Bus Safety

Bus Safety

Safety first

RTA wants your ride to be a safe and pleasant one. By following these tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of being injured while riding the bus. Pass this information on to family and friends who ride the bus. We want all of our riders to learn how to use the RTA transit system - SAFELY.

When help is needed

Every RTA bus is equipped with a two-way radio. When an emergency occurs that requires response by Police, Fire or Emergency Medical Services, the operator can call for assistance immediately. RTA's Traffic Radio Control Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and provides communication between operators, supervisory and maintenance vehicles, and emergency response personnel.

If you observe an incident that could jeopardize someone’s health and safety, report it to the operator immediately. Your swift action could possibly prevent serious injury to someone or prevent damage to either RTA or private property.

Waiting for the bus

  • Determine your route of travel ahead of time. Know where to board the bus and what time it will be at your stop. There is a trip planner on every page of this Web site. Staff at the RTAnswerline can also help plan your trip. Call 216-621-9500.
  • When traveling at night, select a stop that is well lit. Arrange for your wait to be no more than 10 minutes.
  • During inclement weather, especially snow and ice, be careful where you walk. It is wise to wear rubbers or boots. They will keep your feet warm and dry, and add traction that will help prevent slips and falls.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and of any suspicious activity in the area. Report suspicious activity to Transit Police, 216-575-EYES (3927).

Boarding the bus

  • Help us keep all RTA property and vehicles smoke-free. Before boarding the bus, extinguish and dispose of cigarettes or other smoking materials. Help RTA prevent fires and littering.
  • Flammable liquids are not allowed on RTA vehicles or in RTA facilities.
  • Allow passengers to leave the bus before you attempt to board.
  • If the bus is not close to the curb, be careful when climbing the first step. It may be higher than you realize.
  • Use the handrails.
  • Show any passes or identification cards clearly to the operator.

Riding the bus

  • As a courtesy, allow the elderly and people with disabilities to use the priority seating in the front of the bus.
  • If a passenger in a wheelchair boards the bus and you are seated at a wheelchair lock-down location, please move to another area of the bus.
  • When the bus is in motion, hold on to the railings and steady yourself to prevent falls.
  • Stand clear of doorways whenever possible.
  • Always stand behind the line that is located on the floor opposite the driver.
  • Do not talk to the bus operator while he or she is driving. Wait until the bus has stopped so that you do not distract the operator.
  • Keep your legs and personal belongings close to your seat, to prevent a tripping hazard.
  • Keep the seat next to you open for other passengers.
  • Keep your ams inside the bus window at all times.
  • Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Relax and enjoy your ride, but remain vigilant. Guard your purse or other belongings. People-watching is one of the benefits of riding transit, but there are some types of behavior that should be watched with suspicion.
  • Radios and other devices are for your listening pleasure. Use earphones and keep the volume low enough so that others cannot hear it.
  • Eating and drinking are not permitted. Help us reduce trash and discarded food, which are a nuisance to other riders and can attract small pests.
  • Pull / push the stop-request bell to signal the operator that you intend to get off the bus. Do this well in advance of your stop.

Getting off the bus

  • Be sure to use the handrails when going down the steps. Be especially careful when stepping off the last step and onto the curb or street.
  • If you intend to cross the street after you get off the bus, watch for traffic moving around the bus. If possible, go to the sidewalk and wait for the bus to leave the area.
  • Cross streets only in designated crosswalks. Obey all traffic signals.

General safety

  • The use of skateboards, roller skates or roller blades is not permitted on RTA property, buses or trains.
  • If you are jostled in a crowd, be aware that pickpockets may be responsible.
  • Hold your purse tightly, close to your body. Keep your wallet in a front or inside coat pocket, or in a buttoned hip pocket.
  • Consider carrying a whistle. If you are in trouble, use it.
  • If you are traveling with small children, it is important that they are well supervised.
  • To prevent separation from children, be sure to board together.
  • Fold strollers prior to boarding.
  • Always leave the bus with children in front of you.

Help combat crime

RTA is your transit system. We want to keep it safe and clean for you. RTA will prosecute those who willfully defraud, vandalize or threaten the transit system in any way, or engage in disorderly conduct. Under the Ohio Revised Code, anyone convicted of these actions can be fined up to $1,000 and sentenced for up to 6 months in jail. Report any suspicious or unlawful activity to the bus operator, an RTA supervisor or Transit Police at 216-566-5163.