Transit Ridership Policies

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  To ensure riders have a safe and enjoyable ride, the driver will enforce the rules outlined here. Failure to abide by these rules will result in the removal or expulsion of the individual or individuals from Cimarron Public Transit System (CPTS).

· No disorderly, abusive, dangerous, obscene or threatening behavior or language permitted. (Amended September 2017)

· All riders are expected to use occupant securement systems provided. All mobility devices will be secured. Parents will be expected to sit nearby all children. Parents/guardians are not to leave children unattended in the vehicle.

· Drivers are not to enter any home. 

· Riders are expected to pay the correct fare when boarding the vehicle. (Amended September 2018) Riders must have correct change; drivers are not required to provide change. 10-ride passes are readily available. If a stop is made for a rider to obtain change, the rider will be charged for the extra stop.

· Riders must be ready and waiting at the nearest curb of their pickup or drop off location. Riders are required to be ready to board the vehicle up to 15 minutes prior to pick up time. Drivers are not to wait longer than five (5) minutes for any passenger. Once a driver moves on from the location (after waiting five minutes), the trip is considered complete. The rider can call to reschedule a ride at the next opening, however, no priority will be given and the rider is expected to pay for the missed trip. (Amended November 2014)

· All rider must exercise personal hygiene. No rider will exhibit inappropriate personal hygiene (i.e. bodily hygiene is so offensive as to constitute a nuisance or health and safety issue to other passengers). (Amended September 2017)

· All riders must wear shoes, pants and shirts. (Amended September 2018)

· No illegal drugs, alcohol, firearms or fireworks, or weapons are permitted on CPTS vehicles.

· No hazardous chemicals, materials, or batteries of any kind are permitted on board.

· No eating allowed. Drinks may be allowed only with lids.

· No use of tobacco, no vaping or appearance of smoking. (Amended September 2017)

· Riders using mobility devices may travel with a personal care attendant (PCA) at no additional cost. Those who cannot travel independently or enter/exit a facility independently may be accompanied by a PCA at no cost. PCA’s must be able to provide assistance. (Amended September 2018)

· Riders are expected to cancel a ride, if the ride is no longer needed. Rides should be cancelled at least 30 minutes prior to driver arrival, either per phone call or leaving a message on the answering machine. Cancellation when the driver arrives is not acceptable practice. If a rider does not cancel a ride in advance, the ride must be paid for the next time the rider boards a CPTS vehicle. Riders with a pattern of “no shows” or “cancellations” may lose the privilege of scheduling trips in advance. (Amended November 2014)

· In the event of inclement weather, the ability to provide service could be affected. Safety considerations may prevent or delay service. (Amended November 2014)

· Riders are allowed to bring on board the vehicle only what they can independently carry in one load. Riders will not be allowed to get on and off the vehicle to load packages. Items must be secured and should not interfere with other passengers. Drivers are not responsible for loading/unloading and carrying groceries/packages to the door. If a riders is unable to load or unload packages, the customer should be accompanied by a companion to assist, at no additional charge. NOTE: If a customer has an excessive number of items, the customer could be expected to arrange for transportation home.

· CPTS is not responsible for personal belongings and assumes NO responsibility for damage breakage or loss of parcels, personal items, up to and including mobility devices. (Amended September 2017) Riders will not be permitted to leave packages or personal belongings on the vehicle when making multiple stops.

· All riders will refrain from unnecessary conversation that may distract drivers while the CPTS vehicle is moving.

· Youth under 12 years of age ride free and will be required to be accompanied by an adult or guardian.

· Pets must be transported in a pet carrier.

· All riders must schedule rides and changes through the dispatcher. Changes will not be accepted through the driver.

· Drivers are not permitted to pull into private drives. Locations for pick up and drop off must be accessible to CPTS vehicles. CPTS vehicles must be able to enter and exit without backing. (Amended November 2014)

· Riders cannot specify a vehicle or driver. (Amended November 2014)

· Cimarron Transit does not provide charter service, defined as “Transportation provided by a recipient at the request of a third party for the exclusive use of a bus or van for a negotiated price.” (Amended March 2010.)

· CPTS is not required to take actions to accommodate individual riders that would fundamentally alter the nature of service. CPTS will make reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, or procedures when necessary to provide equal access to all services for persons with disabilities. Riders may request reasonable modifications by calling the dispatcher or writing to 501 Sixth Street, Pawnee, OK.  (Amended September 2017)