Getting on Board

Services Getting on Board

For all cool youth deciding to use urban transit!

You will soon take the RTL bus for the first time?

Congratulations, you are taking a responsible step for the environment and for yourself!

1 bus replaces 50 cars.

Less pollution, less traffic congestion, a better city, better health, a better planet!
During rush hour, the bus has access to reserved lanes. This does not only improve travel time to your destination, but it also reduces congestion!
It costs less! A car is expensive to buy, and you also have to take into account the $ for parking, the $ for gas, the $ for insurance, the $ for repairs and maintenance… Ouch!
Using public transit is very economical and much less complicated!
Usually, there is a bus that passes near your house. If not, there are shared taxis. You can use them like a bus. The taxi will transport you to the nearest bus stop.

Here are some suggestions before you board a bus.

Safety first!

It is of the utmost importance. The RTL wants to ensure that all of its customers travel safely.

If you were taking the school bus before, beware!

There are several habits you will need to change and here is why:

When your school bus stops, there are two red lights flashing and a stop sign is deployed.
Car drivers MUST stop when youngsters get on or off the bus.
There is no such thing happening when you use the RTL bus.
You must therefore be very cautious as car drivers will continue to drive by as you are getting on or off the bus.

So, be careful!

When you get on the bus :

This must be done in an orderly and calm manner.
At a bus stop, several people may want to get on the bus. If there is pushing, this could harm someone. One at the time and this way, no one will get injured.
Remember that you must be at the bus stop when the bus arrives. If you are not at the bus stop, the driver will not wait for you.
NEVER run after the bus. It is dangerous and could cause an accident.
When you are at the bus stop, the bus driver must see you and understand that you want to board. If, for example, you remain in the bus shelter, the driver will think that you don’t want to board, so he won’t stop. But, be careful and keep a safe distance from the street.
You must stay on the sidewalk, but not on the edge. Buses have mirrors that are much bigger than the ones found on cars. If you are too close to the edge of the sidewalk, it could be dangerous.

When you are on the bus :

There is always a possibility that you may have to stand in the bus during your trip. If this is the case, hold on to the grab bars. This way, should the bus take a curve, brake or accelerate quickly, you will not fall … and you will not fall on your neighbour either!
Don’t forget to remove your backpack and put it between your feet if you are standing. Otherwise, your backpack may hurt someone and will also make it difficult to move inside the vehicle.

When you get off the bus:

Make sure to signal the driver when you want to get off the bus.
This should be done ahead of the stop by ringing the bell using the buttons on the grab bars or by pulling the rope just above the windows.
The bus driver is well aware that when the bell rings, he must stop.
Therefore, no need to pull on the chime several times. Once is enough.
When you get off the bus, please do so in an orderly and calm fashion.
Many people may want to get off at the same stop. No pushing as this could cause an accident. One at the time and no one will be hurt.
NEVER cross in front of the bus unless traffic is stopped and you have priority as indicated by the pedestrian signal.
If not, stay on the sidewalk and wait until the bus leaves. This way you can clearly see the cars coming and going. There are no flashing lights or stop signs on an RTL bus. Cars will continue to go by even if the bus has stopped!

Now, let’s talk about the payment of your trip.

When you take a school bus, there is no payment required. But when travelling on RTL buses, you must pay for your trip as do all commuters.

There are three (3) ways to do so :

With a monthly pass

You can take the bus as often as you want during the same calendar month. Buy a rechargeable OPUS card and purchase a new pass on the first of each month. There are reduced rates for students.
When you pay for your trip with an OPUS card, you swipe the card on the reader located at the front of the bus as you board.

With tickets

On your OPUS card, you can also buy individual tickets. These can be loaded as well on a Solo card.
Paying your fare with a ticket will automatically generate a transfer on your OPUS or Solo card. This transfer is valid for a period of 90 minutes and allows you to connect to another RTL bus, free of charge.
Don’t forget to swipe your card on the reader as you board the bus.

Cash

If you do not have an OPUS or a Solo card with a valid pass or ticket, you can pay cash.
Ensure you have the exact amount, as the bus driver does not provide change, and place it in the fare box as you enter the bus.
There are disadvantages to paying cash as it does not offer a transfer option to connect to another RTL bus. It is more economical to pay with a card, therefore pay cash only if you have to.

You would like to pay less for your bus trips?

You can if you are a full-time student!

Reduced fares are available to full-time students.
In order to purchase a reduced fare, you must first obtain a photo OPUS card.
It can be purchased at a cost of $15 at any metropolitan ticket office or is the RTL stops by your school during the School Tour at start of classes. The resulting savings will rapidly cover the cost of the card.
When you use a student photo OPUS card, you can purchase reduced rate tickets or monthly passes swipe your card on the reader when you board and then show your picture to the driver.

It is also important to respect the following guidelines:

Your bus driver has the responsibility to drive all commuters in a safe fashion and pleasantly!

Showing respect to the bus driver :

No pushing on board the vehicle.
Once inside the bus move towards the back. This way, the driver can better see in his mirrors.
The bus driver needs to concentrate on his driving. Refrain from shouting and do not speak to him while the vehicule is in movement. All his/her attention must be on the road.
Take off your backpack so as not to interfere with other people in the bus.
If you are standing, hold on tight.

Show respect the other commuters as well

Public transit can also mean a lot of people on board the bus. The trip must therefore be a pleasant one for everyone.

We suggest you follow these guidelines :

Look around you and if an elderly person, a pregnant woman or someone with a physical disability needs a seat, offer yours! You will, in return, receive a wonderful smile and a warm thank you!
Clean places are always appreciated, both by you and by others! So do not litter or dirty the bus. It is never pleasant to travel in a messy vehicle.
Graffiti or scratchittis are very expensive to clean. The bus is a collective good and we all have a responsibility to preserve it. If you see someone damaging the property, report the situation to a person of authority (the driver, a supervisor or a policeman).
You like listening to music when travelling? Of course, no need to abstain from it.But not everyone likes the same music. So make sure to adjust the volume at a level that will not disturb others. Everyone has a right to a peaceful journey!
Your cellphone is ringing? You can talk on the phone, but please, do it discreetly.

Everybody is entitled to a pleasant ride in the bus, you, the others and the driver. That way, the trip is great for all!