How to Ride the Bus

If you're new to riding buses, here are a few simple tips to make using PTS Bus the smart move for your travel needs.

How Do I Know Which Bus Route I Need?

It's easy to find information on which bus route(s) you need to make your trip and when they travel:

• Online, go to our system map and find the nearest route at your point of origin.
• By phone, call our Transit Information Service at (559) 791-7800 and an operator can give you all the information you need to plan your transit trip - routes, schedules, fares... everything. They'll also be happy to mail you schedules and maps as well.

How Do I Know Where the Bus Stops?

Every PTS bus stop has a sign - over 120 of them -- telling you the bus stops there. Once you know which route and stop you need, just look for the bus stop signs posted all along the route (usually every few blocks).

How Do I Know When the Right Bus Comes Along?

Every bus has its route number at the top front of the bus and on the side window next to the front door. In addition, the sign will also tell you the destination of the bus so you'll be certain you're getting on the right bus.

How Do I Get A Bus To Stop for Me?

As the bus route you want approaches, face the bus and signal to the driver to stop. Sometimes several routes stop at the same location, so this helps the driver know that you want his bus and not some other.

Where Do I Sit?

To make yourself more comfortable, take a seat if one is available. If all the bus seats are occupied, move to the rear of the bus. You'll find poles throughout the bus to hold if you're standing. Hold small children securely.

Please be courteous. The seats at the front of every bus are for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. There are also flip seats at the middle for riders in wheelchairs. Please make these areas available for fellow passengers who are in wheelchairs.

How Do I Get Off the Bus?

If you aren't sure where your stop is located, just ask the driver to call it out for you. Our drivers will do their best to help.

As the bus nears your stop, pull the cord above the windows. This signals the driver to stop at the next stop.

Please exit the bus through the middle doors. This leaves the front area clear for people who are getting on the bus and helps keep the bus running smoothly and on schedule.

How DO I Pay My Fare?

If you're paying by cash, just put your fare into the fare box when your board. Our fare boxes accept paper money as well as coins. Please make certain you have the correct fare because our drivers and fare boxes do not make change. Also, to speed boarding, have your fare ready before you get on. For more information on cash fares go to our section on Fares.

Use of Transfers

• Transfers are issued upon request at time of paying fare only, and are only good only for the passenger to whom originally issued.
• This transfer is issued to enable you to continue a single trip where it is necessary to ride more than one route. It is good only on the arrival. It is not good for the purpose of return trips, or stopovers.
• In case of misunderstanding, please pay fare, retain transfer, and contact the Porterville Transit Office (559) 791-7800. The driver will be glad to give you any further information you may desire. Your cooperation in observing these transfer conditions will be sincerely appreciated, and will enable us to serve you better.

What Do I Do If I Lose Something On the Bus?

Just call Lost and Found. For your convenience, there is a Lost and Found section in our Transit Center. Anything lost on a Porterville Transit bus (or COLT) will be turned in the Transit Center.

Can I Take My Bicycle On the Bus?

You bet! Our buses have racks on the front that can accommodate two bicycles. When the driver pulls up to your stop, just tell him you're securing your bike in the rack and he'll wait. Then board and pay your fare. When you get off, be sure to tell the driver you're taking your bike off.

Can The Bus Accommodate My Mobility Aids?

Certainly. Our buses are equipped with either a lift or a ramp to make it easy for persons using a wheelchair, walker or other mobility aid to board. The Courtesy Seating area at the middle of the bus has seats that lift up to accommodate riders in wheelchairs.