For everyone to benefit from our Transportation Service, it’s essential to have clear guidelines that ensure safety, efficiency, and a comfortable environment for all passengers. These guidelines are designed to foster cooperation and respect, allowing us to provide a reliable and pleasant transportation service experience for our community. By understanding and adhering to these rules, passengers contribute to a positive journey for themselves and others.
Respectful Conduct on Board
Maintaining respectful behavior is paramount when utilizing our transportation service. To ensure the safety and smooth operation of each journey, every passenger is required to follow the instructions provided by the bus driver. The driver is responsible for the overall safety and management of the bus, and their directions are crucial for maintaining order and efficiency.
For passenger safety, it is mandatory that all passengers remain seated and securely fasten their seat belts whenever the bus is in motion. This simple act significantly reduces the risk of injury in the event of sudden stops or unexpected maneuvers.
Noise levels on the bus must be kept at a reasonable level. The driver will assess and determine what constitutes an acceptable noise level, taking into consideration the comfort of all passengers and the need to maintain a focused driving environment. Excessive noise can be distracting and detract from the overall experience of the transportation service for everyone on board.
Behavior that diverts the driver’s attention or impedes their ability to operate the bus safely will not be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, the use of abusive or discourteous language, throwing objects within the bus, tampering with emergency equipment such as windows or safety devices, or any form of disruptive conduct amongst passengers. Such actions can create an unsafe environment and undermine the quality of the transportation service.
Any damage or defacement to the bus property as a result of a passenger’s actions will lead to denial of future service. Furthermore, the responsible party will be held accountable for the cost of repairs to compensate the Berthoud Area Transportation System (BATS) for the damage incurred. Respecting the vehicle ensures the longevity and quality of our shared transportation service.
Items Permitted and Restricted for Passenger Safety
To ensure the safety and comfort of all using our transportation service, there are specific guidelines regarding items allowed on board. Any item that could potentially pose a hazard is strictly prohibited. This includes items such as knives, matches, gasoline, flammable liquids, and glass containers that could break and cause injury. These restrictions are in place to minimize risks and maintain a safe environment for everyone.
Large items carried onto the bus must not obstruct the aisle or exceed the height of the seat in a way that blocks the driver’s view of the passengers. Maintaining clear visibility is crucial for the driver to effectively monitor passengers and ensure everyone’s safety. We kindly request passengers to limit the number of shopping bags brought on board to help maintain space and accessibility.
While drivers are happy to assist passengers by carrying groceries and packages to their door upon arrival, please note that they are unable to enter homes to deliver items. Additionally, BATS is unable to transport furniture or items that are excessively heavy for drivers to safely lift or carry, as this could pose a risk of injury to our staff.
For the comfort of all passengers and to maintain cleanliness, smoking and eating are not permitted on BATS buses. However, bottled water is allowed, enabling passengers to stay hydrated during their journey. Ultimately, the bus driver has the authority to determine what items are and are not permitted on the bus, prioritizing safety and the smooth operation of the transportation service.
Managing Appointments, No-Shows, and Accessibility
To ensure our transportation service operates efficiently and serves everyone effectively, we have procedures in place for appointment scheduling and unforeseen delays. If a medical appointment is running behind schedule, we kindly request that you, or the doctor’s office, contact BATS as soon as possible to inform us of the delay. This allows our drivers to adjust their routes and potentially pick up other passengers first, minimizing disruption to the overall schedule. Please remember that to ensure return transportation to Berthoud, appointments should conclude by 11:30 am.
To ensure fair access to our transportation service, we have a no-show policy. If a rider accumulates more than three no-shows within a 30-day period, they may face a temporary suspension of service for one week. Continued no-shows may result in extended suspensions of up to 30 days or even the loss of access to transportation services provided by BATS. It is important to note that if a rider is late due to a documented medical appointment delay, this will not be considered a no-show.
Accessibility is a priority for our transportation service. All BATS vehicles are equipped to accommodate wheelchairs. For safety, wheelchairs must be securely fastened at all times using the vehicle’s restraint system.
Service animals are welcome to accompany riders on board our buses. While drivers may politely inquire if an animal is a service animal and ask what tasks it is trained to perform, this is simply to ensure understanding of the animal’s role and needs. Riders are responsible for maintaining control of their service animals at all times. Service animals must not be allowed to roam freely on the bus or disturb other passengers. In contrast, companion or comfort animals are permitted only if they are secured in a carrier and are being transported for specific purposes such as veterinary care or transportation to a kennel.
Conditions for Service Refusal to Ensure Safety
BATS reserves the right to refuse transportation service to individuals whose actions compromise the safety and well-being of themselves and others. This right is invoked in situations involving:
- Violent actions: Any display of violent behavior will result in immediate refusal of service.
- Seriously disruptive behavior: Actions that are deemed seriously disruptive to the point of posing a safety threat to themselves or other passengers will not be tolerated.
- Illegal activities: Engaging in any illegal activities while utilizing our transportation service will result in service refusal.
In situations where service is refused due to these reasons, the driver will stop the bus in a safe location and request the passenger to leave the vehicle. If necessary, and particularly in cases involving illegal or violent behavior, the police will be contacted to ensure the safety and security of all involved.
For less severe infractions, a first offense may result in a written warning. However, a second offense will lead to the termination of access to transportation services provided by BATS. Passengers who exhibit abusive behavior towards other passengers or the driver will face immediate and permanent suspension from the service and may also be subject to criminal charges depending on the severity of their actions. These measures are in place to protect the integrity of our transportation service and the safety of everyone who uses it.
