Tips for a Safe Ride

 

TIPS FOR RIDERS

 

We make it a priority to provide safe, reliable and customer-friendly service. If it’s your first time riding, let the driver know as they can help make sure you get off at a particular stop.

Friendly Drivers

MTA drivers are friendly and willing to help. If you have any questions, ask your driver. Remember, your driver must place safety before conversation. It is best to ask your questions when the bus is not moving. You may also call our Customer Service Center with your schedule questions.

More Than One Route (Transfers)

Sometimes to get to your destination you will need to switch from one route to another. Service in Mason County is fare-free. If transferring to a route that travels out-of-county a fare will be required.  MTA offers monthly bus passes for riders traveling out-of-county often. Monthly bus passes or daily fare is non-transferable. When transferring to Intercity, Kitsap, Jefferson Transit, or any other transit, payment of their fare is require.

No Route Available

MTA has 10 regular routes that provide service where there’s more dense populations and high ridership.  If you’re in an area that a route doesn’t serve, or have difficulty using a regular route, that’s okay!  We have demand-response service called Dial-A-Ride that’s is also a door-to-door or door-to-route service. This service is available for everyone, there’s no application process.  You can learn more by clicking here.

Travel Training Program

People unfamiliar with public transit, trip planning, loading a bicycle, making transfers, or navigating new service changes can feel intimidated by the experience.  Our free travel training program help remove anxiety by teaching people how to meet their transportation needs.

 

If you want help learning how to pay fare, read a schedule, use the ramp or lift, or any other aspect of riding the bus contact us today, we’d be happy to help!  The training is customized to meet each person’s needs. Individual and group presentations are available. Persons with visual impairments who require specialized services for travel training instruction will be referred to organizations that offer those services.

 

The easy way to plan your trip is to ask for help! Call our Customer Service Office at 360-427-5033 or 1-800-374-3747.

 

 Tips for a Safe Ride:

  • Wait for the bus at a bus stop sign.  If there are no posted bus stops in your area, contact our Customer Service Center to determine a safe location to flag the bus down.  If flagging a bus down, make sure to be seen by waving your hands over your head.  During dark or foggy weather we suggest you have a flashlight that you can wave for the driver to see you.

 

  • Always choose the safest route to and from your bus stop.  Cross at cross walks and use sidewalks when possible.

 

  • Arrive a few minutes early to your bus stop.

 

  • As the bus approaches, check the sign on the front of the bus or side window to make sure it is the bus you want.  If you’re not sure, ask the driver.

 

  • Let other passengers get off the bus before you board.  Allow riders using the lift to board first.  If you use the lift, please wait at least five feet away from the door so the driver has enough room to lower the lift safely.

 

  • Be ready to board when the bus arrives. Let the driver know if you need assistance.

 

  • Always board through the front door, unless you need to use the lift.

 

  • If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, keep it in slow speed when boarding and exiting the bus.

 

  • If riding out-of-county, have your fare or pass ready.  Show your pass to the driver or drop your fare in the fare box as you board.  Drivers do not carry change, so have exact fare.  Dial-A-Ride buses can only wait three minutes for you to board.

 

  • Select a seat and sit down. If the bus is full, share your seat. Keep bags and packages secure with you at all times.

 

  • Seating at the front of the bus is reserved for elderly and disabled riders, please move to another seat or stand to allow these riders to use the reserved seating.

 

  • Signal the bus driver about one block before your stop. Some buses have a yellow bell cord above the windows that you pull; others have yellow strips that you press. A bell will chime and you may see a “stop request” sign light up at the front of the bus. The driver will let you off at the next stop.

 

  • Use caution when exiting the bus, making sure to watch your step.  Also, traffic does not stop for transit buses as it does for school buses.  Once you exit, wait until the bus pulls away before crossing the street.  NEVER CROSS IN FRONT OF THE BUS – approaching motorists may not see you.

What is a flag stop?

A flag stop is when a rider boards the bus at a location that is not an established bus stop with a posted bus stop sign.  If you are unable to make it to a regular bus stop, flagging the bus down is an option in certain areas.