Rules For Riding

• Trained service animals accompanying persons with disabilities are always welcome on board
• If you take your pet (any non-service animal) on the Bus, it must be fully contained inside an enclosed carrier which you are able to transport by yourself and which you can hold on your lap. Non-service animals must be kept under the control of their handler at all times. Noise or odor may give cause for refusal to transport the animal
• Eating and smoking are not allowed on Buses. You may consume beverages if the beverage is contained in a spill-proof or screw-top container or bottle. Please help us keep your public transit system clean for everyone
• Use earphones. And respect other riders by setting the volume for your ears only
• Don't vandalize. Vandalism is a crime, which will be punished with a fine or jail sentence
• Please report vandalism. You will remain anonymous
• The priority seats at the front of every Bus and next to most doors are for seniors and disabled riders
• You're welcome to carry belongings as long as they are small enough to fit on your lap or at your feet. Don't block aisles or take over the seat beside you
• Please take a seat promptly once you've paid your fare. If there are no seats available, please hold the handrails provided for your safety
• You can bring the following items onboard: collapsible fishing poles; collapsible bicycles; wheelchairs; strollers; walkers; shopping carts, as long as they fold down and can be handled without assistance
• You may NOT bring firearms on any Bus or COLT
• Always have your valid fare in hand before you board the Bus

Safety & Security

• Be Aware of Your Surroundings and always be alert for anyone suspicious nearby or activity that causes concern for your safety
• Keep Your Valuables Secure and always hold your backpack, purse or other possessions in you lap or other secure location to prevent easy access by others
• Cell Phones and iPods are increasingly popular and thefts of these devices are on the rise nationally and in our region. While using these devices, be discreet and aware of other people who may be interested in your phone or iPod
• Call 911. If you are a victim of a crime, or see a crime taking place, call 911. You can also alert the bus operator, call transit dispatch, or notify other PTS employees with your information

Bring Your Ride

Boarding Buses

1. Remove all baggage from your bicycle before loading your bicycle on the rack. All baggage must accompany you on the bus
2. Alert the bus operator that you will be loading your bicycle. If another bicycle is in position, the rack will already be lowered. If the bicycle rack is full, please wait for the next bus.
3. Lift your bicycle so it sits in the empty wheel well. If yours is the first to be loaded, load it in the position nearest the bus, with the front wheel facing the curb. If yours is the second to be loaded, load with the rear wheel facing the curb in the front position.
   • Pull the spring-loaded support arm out and upwards. Fasten it over the front tire at the highest point of the wheel to hold the bicycle in place. Locks may not be used to secure bicycles to racks. If you are concerned about the safety of your bicycle, lock your bicycle’s front wheel to the bicycle frame before the bus arrives.
4. Board the bus. Pay your fare. It is recommended that you sit or stand near the front of the bus and watch your bicycle while you ride the bus
5. When you come to your stop, exit the bus at the front. Tell the operator that you’ll be removing your bicycle. Unload your bicycle
6. If no other bicycles remain, stow the rack against the bus in the upright position

Things You Should Know

1. To ensure safety to all customers, Porterville Police and Porterville Transit personnel may restrict bicycles from being brought on to buses
2. There are bicycle lockers available at the Porterville Transit Center
3. Cyclists assume all responsibility for any damage and/or injury that occurs as a result of their bicycle being on Porterville Transit property. This includes injury to the cyclist or other customers. A sudden stop by the transit vehicle does not remove responsibility from the bicycle owner for damages or injuries to other customers or themselves
4. Folding bicycles are allowed on Porterville Transit vehicles at all times
5. Motor-powered bicycles of any kind are not permitted on Porterville Transit vehicles

Lost and Found

• Call Porterville Transit at (559) 781-8104
• Tell the agent the bus route on which you left the bicycle
• Ask for the address of the Transit Center
• Go to the Transit Center and pick up your bicycle

Wheelchair Access

(1) - Signal the driver

At the bus stop, wait near the curb by the bus stop sign. Signal to let the bus driver know you want that particular bus.

(2) - Move Back from the curb

When the bus stops, please remember to move your chair back from the curb so that the driver can safely deploy the lift. The driver will explain how to board. You're welcome to ask for any instruction to be repeated.

(3) - Board the lift

When the driver signals you to board, wheel your wheelchair onto the lift (facing either toward or away from the bus), up to the metal barrier. Keep your elbows close to your body. Use the motor, your brakes or your hands to hold your wheelchair securely while you're riding the lift. As an extra safety measure, an outer barrier will flip up before the lift is raised.

(4) - Board the bus

The lift will raise you to floor level inside the bus and the rear barrier will drop. Move to the farebox and pay your fare, or show the driver your pass or transfer with your valid I.D.

(5) - Move to the wheelchair tiedowns

Move down the aisle to the area equipped with wheelchair tiedowns. You'll find this area at the middle of the bus.

 Special Note:

On some buses, tying down your wheelchair requires flipping up the forward-facing and nearest side-facing passenger seats on the driver's side of the aisle. On some buses, the tie-downs are on both sides of the aisle.

(6) - Raise sidefacing seat

First, raise the sidefacing seat. Pull forward on the black knob you'll find under the seat. Then push the seat bottom up until it looks into the upright position.

(7) - Raise sidefacing seat continued

Move your wheelchair up just a bit - to the first folding seat. Pull forward on the black knob under the seat near the aisle and push up until the seat locks into an upright position.

Now that your wheelchair is in the appropriate place, look for the tie-down located on the floor on each side of the wheelchair securement area.

The Bus Operator will perform the securement of your wheelchair, please ask the operator any questions you might have.

(8) - Fasten your seatbelt

The wheelchair seating area also has seat belts. For your safety, and the safety of other passengers, you must use the seat belts provided. To snap the seat belt in place, insert it into the buckle until you hear it click into place. Tug gently on the free end of the belt to be sure it's snug.

(9) - Signal your stop

There's a pull cord or a yellow press strip at the wheelchair height on the side of the bus. Pull the cord or press the strip to signal your stop. The best time to signal is at least one block before you with to exit.

 (10) - How to exit:

When the bus has come to a complete stop, here's what to do:

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Release the seat belt.

Release the tie-down by pushing on the red knob. Or, remove the securement straps.

Release the wheelchair brakes and move to the doorway.

At the driver's signal, move onto the platform. Use the motor, your hands or your brakes to hold your wheelchair securely while you're on the lift. And please, remember to keep your elbows close to your body.

When the lift has reached the ground and the front barrier has dropped, wheel your chair forward to clear the lift. Be sure to move your chair away from the lift so the driver can restow it safely.

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 Note: If you need help in boarding the lift or securing your wheelchair in place, please ask the driver for assistance.

Customer Service Representative

Accessible Bus Service

Paratransit Service

Eligibility

Enrollment

Application Process:

• Be sure to complete the ENTIRE application. Incomplete applications will be returned.
• Print clearly in ink and return the original application to Porterville Transit. Copies and faxes are not accepted.

• You must take your completed application to your health care professional for their verification. You must ask them to provide to you a letter stating that the information within this application is true and correct and that you are eligible for paratransit service.

Appeal Process

Service Area

Service Days and Hours

Fares

Reservations and Customer Service

Route 1

Route 2

Route 3

Route 4

Route 5

Route 6

Route 7

Route 8

Route 9