Please have the exact fare or your ticket or pass ready. If you are a senior or disabled passenger, please have your identification ready to show the driver that you are eligible for the discounted fare category. Since many stops serve more than one route, be sure to check the "headsign" located at the top front of the bus for the route number and name to make sure it is the bus you want. As the bus approaches, move close to the bus stop sign to signal the operator that you want to board.
Board the bus through the front door. Remember to use the hand rails on buses with steps. All buses are equipped with a lift or ramp (for wheelchair users and standees) and have kneeling devices to make boarding and exiting the bus easier. Let the driver know if you need the lift/ramp or for the bus to kneel. Place your exact fare into the farebox (coins or $1 bills), hand your SCAT ticket to the driver, show the driver your SCAT monthly pass, or pass your Go Ventura smartcard across the card reader. Take a seat quickly and if you must stand because the bus is full, stand behind the white line and hold on to the rails. Front seats are designated for seniors and disabled passengers. Other passengers seated in these areas are urged to yield their seats when requested.
If your trip requires the use of more than one bus to reach your destination, ask the driver for a free transfer slip when you pay your fare. Transfers are valid for the next bus in the same direction of travel. Passengers using a monthly pass do not need a transfer slip.
About a block before your stop, pull the stop request cord or push the touch strip to signal the driver that you want to get off at the next stop. Please be sure the driver has enough time to make a safe stop. If you are unsure about where to get off, ask the driver for assistance when you board the bus. Generally, it speeds up service if you exit from the rear door. Push the door handle gently and the doors will open. Hold the door handle as
you exit the bus. After you exit, stand to the side of the road or on the sidewalk until the bus has pulled away. For your safety, do not cross in front of the bus.
Not all bus stops are listed on the printed schedules but the major stops, called "timepoints" are listed. Please be at the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. The timepoints listed on the schedule are time-certain stops where buses are not to leave before the printed time. Arrival time at unlisted stops may vary. Nearly all bus stops have a blue "bus stop" sign however there are a few unmarked stops so verify the closest bus stop before taking your trip. Bus stops may also have a "guide-a-ride" containing schedule information, benches or shelters, depending on the level of usage. To report graffiti or unsafe conditions at bus stops, call the Customer Service Center at 487-4222 or 643-3158.
w Be courteous to other passengers.
w Take your trash with you.
w Shopping carts and strollers must be folded and stowed safely away from the aisles.
w Shirts and shoes must be worn on the bus.
w Guide dogs and other service animals trained to assist passengers with disabilities are welcome. All other pets must be caged.
w Do not talk to the driver while the bus is moving.
w Evade payment of fare or to misuse transfers, passes, or tickets to avoid payment of fare.
w Fail to present acceptable proof of eligibility to use a discount ticket, upon request from a transit system representative, in accordance with posted system identification policies.
w Play sound equipment on the bus.
w Smoke, eat, drink or spit while on the bus.
w Willfully disturb others on the bus by engaging in boisterous or unruly behavior.
w Carry any explosive or acid, flammable liquid, or toxic or hazardous material.
w Willfully blocking the free movement of another person.
w Skateboard, roller skate, or rollerblade on the bus.
California Penal Code Section 640 makes these infractions punishable by a fine of up to $250.