There is a lot going on near and around buses. Here are some things you should know about riding the bus.

Safety Around Buses

Be alert around buses so everyone can arrive safely. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Never run after or alongside a moving bus once it has left the stop. Play it safe and wait for the next one.
  • Never assume a bus Operator can see you. Lamp posts, newsstands, and double-parked cars can obscure an Operator's view. It is a good idea to make yourself visible during dark mornings and evenings by wearing brighter clothing.
  • Do not cross the street in front of a bus or between parked cars.
  • Wait for your bus on the sidewalk away from the curb and make sure the bus stops before approaching.
  • Do not let children play near buses. Hold your child's hand as the bus approaches the stop.
  • Sit or stand still inside a moving bus and hold on to a grab bar. A sudden stop can catch you by surprise.
  • In the event of an emergency, a bus Operator can call their supervisor for help from Police, Fire, or EMS. If you need assistance or witness an emergency, ask the Operator for help.
  • Stand behind the yellow line so that the Operator has a clear view of the doorway and mirrors.

Alcohol, Smoking, and Hazardous Materials

You cannot smoke or consume alcohol or other hazardous substances on the bus. This includes e-cigarettes. You can smoke in designated areas at shelters, bus stops, and transfer hubs.

Audio/Video Devices

You have to wear headphones if you listen to a personal radio or other electronics that produce sound. We want to make sure that the Operator or other passengers are not distracted, and passengers who may need them can hear the audible stop announcements.

Bags and Feet on the Seats

Seats are for people, other passengers would appreciate it if you kept your feet on the floor and let them sit instead of your bag.

Bike Racks

All Thunder Bay Transit buses have a bike rack that can hold two bikes. Motorized bikes and bikes with fat tires are not allowed.

Clothing

You have to wear a shirt, shoes, and pants to ride the bus.

Customer Service

Transit Operators are front line customer service reps and know everything about the service. If you have a question, ask them. If they cannot answer your question, call the Transit Services office at (807) 684-3744.

Detours

Thunder Bay Transit may have to detour because of an event, construction, or weather. You can find information on all of our detours via Nextlift or by calling the Transit Services office at (807) 684-3744.

Garbage

You should use put your garbage in garbage cans. You should not throw your garbage on the ground at your bus stop, at transfer hubs, or on the bus.

Lost and Found

Before you get off the bus, make sure you have all of your belongings. If you forgot something, you can call the Transit Services office at (807) 684-3744 on the next business day to find out if we have it. All items in the Lost and Found are disposed of after one (1) week.

Transit Services is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Move to the Back of the Bus

If you are able to do so, move to the rear of the bus so more passengers can board.

Night Stop Program

After dark, if there is a stop along the same route that you would feel safer getting off the bus at - just let the Operator know.

Pets

Small pets in carriers are permitted on the bus. You are responsible for your pet.

Schedules

Our Operators do their best to be on time, but on occasion traffic conditions, bad weather, and/or other unplanned events make it difficult for buses to run on time. Due to this, Thunder Bay Transit schedules are subject to change. It is recommended that you arrive at your stop at least five (5) minutes ahead of the scheduled stop time.

You can find the most updated Thunder Bay Transit schedules here.

All of our bus stops have a four-digit identifier number. To check stop arrival and departure times in real time, please visit our Nextlift website.

Snow removal

After a snowfall, roads and sidewalks will be cleared before transit stops. Snow removal at bus stops usually takes five (5) days.

Sporting Equipment

You cannot wear roller blades or ice skates on the bus. You are permitted to travel with them but ice skates must have skate guards.

Strollers, Grocery Carts, and Other Large Items

Strollers, grocery carts, and other large items are permitted on the bus but it is your responsibility to make sure that you do not block the aisles.

We ask that you move to the back of the bus if you are able. Transit Operators will let you know if there is space on the bus.

It is important to remember that the priority seating is meant for people with disabilities - show consideration for those whose need for these seats is greater than your own.

Transfers

You may request a transfer if you pay the fare with cash or a ticket. A transfer is valid for ninety (90) minutes from the time it is issued and must be requested when you board the bus.

Travel Training

Are you new to the city? Do you have a new mobility aide or device that you're nervous about using on transit? Do you want to turn transit into your main mode of transportation? We offer travel training for groups or individuals. Call Transit Services at (807) 684-3744 to organize a travel training session today!

Trip Planning

There are a number of tools available to help plan your ride on transit - trip plan with Google Maps, get real time arrivals and departures on Nextlift, or check schedules for each route.

You can also call Transit Services customer service Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (807) 684-3744.

Video Surveillance

Every Thunder Bay Transit and Lift+ Specialized Transit buses have video cameras on board. Cameras on buses are an effective way to keep our passengers and Operators safe and have proven effective in reducing criminal activity.

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