Bus Code of Conduct

Capital Transit buses and facilities are for everyone, however, some activities that disrupt the safety, order, or rights of other passengers will not be tolerated. The following activities may result in ejection from a bus or transit facility by Juneau Police Department or Capital Transit employee. Report incidents to Capital Transit customer service at 907-789-6901.

• Bus Courtesy Expectations
• Transit Policies
• Safety Tips for Pedestrians
• Service Animals and Pets
• Public Works Regulations

Bus Courtesy Expectations

• Have the correct fare ready when boarding the bus.
• Stand back from the curb at least two feet when the bus is approaching.
• Upon boarding, notify the operator in advance if you plan to transfer to another route.
• Board the bus as quickly as possible and take a seat. If no seats are available, stand behind the yellow line and use the overhead handrails.
• Notify the operator if you need assistance such as kneeling the bus, using the ramp, or if you become ill.
• If standing on a crowded bus, move to the rear of the bus to make room for boarding passengers.
• Vacate reserved seating near the front when seniors and people with disabilities board.
• Do not take more than one seat if the bus is crowded.
• Check that you have your belongings before you disembark. Exit out the rear door unless you need assistance or have a bike.
• Wear shoes and shirts at all times.
• Speak quietly when talking to others or using cell phones.
• Refrain from talking to the transit operator while the bus is in motion.
• Children should remain seated at all times.
• Use trash receptacles at transit centers and bus stops, do not leave papers or trash on the bus.

Transit Policies

• No open food and beverage containers on the bus.
• No smoking on the bus, inside or within 20 feet of bus shelters, transit centers and all public facilities. Smoking in these locations is against the law.
• Do not interfere in any manner whatsoever with the safe operation of any transit vehicle, including physically blocking or impeding a transit vehicle.
• Disturbing or harassing other passengers or the transit operator is strictly prohibited. Fighting, throwing things, pushing, shouting, rough behavior, and vulgar language are forbidden and can be cause for removal from the bus.
• Vandalism or graffiti to seats and other portions of the bus, bus stops and transit facilities are subject to fine and/or prosecution.
• Anyone who intentionally assaults a transit operator or destroys transit property will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
• Do not wear roller-skates or rollerblades on the bus.
• Skateboarding, rollerblading or riding bicycles inside the transit centers, on the bus or outside waiting areas is prohibited.
• MP3, radio and CD listening permitted with earphones at a low volume so not to disturb other passengers. Cell phone conversations permitted if speaker phone is off and conversations are kept at a low volume.
• Hazardous items such as flammables, uncovered glass, and explosives are never allowed on the bus. Firearms are prohibited except when carried by law enforcement personnel.
• Refusing to pay a fare can result in removal from a bus.
• Distributing handbills, political flyers, soliciting or panhandling on a bus or inside transit shelters or centers is not allowed.
• Littering and creating unsanitary conditions is cause for removal.
• Service animals are welcome on the bus and inside transit facilities.  Permits and registration are not required.  For more information contact customer service at 907-789-6901.
• Small pets may be transported on Capital Transit so long as they are kept in animal carriers and do not disrupt the safe operation of the vehicle.
• Blocking the aisles, doors, free passage or seating areas of other patrons is not allowed.
• Strollers and carriages brought onto the bus must be folded and stored out of the walkway.
• Only carry those packages and belongings that can be carried onto the bus in ONE trip.  Be sure all packages are stored safely, out of the aisles and within your control.
• Large, bulky items longer than the distance from the floor to the ceiling are prohibited. Some large objects may be taken to the rear of the bus at the discretion of the bus operator.

Safety Tips for Pedestrians

Be safe and be seen: Make yourself visible to drivers

• Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.
• Carry a flashlight when walking at night.
• Cross in a well-lit area at night.
• Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.

Be smart and alert: avoid dangerous behaviors

• Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Stay sober; walking while impaired increases your chance of being struck.
• Don’t assume vehicles will stop; make eye contact with drivers; don’t just look at the vehicle. If a driver is on a cell phone, they may not be paying enough attention to drive safely.
• Don’t rely solely on pedestrian signals; look before you cross the road.
• Be alert to engine noise or backup lights on cars when in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.

Be careful at crossings: look before you step

• Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections, if possible.
• Obey traffic signals such as WALK/DON’T WALK signs.
• Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
• Watch for turning vehicles; make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.
• Look across ALL lanes you must cross and visually clear each lane before proceeding. Just because one motorist stops, do not presume drivers in other lanes can see you and will stop for you.
• Don’t wear headphones or talk on a cell phone while crossing.
• Cross behind; do not walk in front of the bus.

Service Animals

Capital Transit recognizes the critical role service animals have in promoting mobility and independence for people with disabilities. We follow requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Permits and registration are not required but transit operators may inquire about the tasks the animal performs. Service animals are not limited to guide dogs. A service animal may be any type of animal that has been individually trained to perform tasks to assist an individual with a disability.  Capital Transit maintains the following guidelines for service animals:

• Service animals may not be denied boarding because another passenger has allergies or fear of the animal.
• Therapy, comfort or emotional support animals are not considered service animals for the purpose of using public transportation. These animals and pets may board in animal kennels or pet carriers.
• Passengers should not pet or feed a service animal. These animals are working and should not be distracted.
• Animals must behave appropriately and remain under the owner’s control. Service animals may not sit on a vehicle seat but should remain in the owners lap or at their feet.
• Owners are responsible for any damage or soiling caused by the animal. Owners may be asked to remove their service animal if it is not under the owner’s control or poses a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

The International Association of Assistance Dog Partners (IAADP) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI) recommend the following minimum standards for service animals in public:

Behavior

• Animal does not solicit attention, visit or annoy any member of the general public.
• Animal does not disrupt the normal course of business.
• Animal does not vocalize unnecessarily, i.e. barking, growling or whining.
• Animal shows no aggression towards people or other animals.
• Animal does not solicit or steal food or other items from the general public.

Public appropriateness

• Animal is clean, well-groomed and does not have an offensive odor.
• Animal does not urinate or defecate in inappropriate locations.

Training

• Animal is specifically trained to perform three or more tasks to mitigate aspects of the client’s disability.
• Animal works calmly and quietly on harness, leash or other tether.
• Animal is able to perform its tasks in public.
• Animal must be able to lie quietly beside the handler without blocking aisles, doorways, etc.
• Animal is trained to urinate and defecate on command.
• Animal stays within 24” of its handler at all times unless the nature of a trained task requires it to be working at a greater distance.

Learn more CBJ regulations regarding public use of the municipal transit system