Rider Code of Conduct
🔐 General Policy Statement
- Goal: Ensure security, safety, and respect for passengers, operators, and transit property.
- Responsibility: All patrons must avoid inappropriate behavior, threats, or violence.
- Consequences: Violators may lose riding privileges and be subject to suspension or legal action.
Reporting: Witnesses to inappropriate behavior are asked to report it to PBT:
📞 (870) 543-5130
🧾 Definitions
- Violence: Any form of physical harm or damage.
- Threat: Words/actions expressing intent to cause harm.
- Inappropriate Behavior: Any behavior that puts others at risk or disrupts service.
Operators may use discretion to determine the severity of behavior not listed.
🚏 Bus Courtesy Expectations
Passengers must:
- Stand at least 2 feet from the curb
- Pay full fare (exact change required)
- Board quickly, take a seat, and hold handrails if standing
- Inform operator if assistance is needed
- Speak quietly and do not distract the driver
- Give up priority seats to elderly or disabled
- Keep aisles clear; carry only what you can manage in one trip
- Dispose of trash properly
- Wear shirts and shoes at all times
- Maintain personal hygiene
Service animals allowed unleashed.
PCAs must disembark with the ADA rider.
No smoking within 20 feet of facilities (City Ordinance §12-53)
🚫 Unacceptable Conduct
Minor Violations:
- May result in temporary suspension.
- Examples:
- Loud talking
- Eating/drinking on the bus
- Inappropriate cell phone use
- Standing past the white line
- Hanging on handrails
- Being shirtless or barefoot
Major Violations:
May result in temporary or permanent suspension.
Examples:
- Threats or violence
- Harassment or intimidation
- Drug/alcohol use or possession
- Weapons
- Sexual misconduct or offensive clothing
- Vandalism or destruction of property
- Spitting, smoking, or unsanitary behavior
- Disobeying operator instructions
- Public intoxication
- Use of racial slurs or hate speech
- Carrying hazardous materials
🧼 Hygiene Policy
Passengers may be denied service due to:
- Offensive body odor or uncleanliness
- Strong perfumes
- Unsanitary medical devices (e.g., visible catheters)
A warning will be issued, and repeat violations may lead to suspension.
📋 Enforcement Procedure
Minor Violations:
- First Offense: Verbal warning
- Second Offense: Ejected from bus, suspended for rest of day
- Third Offense: Treated as major violation
Major Violations:
- First Offense: Suspension or permanent ban (depending on severity)
- Second Offense: Longer or permanent suspension
🚫 Suspended passengers are not allowed on transit property.
🚓 Law enforcement will be called if they trespass.
📬 Appeals Process
- Must be submitted in writing within 10 days of suspension notice.
- Appeals must be signed and dated.
- Submit to: PBT Office
🚶♂️ Pedestrian Safety Tips
- Be visible (wear bright clothes, use flashlight)
- Cross at marked crosswalks or intersections
- Make eye contact with drivers
- Avoid distractions (phones, headphones)
- Don't assume vehicles will stop
📌 Notes
- PBT is not obligated to wait for late passengers.
- PBT may suspend service during bad weather or emergencies.
- Policy is subject to change - Call for updates:
📞 (870) 543-5130
