Winter Weather Guide

Safety First

The safety of our passengers and employees is our top priority. 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. Operators may not see you in blowing snow. Play it safe and wait for the next bus.
• Never assume an Operator can see you. It is a good idea to make yourself visible during snowstorms by wearing brighter clothing.
• Do not cross the street in front of a bus or between parked cars.
• Wait for your bus away from the curb and make sure the bus stops before approaching.
• Buses may have to stop suddenly in poor weather conditions. Please remain seated or hold a handrail until the bus reaches a stop.
• Watch your step. Use the handrails when boarding and exiting the bus as the entrance and exit may be slippery.

Stay Informed

In severe weather conditions it’s important to stay up to date on the status of your bus. Thunder Bay Transit will communicate service changes and disruptions through:

• Transit app: plan your trip and get real-time updates on the status of your bus. Pin your frequently used routes to receive push notifications on service changes and disruptions.
• Nextlift: view in real-time when a bus will arrive at a stop. Service changes and disruptions will be displayed for affected routes.
• Facebook: view service alerts, weather advisories, and service updates.
• Service Alerts Webpage: view upcoming detours, service changes, and disruptions.

What You Can Do to Help

• Stay up to date on weather conditions: Weather conditions can change quickly. Remember to check your local weather forecast to be prepared.
• Plan ahead: Changing weather conditions make it difficult for buses to run on time. Arrive at stops at least 5 minutes ahead of the scheduled stop time. Allow extra time for trips as delays can occur during winter weather.
• Dress for the weather: Wear warm layers. Hats, gloves, scarves, and winter boots will keep you warm while you wait.
• Shake snow off boots before boarding: Help prevent slips by keeping the bus floor dry.
• Move toward the back of the bus when space is available: This helps speed up boarding and allows passengers to get out of winter weather sooner.
• Offer priority seating to those who need it: Winter weather can make mobility more challenging for many riders. Save the priority seating for those who need it most.
• Be patient and understanding: Traveling in winter weather can be difficult for everyone. Please be patient and understanding with Operators and other passengers.

What to Expect During Winter Conditions

In order to keep the city moving safely, service may be adjusted as road conditions change during a winter weather event. Here’s what to expect as conditions change: