Rider Guide
Everything you need to ride with confidence.
From boarding your first bus to bringing your bike, stroller or service animal, here’s how riding Niagara Transit works.
New to the bus? Start here
Riding is easy once you’ve done it once. Here’s a trip start to finish. New riders can also watch our short guide to bus travel.
Plan your trip and find your stop
Use the trip planner or the Transit app to get your route and stop. Every stop sign has a four-digit stop number.
Get your fare ready
Buy a mobile ticket in the app or bring exact change. A single fare is $3.50 and covers two hours of transfers. See fares and passes.
Signal the bus
As your bus approaches, check the route number on the front and give the operator a clear wave so they know to stop. After dark, light up your phone screen so you’re easy to see.
Let riders off, then board
Wait for people to exit before you step on. Pay your fare, and ask for a transfer if you’re paying cash. Then find a seat or hold a yellow grab bar.
Move back and hold on
When the bus is busy, move toward the back to make room. If you’re standing, hold a handrail or strap in case the bus stops suddenly.
Signal your stop and exit
Listen for the announced stops. When yours is next, pull the yellow cord or press the red button. Wait for a full stop, exit through the rear doors, and never cross in front of the bus.
New to transit entirely? Our Transit for New Riders page walks through your very first trip in more detail, and we offer free in-person presentations for groups.
Every bus has a bike rack
All Niagara Transit buses have a front-mounted bike rack, free to use with your fare. You load and unload your own bike.
- Load your bike before boarding, from the curb side or in front of the bus
- Tell the operator before you unload so they know you’re at the front
- You’re responsible for your own bike, loading and unloading
Strollers, animals and priority seats
Strollers
You can bring your child on board while they stay in the stroller. The safest place for a young child on a moving bus is in an adult’s arms.
- Maximum stroller size: two feet wide by four feet long
- Hold the stroller, apply the brakes, and keep it clear of the aisle
- Securement devices are for wheelchairs and scooters, not strollers
Service and comfort animals
Certified service animals ride free, always. Non-certified comfort animals are also welcome on board.
- You’re responsible for your animal’s behaviour
- Keep your animal on the floor and out of the aisle
- Staff can deny entry to animals behaving aggressively
Priority and courtesy seating
Seats near the front door marked with the blue decal are priority seating for riders with disabilities.
- Courtesy seats are for seniors, expectant mothers, and adults with small children
- If you don’t need these seats, offer them to someone who does
Keep it clean and comfortable
Help us keep seats and floors clean for the next rider.
- No food on board; keep drinks in a closed, spill-proof container
- Keep feet off the seats; standing on seats is unsafe and dirties them
- Take your garbage with you when you leave
- No smoking or vaping
Keep your things with you
Only bring what you can carry and manage on your own. Keep bags on your lap or at your feet, out of the aisle, so others can pass and the operator has a clear view.
Check your seat before you get off. Left something behind? Call 1-833-678-5463, option 2, or visit our Lost and Found page.
A little courtesy goes a long way
The bus is a shared space. These small things make every trip better for everyone.
Let riders off first
Line up and step aside so people can exit before you board.
Share the seats
Offer priority and courtesy seats to those who need them.
Move to the back
When it’s crowded, moving rear makes room for everyone boarding.
Keep the noise down
Use headphones and keep calls quiet, especially early and late.
Keep the aisle clear
Bags and belongings stay out of the walkway and off the seats.
Lend a hand
If someone’s struggling with bags or a stroller, help if you safely can.