Rules of Conduct

 

SAFETY & SECURITY

 

Transit Conduct – For the safety and comfort of all customers, everyone must obey the rules.  They’re the law.  Any person who violates these rules is guilty of a misdemeanor in accordance with RCW 9.91.025 and may be asked to leave the facility and/or transit vehicle, as well as risk suspension of their privilege to use Mason Transit Authority services or enter transit property.

 

We appreciate your help in abiding by the rules of transit conduct.  And we thank you for doing your part to keep our buses, bus stops, and facilities safe, clean, and enjoyable for all.

 

Rules of Conduct

  • No refusing to pay proper fare.
  • No boarding buses without a shirt or shoes on.
  • No smoking, including, but not limited to: tobacco, electronic/vaper cigarettes, and marijuana.
  • No open container of alcohol or consuming alcohol.
  • No eating; non-spilling/covered drinks are ok.
  • No obstructing or impeding the flow of customers or buses.
  • No lying down or putting feet on the seats.
  • No littering, spitting, or creating unsanitary conditions.
  • No loud or unreasonable noises, including playing music that can be heard by others.
  • No fighting, swearing, or abusive language.
  • No animals allowed unless they’re in a proper pet carrier, other than service animals.
  • No tampering with or destroying equipment or property.
  • No illegal firearms, fireworks, flammable liquids, used gas containers, or corrosives including car batteries.
  • No  refusing to collapse strollers, to accommodate passengers with disabilities and seniors.
  • No soliciting or unauthorized commercial activity.
  • No gambling, panhandling, or loitering.
  • No impersonating transit staff.
  • No refusing to obey the lawful commands of transit staff.

 

$100 Reward – Mason Transit Authority will pay a $100 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) who damage or vandalize MTA property.  To report damage or vandalism in Shelton, call the Shelton Police Department at 360-426-4441.  In Mason County, call the Mason County Sheriff at either 360-427-9670 or 360-275-4467, ext. 313.

 

Transit Watch – When it comes to safety, MTA can always use an extra pair of eyes.  Look around.  Be aware.  Let’s count on each other for a safe ride. MTA invites you to be the “eyes and ears” of our local transit system.  If something doesn’t look right, let us know.  Contact the driver or the Customer Service Center to report any suspicious activity.

 

Safety Tip – For your safety, after exiting the bus, ALWAYS cross the street to the rear.  Do not cross in front of the completely stopped bus.

 

Security – For your protection, activities on and around MTA vehicles may be visually and audibly recorded.

 

Children

Children must be 8 years old or older to ride unaccompanied on MTA buses. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a responsible person. We only provide information about a person’s whereabouts on our buses to law enforcement.
 
MTA cannot confirm or deny whether a child is on a bus, even when the request comes from a parent or guardian. Please contact local law enforcement for assistance.

 

Packages & Groceries

You may bring a reasonable number of items with you. No one item may exceed 40 pounds. For safety reasons, we cannot transport large items such as furniture, appliances, etc. To ensure plenty of room for our riders refrain from bringing items that cannot fit between seats or be secured. The number and the size of the packages should be manageable enough for you and/or your attendant to carry in a single trip. The driver is also able to assist you with one trip to and from the bus.

 

Strollers

A child may remain in a stroller and ride on the bus, if the stroller:

      • collapses;
      • is equipped with brakes, which must be locked;
      • does NOT block aisles, doors, steps, or emergency exits;
      • is controlled by an adult at all times; and
      • (if not collapsed) is in a space designed for wheelchairs.

If the wheelchair spaces are occupied or at any time during the trip need to be occupied by a passenger using a wheelchair, the parent or guardian must remove the child and fold the stroller unless the stroller is a mobility device for the chiild.  If the bus is too full to safely stow away the stroller, then the passenger with the stroller will be asked to exit and wait for the next available bus. For safety reasons, we recommend that riders with children in strollers back them down the ramp when exiting the bus.

 

Infants

Breastfeeding mothers are protected under state anti-discrimination law, and can breastfeed their children in places of public accommodation such as restaurants, pools, theaters, government buildings, museums, libraries, buses, or parks.  Click here for more info

 

Non-Discrimination Policy

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1994, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Environmental Justice regulations, and in accordance with applicable state and local laws: Mason Transit Authority grants all citizens equal access to its transportation service. If you believe you have received discriminatory treatment by Mason Transit Authority on the basis of your race, color, national origin, economic status, disability, or limited English proficiency, you have the right to file a formal complaint. The complaint must be filed no later than 180 calendar days after the alleged discriminatory incident. Contact Mason Transit Authority at 360-426-9434 or 800-374-3747.