Rules for Riding
Riders have responsibilities, too.
EMBARK has established the Rider Conduct & Exclusion Policy to promote the safety and comfort of its patrons, to facilitate the proper use of transit facilities and services, to protect transit facilities and employees, to assure the payment of fares and to ensure that transit vehicles and facilities are safe, welcoming and provide equitable access for transit passengers.
It only takes one person to ruin a good experience on EMBARK – and we take that very seriously. Anyone in violation of the actions below may be asked to leave the EMBARK vehicle or facility, and risk suspension of their privileges to use EMBARK transit services and the ability to enter transit property. An overview of this policy is summarized below. Download and review the complete policy for a comprehensive understanding of the rules, exclusion guidelines and appeals process.
See the Top 15 Rules for Riding Below
What the Rider Conduct Ordinance and Exclusion Policy Applies To
Specifically, the Rider Conduct Policy applies to all activities that occur in or on:
- EMBARK transit buses and vehicles
- Transit Center
- Mini-Hubs
- Parking lots
- Bus shelters
- Administration and Operation facilities
- Other passenger facilities
Common Sense Guidelines
EMBARK’s Rules for Riding can be summed up with the following common-sense guidelines:
- Valid and correct fare is required
- Allow seniors and people with disabilities to use priority seating
- Respect others, do not harass driver or riders
- Don't be so loud that you disturb others
- Don't block the aisles or doors
- Keep food and drinks in closed containers
- No tobacco or "vaping" on any EMBARK property or facility
- Respect transit property
- Use EMBARK services and facilities for transit purposes only
What Items Can I Bring & How Do I Store Them?
- Two-wheeled grocery storage carts
- Strollers: We recommend using a folding "umbrella" style stroller. Large and double-wide strollers are not practical for use on EMBARK. Strollers must be folded on a bus, and must not block the aisle, stairs or doorway
- Luggage/bags/backpacks/packages: No more than 4 grocery size bags. Riders must be able to manage them on their own
- Mobility devices: The power lifts on PLUS buses (paratransit) can hold wheelchairs and scooters up to 30 inches wide and 48 inches long, weighing up to 800 pounds when occupied
- Food/drinks: Eating is not allowed on EMBARK, but you can bring food and drinks on board in closed containers (no open-container alcohol allowed)
- Pets: Your pet dog is welcome on EMBARK vehicles at the discretion of the operator as long as your dog is clean, under the owner's control, not being aggressive, and secured on a leash, chain, or rope; or in carrier designed for animal transport.
The Role of the Bus Operator
A bus operator's primary job is to operate the bus safely. If problems arise on the bus, the bus operator's first priority is to determine if a passenger's safety or security is at stake. The operator will assess the severity of the problem and resources available, and respond accordingly. The bus operator, at his/her discretion, may choose to talk to the passenger, call for assistance, submit a report on the incident at the end of their shift, or take no immediate action.
In the case of minor infractions of the rider conduct policy, EMBARK’s general guideline for the driver would be to continue on the route rather than inconvenience other riders by delaying service. The role of the bus operator is that of a peacekeeper, not an enforcer. Enforcement of the rider conduct policy is handled through a network of professionals that can be called upon by the bus operator, if and when needed.