Additional Rules for Riders

Please help us keep our system friendly and safe for all passengers. Bus conduct is regulated by city and state laws, as well as Topeka Metro policies. Please give front seats to seniors, disabled or pregnant passengers.

 

The following is prohibited:

  • Eating, drinking or open food and drink containers. Drink containers must have twist off cap or secure lid. Drinks will not be transported in the wastebasket.

  • Intoxication or being under the influence of illegal substances.

  • Smoking (except in designated areas) including the use of E-cigarettes, vaping, and chewing tobacco.

  •  Flammable liquids, such as gasoline, kerosene, propane, etc. Life sustaining equipment, such as an oxygen tank or respirator, is permitted.

  •  Unconcealed firearms or other weapons of any kind.

  • Disorderly, abusive, dangerous, obscene, or threatening behavior or language.

  • Physical or verbal abuse of the operator, another passenger, or any other transit employee.

  •  Unruly behavior, profanity, fighting, spitting, feet on the seats, littering, urinating or defecating in public.

  •  Operating, kicking, hitting, or tampering with the vehicle and/or equipment.

  • Noise producing devices (headphones and earbuds are allowed).

  • Cell phones on speaker or loud conversations that may distract the operator or interfere with other passengers.

  • Distracting or inappropriate conversation with the bus operator or other passengers.

  • Dangerous or large items, such as TV’s, computer monitors, moving boxes, car batteries, explosives, fireworks, furniture, trees, large tools, panes of glass, etc.

  • Excessive carry-on items or packages in the seat or aisle. Empty personal carts must be folded.

  • Strollers that are not empty or folded prior to boarding or that block the aisle, steps, or doorways.

  • Leaving items or children unattended. Children under age 5 must be with an older child or adult. Small children should sit up front near the operator.

  • Animals without a latched pet carrier, with the exception of service animals which must be controlled by the owner and remain on the floor without blocking the aisle, steps or doorways.

  • Indecent exposure (i.e., must have a shirt, pants, and shoes).

  • Saggy pants that reveal any part of undergarments.

  • Masks or “hoodies” that cover the individual’s face, with the exception of pandemic face masks.

  • Idle Riding (riding more than one complete route without deboarding).

  • Bikes or recreational scooters inside the vehicle.

  • Electric or gasoline-powered bikes on the bike rack.

  • Wearing or using roller skates, roller blades, shoes with wheels, or skateboards.

  • Offensive body odor or clothing soiled with bodily fluids.

  • Open or uncovered sores or wounds.

  • Fare evasion, sharing of passes, or misuse of a Topeka Metro Reduced Fare ID.

  • Standing in front of the standee line or in doorways when the bus is in motion.

  • Standing when open seats are available, unless medically necessary.

  • Removing wheelchair securements any time or standing before the bus comes to a complete stop.

  • Unlawful and unapproved postings or handing out material on transit property.

  • Solicitation, pandering/begging or conduct that might pose a safety or security risk/concern.

The Bus Operator always has the reasonable authority to refuse service or ask for a passenger’s justified removal. For the

safety of our passengers, employees, vehicles, and general public, Topeka Metro utilizes surveillance in its vehicles and facilities.

 

Updated 03/01/22