CATA bus drivers want passengers to know the following:

1. Your safety is their first priority and they take that seriously. All procedures and policies exist so drivers can transport you efficiently and safely to your destination.

2. Though the buses mostly operate on time, they will occasionally run behind. There are many things out of the bus driver’s control that can cause the bus to be late, including traffic, weather, construction and passenger overload. While CATA works very hard to get the bus back on schedule, you should plan for unforeseen circumstances.

3. As the bus approaches, be sure to signal the driver, even if it’s just looking in his direction. If it’s dark, assume that it’s hard to see you, and use your cellphone light to signal the driver. As a bus approaches, stand back from the curb.

At major transfer centers, buses don’t always pull up to the front of the bus stop, so walk toward your bus. Also, buses can’t always stop in front of the bus stop, but may need to pull forward of the sign, especially on campus, to leave room for other buses.

When you board the bus, get on at the front door and have your money or bus pass ready. Don’t talk on your cellphone while boarding and if you are wearing ear buds, remove at least one as you board.

Eating or drinking on the bus is prohibited.

4. Pull the yellow cord to signal the “stop requested” bell/light, because the bus isn’t required to make all stops if the driver thinks no one is getting on or off. If you need to cross the road after leaving the bus, cross behind the bus and never walk between buses at major stops.

5. If you are a student, chances are you’re riding some very busy buses, such as the N, R, V, Loops and Links. During peak times the buses get crowded. To help get as many riders on as possible safely: Move as far to the back of the bus as possible; remove your backpack and place it on the floor; lift up the wheelchair seats and stand in that space.

6. If a bus passes a stop, it usually means another bus is coming shortly. This is also why drivers don’t always stop when they see you running to the stop, but you are still a distance away. If you see the driver pulling out at a stop, don’t rush for the bus, or bang on the door or side of the bus.

It is CATA policy that, once the driver has shut the doors and has begun pulling into traffic, his attention must be on driving the bus.

7. If you need to take more than one bus to complete your one-way trip, ask the driver for a transfer when you get on the bus.

You might not receive the transfer until you get off, but knowing ahead of time helps the driver allocate his time and, if the bus is running late, he can help ensure you won’t miss your next bus.

Transfers are free, are good for an hour after you get off the first bus and are valid for a one-way trip.

You may not use transfers if you are going to take a round trip and only be at your destination for less than an hour. If you hold an apartment pass, you’re not eligible for transfers.

8. While CATA understands that there are sometimes big purchases you need to make — such as plywood or a big screen television — those items cannot be brought onto the bus.

So you can determine what can safely be transported, refer to CATA’s Carry-On Policy, available at www.catabus.com
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9. You will experience a different culture on the buses when you ride at 2 a.m. on a Friday than you will at 8 a.m. on a Monday. However, the same rules of etiquette apply. If you feel nauseous, wait until the feeling passes to board a bus, or ask for the garbage can. If you get sick on a bus, you pay for the cost to clean the bus — and that exceeds $100.

10. Bus passes are not transferable — not to your roommate, girlfriend or boyfriend or the guy subletting your apartment. It is considered fraud and theft of service. Take a look at the back of your bus pass or the contract you signed when you got your pass for CATA policies.

11. On CATA’s website, www.catabus.com, you can find all of the route maps and schedules, and videos that show you how to ride the bus, read the schedules, and more. If you have any questions about CATA’s services or how to ride the bus, feel free to approach a driver, visit the website or call the CATA office at 238-CATA (2282).