Transit Etiquette and Policies

Please take a moment to review our transit etiquette and policies. These guidelines help ensure a safe, comfortable and respectful journey for everyone on Cornwall Transit.

Bus etiquette

Ride the bus safely

To ride safely and smoothly:

Arrive at your stop early with your fare ready (smartcard or cash - drivers do not carry change)
You can request a transfer as you board, which is only valid for a connection at the downtown Pitt and Second terminal
Stand near the curb and signal the driver as the bus approaches
Do not chase or run near the bus
You must wear shoes (no skates, roller blades, or bare feet)
Remain seated or hold a handrail while the bus is moving
Check for all belongings before exiting
Always use the rear doors to exit
Wait for the bus to leave before crossing the street

Ride with respect

To ensure a safe and pleasant trip for everyone, please be courteous to drivers and other passengers:

No smoking or open alcohol is allowed on buses or in shelters
Use headphones for music and avoid speakerphone calls
Do not distract the driver with non-essential conversation while the bus is moving
Do not litter on the bus or at stops
Please offer priority seating at the front of the bus to those who need it

Strollers, bags and large items

Strollers and buggies:

If the bus is full, please take your child out of the stroller
Fold the stroller and hold it securely to keep the aisle clear

Groceries and bags:

You may only bring aboard what you can carry yourself in one trip
Do not place bags or groceries on the seats
Keep bags on your lap or on the floor in front of you
Do not block the aisle or other passengers with your items
Drivers are not able to help carry bags or packages
If you have more than you can carry, consider using a foldable shopping cart

Transit policies

Cornwall Transit’s policies help to ensure that riding the bus is safe, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Accessibility and sustainability

Cornwall Transit is committed to an accessible and sustainable bus system for everyone.

Our key features include:

Full Accessibility: All buses are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, mobility aids, and strollers.
Stop Announcements: An audio system on every bus announces the next stop.
Free Mobile App: Plan your trip easily with our official transit app.
Solar-Powered Shelters

Bike racks

You can bring your bike on any Cornwall Transit bus using the front-mounted bike racks. This service is available year-round, weather permitting. You can also download our Bike Rack Guide for more information.

How to use the bike rack:

Loading: Remove loose items from your bike. Signal the driver, then load your bike into the slot farthest from the bus first. Raise the support arm over your front wheel.
Unloading: Notify the driver when you need to unload. If the rack is empty afterward, fold it up until it locks.

Rules and safety:

You are responsible for loading, securing and unloading your own bike
Only standard and non-motorized two-wheeled bicycles are allowed
Always load and unload from the curb side, and let others unload first
Load and unload as quickly as possible
Cornwall Transit is not responsible for damage, loss or theft of bicycles
Access may be refused due to unsafe conditions or improper use

Priority and courtesy seating

Please offer your seat to someone who needs it more. Drivers do not enforce seating. We rely on everyone's courtesy to make transit accessible and comfortable for all.

Priority seating

The seats closest to the front are reserved for passengers with disabilities. If you are sitting in one of these seats, you must give it up for a passenger with a disability. Use is first come, first served.

Courtesy seating

The area near the front is also intended as a courtesy for seniors, expectant parents, adults with young children and others who would benefit from sitting. Please be considerate and offer your seat.

Railway crossing

For the safety of everyone, all Cornwall Transit buses make a full stop at railway crossings. This policy was strengthened after the 2013 Ottawa bus-train accident. It is an extra precaution to protect passengers, our staff, and the community.

Buses have white and red decals on the back to warn drivers that they will stop at all railway crossings.

Strollers

You may board with an unfolded stroller, and your child may remain seated in it. However, you are responsible for ensuring the stroller does not block the aisle or affect other passengers' safety and comfort.

Key guidelines:

Size limit: Strollers cannot exceed 24 inches wide by 48 inches long.
On the bus: The stroller must face the rear of the bus with its brakes locked. Your child must be buckled in.
Wheelchair area: You may use the wheelchair space, but must vacate it if needed by a passenger using a wheelchair. In that case, you will need to fold your stroller.
Boarding: You must be able to board and exit without the driver's assistance.

Driver's authority: The driver has final say on whether a stroller can board or must be folded, especially if it is too large, unstable, or obstructs the aisle.

Wheelchairs

All buses are wheelchair accessible. For your safety, please buckle the lap belt on your wheelchair or scooter while riding. To use the bus ramp, your mobility aid must not exceed 30 inches wide and 50 inches long.