How to Ride the Bus

• Arrive at your bus stop several minutes before the bus is due to arrive. The PVTA picks up and drops off passengers at designated bus stops marked with the PVTA logo.
• Watch for your oncoming bus. The route number and destination is listed on the electronic signs located on the front, side and rear of the bus. If you are not sure you are boarding the correct bus, just ask the driver.
• As the bus approaches, move toward the curb, indicate to the driver you want to board the bus.
• Have your ticket, pass or exact change ready when you board. If you need to transfer to another bus you must purchase a transfer from the driver while you are paying the fare. Once you've paid your fare move quickly to your seat. Please leave the side-facing seats in the front of the bus for elders and disabled passengers.
• As the bus approaches your stop, pull the cord or press the plastic strip near the window. A chime will sound and a "stop requested" sign will light up at the front of the bus. The driver will stop at the next designated bus stop. Please exit through the rear door so new passengers are able to board the bus using the front door.

Rules for Riding
The PVTA wants all passengers to enjoy a safe and comfortable ride. Please observe the following rules when riding the bus.

• No eating, drinking or smoking while riding the bus.
• Please stay seated to avoid falling when the bus starts or stops.
• Rude language, fighting and unruly behavior are not permitted.
• Do not block exits or stand forward of the white line.
• Side-facing seats in the front are reserved for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
• Please keep children seated at all times.
• Children under 6 years of age ride for free but must be accompanied by an adult. This guideline applies to both fixed route and ADA service.
• Folding bikes are allowed on PVTA buses and must be kept out of the aisle.
• Strollers and grocery carts must be folded and kept out of the aisle.
• Service animals are allowed on the floor, pets are not allowed on the bus.
• Electronic devises that could disturb others must be used with headphones.
• Shirts and shoes must be worn on the bus.
• No large items (skis, bicycles etc) are allowed on the bus.

Bike Racks
The PVTA has bicycle racks on bus routes serving Hampshire County. The racks are safe and easy to use. There are simple instructions posted right above them. Each rack, located at the front of the bus, holds three bikes. The racks are designed to accommodate two-wheeled, single-seat bicycles. Tandems, tricycles and bicycles with wheels less than 16-inches in diameter are not compatible with the racks.

Lost and Found
Before leaving the bus or van please be sure to check your area for all your personal belongings. If you do leave something on the bus please call lost and found at the following numbers:

• Springfield Area Transit 413-788-8630
• Valley Area Transit (for buses in the Northampton area) 413-586-3548
• UMASS Transit (for buses in the UMASS/Amherst area) 413-545-0056