FAQ

On each bus, you’ll notice several seats near the front designated for use by the elderly and people with disabilities. As a courtesy, please keep these seats open for those who might need them.

A wheelchair or mobility device  is defined in § 37.3 as “a mobility aid belonging to any class of three- or more-wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed or modified for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered.  ”Passengers whose wheelchairs exceed the 600lbs weight limits (both Chair and Rider) will be asked to use the paratransit service. Not all RTS bus lifts and ramps are not rated to lift more than 600lbs.  If the rider and chair exceed 600 lbs and the rider is able to get out of their mobility device and is able to stand on the lift they can enter the vehicle and ride.

For the safety of our passengers, when boarding, riding and alighting the bus, only one person is allowed in the wheelchair or scooter. Passengers in a wheelchair or scooter traveling with children who are unable to board the bus without assistance should travel with a PCA. Service may be refused for passengers who do not comply

The ADA requires public entities to make “reasonable modifications” in their usual ways of doing things, when necessary, to accommodate people who have disabilities. The exception is if the public entity can demonstrate that making the modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the service, program, or activity. If you have a request for a reasonable modification, contact the ADA Transit Coordinator at (352) 393-7826.

Be at your bus stop five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. When you see your bus approaching, stand by the bus stop sign, that way our drivers will know to stop and pick you up.

Carts, strollers, luggage and oversize backpacks are allowed as long as they are able to be folded, stowed or personally held (setting in adjacent seat is not proper) without blocking aisles (FDOT Reg. 392.62). If items block the aisles or cannot be properly stowed, then service may be denied.

Please feel free to use your cell phone while on the bus, however, your conversation should not be so loud that it interferes with the bus operator and/or other passengers. Remember, everyone is not interested in your conversation.

Check the electronic destination signs on the front and sides of each bus to make sure you’re boarding the right one. (We’d hate to take you somewhere you don’t want to go.)

As the bus approaches your destination, pull the buzzer cord or press the bar located above the windows. This lets the driver know that your stop is coming. Try to do this about one block before your destination so the driver can make a smooth stop.

Help us stay on schedule by having the exact fare, your pass, ADA card, Gator 1 or SF ID ready when the bus stops and the doors open. As you board, just show your ID card or pass to the driver, or drop the correct fare into the farebox. Remember, bus drivers don’t carry change, so you’ll need the correct fare.

Eating and smoking are not permitted on RTS buses. Beverages are allowed, as long as they’re in a securely covered drink container as approved by RTS officials.

Please do not leave newspapers or beverage containers on the bus.

For your safety, please exit through the rear doors and step clear of the bus. After exiting, do not cross in front of the bus. Wait for traffic to clear before attempting to cross the road.

Don’t forget to take your things with you when you leave the bus. We try to return as many items as we can, but RTS is not responsible for items left on the bus.

If you lose an item, call (352) 393-7850 to reach Lost & Found. Everything turned in from an RTS bus is available to be picked up Mon. – Fri., 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (except holidays) at 34 SE 13th Road.

Lost articles may not be available for pick up until the following day. Items except for Gator 1 and SF ID cards are held for 30 days. Gator 1 ID cards will be turned in to the Reitz Union ID office every Monday. SF ID cards will be turned in to the Santa Fe ID office every Monday.

Personal belongings are the rider’s sole responsibility. Only those items that can be personally managed by the passenger and his or her PCA or escort will be transported. Passengers may not bring objects on-board an RTS vehicle which block an aisle or stairway or occupy a seat, if to do so would cause a danger to or displace passengers or expected passengers. Keep in mind that this is a shared-ride service and space is limited. Grocery store carts are not permitted on vehicles, but you may bring packages on-board in a personal two-wheeled, collapsible cart. If you are bringing a cart with you on an RTS paratransit vehicle, let the reservationists know when you request your transportation.

Please remember to take all your belongings and report any suspicious packages or activity to the driver immediately.

Riders shall maintain appropriate, reasonable personal hygiene. If riders have offensive odor, open or seeping sores or are leaking bodily fluids, for health and safety reasons, RTS can refuse service until the situation has been contained or corrected.

Passengers should dress properly to ride the bus. This means shirts, shoes and pants are required. Light colored clothing should be worn at night for visibility.

No pets are allowed on RTS buses unless they are in a carrier. Service animals are allowed.

Buses move, sometimes unexpectedly. Please remain seated, or if you have to stand, hold on to a support at all times.

Feel free to bring your radio, CD, tape player, MP3 or iPod. Use of headphones is required, and the music must not interfere with the bus operator and/or other passengers. (Everyone loves music, just not as loud as you do.)

Please be considerate of others and keep your feet off the bus seats.

Bus service is suspended when winds reach sustained 35 mph Bus service is suspended when winds reach sustained 35 mph.

May ask operator to find suitable shelter or buses return to RTS facility.

Patrons on buses are taken to final destination or must shelter on bus in extreme situations.

If main facility is damaged, then have buses staged at other locations so that we can assist with evacuations or other needs.

We have not had an instance where UF/SFC classes were in session and the policy was implemented.

Notification of suspension of service goes out through GNVrideRTS.app, rideRTS.app, Facebook, www.go-rts.com or the City of Gainesville website https://www.gainesvillefl.gov/Home.