

Large e-bikes, e-motorcycles, electronic mopeds, motor scooters, and gas-powered devices are not allowed on any GRT buses, ION trains or station platforms. Electric mopeds and other large e-bikes are too large for bus bike racks and train floor areas. 

Scooters (stand-up kick style, electric and non-electric)

Only folding scooters are allowed on GRT buses and ION trains. If your scooter cannot fold, it is not allowed on GRT buses or ION trains.

Please fold your scooter and hold on to it at all times at stops and on GRT buses and ION trains.

Skateboards, roller blades, and other personal transportation vehicles (electric and non-electric)

Customers must hold skateboards and other personal transportation vehicles of this nature at all times at bus stops, station platforms and on GRT buses and ION trains. If you cannot carry and hold on to your personal transportation vehicle, it is not allowed on GRT buses or ION trains.

Roller blades, roller skates, or similar items must be removed and carried before entering bus stops and station platforms and cannot be worn on GRT buses or ION trains. Customers must wear proper footwear while riding GRT buses and ION trains.

Strollers

Customers should know the dimensions of their stroller before attempting to board the bus. Strollers must be able to fit through the front doors and down the aisles to board the bus. For the safety of all customers, the aisles must not be blocked.

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. If possible, strollers are to be folded when standing conditions apply.

Hold on to the stroller at all times to avoid tipping. Position the stroller so passengers can walk freely down the aisle.

Service animal

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 your service animal does not wear a vest or harness, you may be asked to provide acceptable documentation from a regulated health professional, confirming the animal is required due to a disability.

Service animal EasyGO fare card

If you would prefer to tap an extra EasyGO card, rather than show documentation from a regulated health professional stating that your animal is needed because of a disability, please complete and submit a Service Animal EasyGO Card application. Please note that this application is optional.

For more information about service animals, please visit the Region of Waterloo's Reconciliation, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion website.

All persons using a service animal must meet the criteria stated in the Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

We are currently reviewing the structure of the Service Animal EasyGO Card program to ensure it meets the needs of people with disabilities and transit customers. Current or past approval does not guarantee future eligibility.

Pet

Small animals that are kept inside a crate/enclosure are allowed on GRT. 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 or are not a designated service animal are not allowed on GRT.

Large items (carts, athletic equipment, etc.)

Large items likely to inconvenience, obstruct, interfere or jeopardize the safety of other passengers or damage GRT property will not be permitted on GRT vehicles. These include, but are not limited to, large carts, heavy boxes or items with sharp edges. Operators have the right to reject the boarding of a person carrying any item which they feel poses a threat to other passengers.

Large carts, including grocery store-provided shopping carts, are not permitted on board. Operators have the right to reject the boarding of anyone trying to board with a large cart.

Small folding grocery carts are permitted on board.

Athletic equipment such as inline skates (roller blades), ice skates and skateboards cannot be worn or used while travelling on GRT. Skis, ski poles and snowboards are not permitted on any GRT vehicle unless properly enclosed. Ice skates should have ice guards or be properly enclosed in a bag.

Dangerous items, materials or carrying containers

For public safety, passenger and staff safety reasons, the following items will not be allowed on GRT/ION vehicles or properties:

• Firearms, replica firearms or any other device/material designed to cause serious injury by launching harmful objects or projectiles.
• Objects/devices designed to stun, immobilize or cause serious injury.
• Objects/devices with sharp points or sharp edges that could be deemed threatening or cause serious injury.
• Work tools that could be deemed threatening or cause damage or serious injury.
• Explosive or incendiary substances, devices, materials or containers that could be deemed harmful or cause serious damage or injury.
• Any other item/device/material concealed or in plain sight that could be deemed harmful, threatening or cause serious injury.

Individuals found in possession of these items may be directed to speak with authorities, asked to leave GRT/ION vehicles/properties or have the item(s) confiscated.