Planning your Trip

Welcome aboard! We look forward to connecting you and your communities. As you start planning your trip on transit, ask yourself

• Where do I want to go (addresses, landmarks)?
• When do I want to travel? (day, time)

There are a number of ways to start your journey with BC Transit.

• Website: Explore our website www.bctransit.com to view maps, schedules and route information. Our website is the best source for the most up-to- date information on detours and delays due to road construction or bad weather.
• Rider's Guide: This handy guide lists route schedules, maps and other important transit information. Available on board or contact your local BC Transit system.
• Phone: Call your local BC Transit Information Line to get help with trip planning.
• Google Transit (Whistler and Victoria): Google Transit on Google Maps is a public transportation planning tool that combines the latest BC Transit schedule and route information with the power of Google Maps. It is a free service that makes trip planning quick and easy for everyone.
• Familiarize yourself with the rules when taking the bus.

Starting Your Trip

All transit trips start at the bus stop. With bus schedule in one hand and your fare or pass in the other, here are a few tips to orient yourself:

Bus Stops

BC Transit bus stops vary according to customer use. It may have a shelter, a bench, or simply a bus stop sign. Some signs will list the routes that use the bus stop. BC Transit bus stops typically look like this:

Flagging the Bus

Some rural community systems do not have physical bus stops. Only in these situations can customers 'wave' a bus down on designated roads. Contact your local transit office to see if this service is available in your area.

When you want to flag the bus, find a safe location along the route and wave at the bus. A safe location is one where visibility is good and where the bus can easily pull off the road, such as a driveway. The same should apply when you want to get off the bus. Ask the driver to find a safe place to stop close to where you wish to get off.

Make sure you are visible, especially at night. Carry a flashlight, or stand in a well-lit area. Wearing clothing with reflective material will help you to be seen.

The driver may not be able to safely stop for you if the posted speed limit exceeds 60km/hr.

Bus Destination Display

At the front of every bus, the overhead display will show the route name and number. You may also see the sign, 'Not In Service', which means that the driver is on a break or is traveling to the next scheduled route or is on route to or from the garage.

Transit Wave

Some bus stops are used by multiple bus routes, so help your bus driver when waiting at the stop by waving as the bus approaches your stop. Buses do not automatically stop at all bus stops.

At major bus stops, more than one bus may arrive at the same time. Please walk to your bus.

While at your stop, wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching the doors.

On the Bus

We want to move you safely, comfortably and efficiently. We appreciate your help by travelling safely on BC Transit buses.

Fares

Have your correct fare ready so that you can get seated as quickly as possible. Fareboxes or drivers do not provide change.

Safety

To keep you safe, please hold on whenever the bus is in motion. Please hold on to children, strollers and parcels as well. If you are unsteady, please take the first available seat.

At the End of Your Trip

As you reach your destination, please continue to keep your safety in mind:

• Signal that you would like to get off well in advance of your stop so that your driver can safely stop.
• Carefully make your way to the doors prior to your stop. Use the handrails as you are exiting the bus and be careful when stepping onto the curb or street. If you are unsteady wait for the bus to stop before making your way to the door.
• When exiting a Double Decker bus, please carefully make your way to the lower level of the bus prior to reaching your desired stop. Always use the handrails when you are descending the stairs.

Left something on the bus? Your local transit system holds items in Lost & Found for a minimum of 14 days. Call the Lost & Found number listed on the Rider's Guide or website.

Transit Tips

Here are some more tips to keep in mind while traveling with BC Transit.

	Always		Never
	Always plan to arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early.		Never stand in the street or sit on the curb when the buses approach.
	Always have your correct fare ready before boarding the bus.		Never run after or hit the side of a moving bus.
	Always take a seat as soon as possible after boarding the bus.		Never allow your children to stand or kneel on the seat while riding the bus.
	Always hold on while the bus is in motion.		Never stand or sit in any of the bus stairwells.
	Always keep your head, hands and arms inside of the bus.		Never jump from the curb to the bus or from the bus to the curb.
	Always remind your driver before you leave the bus if you have to remove your bike from the bike rack.		Never enter the street in front of or directly behind a stopped bus. Make sure traffic can see you.
	Always be a good neighbour -yelling or loud music on the bus can be distracting for the driver and other passengers.		Never use offensive or abusive language on the bus.
	Always hold on to your children, strollers, parcels, luggage and sports equipment.
	Always assist your children on and off the bus.