Some Insider Tips For Riding The Bus!

Make your life easy by following these simple tips. They are guaranteed to make the ride go smoothly for you and the other passengers!

Arrive at the stop early. It’s best to arrive at your bus stop at least 10 minutes ahead of time. Keep in mind that more than one bus route might service the bus stop where you are waiting. Always read the bus headsign before boarding.

Have exact fare. You can use coins and/or dollar bills, but our fareboxes can’t make change. Of course, if you have a pass, you can just swipe it. NOTE: Pennies and no bills over $10 are NOT accepted.

Organize your cash. Try to use quarters instead of small coins, and be sure to flatten out dollar bills, including corners, before you insert them into the farebox. If you are using a designated Senior/Disabled pass, have your reduced fare ID verification ready to show the driver when you get on the bus.

Purchase a pass. If you plan on using the bus all day, you can buy a day pass from the coach operator. If you are paying a reduced fare, you will need to show proper identification to the coach operator. Review the reduced fares section for more details.

Kids age 5 and under. Kids five and under ride free with a fare-paying customer. Limit: three kids per cash paying customer.

Use the front door. Always board through the front door. All OCTA buses are accessible to persons with disabilities.

Signal the driver. When the bus approaches your stop, pull the signal cord or ring the bus chime to notify the coach operator. Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop, then exit through the rear door.
  

Basic Bus Riding Rules

• All radios, CD players, iPods and cell phones must be used with headphones.
• Service animals are welcome when accompanied by persons with disabilities. That person is responsible for the actions of the animal while on the bus.
• Surfboards are permitted as long as they do not exceed 6 feet 6 inches long.
• Strollers must be folded prior to boarding the bus.
• No smoking, or eating on the bus. Electronic smoking devices, such as electronic cigarettes, are prohibited on any OCTA bus.
• No gas-powered scooters, bicycles, car batteries or other combustible materials allowed on the bus.
• Please keep front seats available for disabled people and senior citizens.
• Have a bike? Bring it along! Racks are available on all large buses, plus you can take a folding bike on the bus!
• Drinks must be in a spill proof or covered container. No alcohol allowed.
• Distributing any written materials, solicitation, or other advertisements is not allowed.
• Bus schedules can change. Watch for brightly colored riders' alerts in schedule racks on buses.

• Security Tips

  When you board an OCTA bus, you’re more protected than you think. Between a video surveillance system and quick access to law enforcement, help can arrive within a matter of minutes. But we also need your assistance. What you see could help save lives. So if you see anything suspicious, please contact your driver immediately or call 911.

  Key numbers for security concerns
  Emergencies – Police Department: 911
  Non-emergencies – Sheriff’s Dispatch: 714-647-7000

  Suspicious Activity
  Familiarize yourself with the following signs of suspicious activity and report people who are:

  • In an unauthorized or restricted area
  • Loitering, staring or watching employees and passengers
  • Pacing, nervous or jumpy
  • Abandoning items and quickly departing
  • Acting in a disorderly manner or disturbing others
  • Photographing equipment or secure areas
  • Carrying a weapon or appearing to have a weapon
  • Wearing clothing that is extremely inappropriate for the weather, such as a heavy coat on a hot day

  Suspicious Packages
  Most unattended items may simply be lost or left behind. However, look for the following characteristics and report suspicious items to transit officials or the police:

  • Placement in an out-of-the-way location
  • Attached batteries, wires, tanks, bottles or bags that might contain chemicals or explosives
  • An attached message
  • A suspicious cloud, mist, gas, vapor, odor or seeping fluid
  • Nearby individuals showing signs of illness or distress

  Help keep our buses safe and clean!

  It takes a team to make sure our buses remain clean and free of graffiti. Our toll-free tip line allows you to play a role in keeping things clean. If you see somebody causing damage of any kind to the interior of an OCTA bus never take the law into your own hands. Instead, please do one of the following:

  • Alert the coach operator, only when the bus has come to a stop
  • Call toll free at 877-99-NO TAG / 877-996-6824
• Safety Tips

  Your safety is important to us!

  You can feel secure in knowing that OCTA takes your safety seriously. Our coach operators are carefully trained on how to be safe while driving as well as to keep an eye on your comfort and safety both on board the bus and at bus stops. However it does take two! We rely on our passengers to be safe around our buses and while they are riding. Here are some good safety practices that will ensure you get to your destination safely. 

  Waiting for the bus

  • Buses stop at designated bus stops only, never run after or next to a bus.
  • Wait on the sidewalk away from the curb, not in or near the street.
  • Don’t play near buses, pushing and shoving can cause accidents.
  • Hold on to your child when a bus approaches.
  • If traveling with a baby stroller, please remove the child and fold the stroller before boarding the bus.
  • Wait for the vehicle to stop before approaching to board.

  Boarding the Bus

  • Wait for the bus to stop completely before approaching to board or when exiting.
  • When using bike racks, always stay in view of the bus operator and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before preparing to load your bike.
  • Bring all your items with you when you board. Passengers are not permitted to get on/off the bus multiple times to load personal belongings.
  • Watch your step as you board, especially at night or in wet weather.
  • Take a seat quickly, if possible, and use handrails/handholds for security as you walk on board. The bus may move before you are seated. Always hold on and be prepared.
  • Sit down when a seat is available. Do not remain standing. If standing, always hold on.
  • If using a wheelchair, always allow the bus operator to secure your wheelchair.

  Riding the bus

  • Do not stand or sit in the stairwells.
  • Keep all parts of your body inside the bus.
  • Stay behind the yellow line at the front of the bus while the bus is moving.
  • Do not distract to the driver while the bus is moving, they need to pay attention to driving to keep you safe.
  • All packages, strollers and carts must be kept out of the aisles for everyone’s safety.
  • Be familiar with all emergency exits, including windows and ceiling hatches.
  • If you see a spill or debris on the floor, let the coach operator know at the next stop.

  Carry-On Restrictions

  • Riders are limited to two small carry-on items that must fit on lap or under seat.
  • Carts cannot exceed 30” tall, 18” wide and 18” deep (not including wheels and handle).
  • Carts cannot contain loads that exceed the height or capacity of the cart.
  • Carry-on items cannot hang off the exterior of carts or wheelchairs.
  • Carts, strollers, and carry-ons cannot block aisles, any doors or take seats.
  • Carts, strollers, and carry-ons must be loaded in a single trip without assistance.
  • No items that are wet, leaking, or considered hazardous will be allowed.
  • No large bags of recycled cans or other materials will be allowed.
  • Carts, strollers, and carry-ons must be attended and held firmly at all times.
  • Carry-on items must stay off wheel wells unless attended and held at all times.
  • Passengers with strollers must remove child, collapse the stroller and stay seated with children in their laps at all times.

  Help keep our buses safe and clean!

  It takes a team to make sure our buses remain clean and free of graffiti. Our toll-free tip line allows you to play a role in keeping things clean. If you see somebody causing damage of any kind to the interior of an OCTA bus never take the law into your own hands. Instead, please do one of the following:

  • Alert the coach operator, only when the bus has come to a stop
  • Call toll free at 877-99-NO TAG / 877-996-6824