How to Read A Bus Schedule

1.    Start by looking at the bus schedule. You may need to transfer from one route to another to reach your destination. Remember you DO NOT NEED TO ASK FOR A TRANSFER. Some buses operate on "flow through" routes. These buses change route numbers at the transfer centers.

2.     Look for the day of the week you plan to travel (weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday).

3.     Determine the direction you plan to travel, then look under the corresponding heading. Locate the nearest point to your bus stop, and read down the column to find the time closest to when you want to travel (AM or PM).

4.     The headings show major intersections, or locations along the route. Buses also stop at other posted bus stops along the route (on suburban or long-distance routes, operators may stop on request to pick up or discharge passengers). Follow the listed times across from left to right, until you find the arrival time at your destination.

5.     Make sure a time is shown at your destination. If no time is listed, the bus will not serve that point. Many of our routes serve more than one destination, and may not operate to every location listed.

6.     If a letter appears in front of a time, refer to the corresponding footnote printed to the right of the schedule for further information. Footnotes are important; they affect the route, times, or conditions of service.

7.     Now that you have your travel times, go to your bus stop. Have your fare ready. Before you board, check the destination sign on the front of the bus. The sign will display the route number and destination.

How to Catch the Bus

1.     RTS buses board passengers at designated bus stops which are clearly marked.

2.     We recommend you arrive at your bus stop a few minutes early.

3.     Many bus stops are served by more than one bus route, so make sure you are getting on the correct bus.

4.     Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop and the doors open all the way before boarding.

5.     Every RTS bus has a sign above the windshield that identifies the route it is servicing.

How to Pay Your Fare

1.     Exact fare is required. DRIVERS AND FAREBOXES DO NOT MAKE CHANGE.

2.     Cash and passes can be used on all buses.

3.     Have your fare ready when boarding. Reduced fare passengers must show proper I.D.

4.     Deposit cash directly in the fare box. Swipe passes through the card reader. Farebox will beep for a valid pass.

5.     If you are purchasing an all day pass, please tell the bus driver PRIOR to placing your money in the farebox.

For more information on fares ask your driver or go to 'Fare' by clicking here.

Leaving the Bus

1.    Be alert for your destination.

2.    To signal the operator, pull the cord.

3.    Please leave through the rear doors if possible to allow new passengers to board. DO NOT cross in front of the bus – school bus rules do not apply.

4.    Check to be sure you have all your belongings with you – and don't forget your bike if you used the rack!

How to Use the Bike Racks

Bike racks are available on every RTS bus. They are a great option for commuters or recreational cyclists.

1.     Place your bike on it's kickstand on the ground in front of the bus.

2.     Firmly grasp the silver handle located in the center of the bike rack and squeeze until the rack releases.

3.     Lower the rack to the open position

4.     Place your bike into one of the tire slots.

5.     Pull the padded tension bar out and over one of the bike tires and place the tension bar on top of the bike tire.

6.     Make sure the bike is firmly in place and board the bus.

7.     To remove, simply lift the tension bar up and return to the stow position. Then remove your bike.

Animals Traveling on Buses

Service animals are allowed on the bus. If it is not a service animal you are traveling with, it must be in a cage that will not be so large that it blocks the aisle.

Safety and Security

Following the bombings in London on July 7, 2005, we took a number of steps to add security in response to the elevated terrorism alert level.  These included a detail of Rochester Police Department (RPD) officers National Guardsmen and additional contracted security personnel at our facilities.

All customers are strongly encouraged to be vigilant and immediately report any suspicious or unusual persons or objects on our buses or at our facilities.  We will continue to limit access to our main facility to the East Main Street entrance only.  

Passenger safety and security are important to RGRTA . We ask our passengers to share this responsibility by following common sense. 

View our Transit Watch page for additional information.

Assistance

If, at anytime, you feel that you are in danger, are lost or have observed an unusual occurrence, please notify the bus driver, a security supervisor or call 911 from a cell phone then notify the bus driver.