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Beaver County Transit Authority

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Title: Beaver County Transit Authority


1
Beaver County Transit Authority
2
Who am I?
  • Kristen Sheleheda, Supervisor of Planning and
    Service Quality
  • Primary duties
  • Design routing and scheduling for fixed and
    flexible route services
  • Track and analyze service data and statistics
  • Apply for and administer grant funding
  • Oversee the customer service function
  • Maintain local agency relationships

3
What is BCTA?
  • Beaver County Transit Authority
  • Incorporated by the Beaver County Board of
    Commissioners in 1980
  • Prior to incorporation, public transportation in
    Beaver County was operated by
  • Port Authority of Allegheny County
  • Greater Aliquippa Transit Authority (GATA)
  • Pittsburgh Lake Erie Railroad, and
  • Assorted local human service agencies
  • BCTAs Purpose
  • to acquire, hold, construct, improve, maintain
    and operate, own, and/or leaseall facilities
    necessary or incidentalfor the operation of a
    mass transportation system.

4
What is BCTA?
  • BCTA
  • Purchases and maintains vehicles
  • Hires, trains, and supervises drivers,
    dispatchers, mechanics, and administrative staff
  • Plans and operates transit service
  • Constructs, operates, and maintains
    transit-related facilities
  • Provides information to customers, not only with
    respect to our services, but with respect to
    other mobility services as well

5
What is BCTA?
  • Three principal types of service offered
  • Fixed routes operate by a set routing and
    schedule (Routes 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 11)
  • Demand And Response Transit operate on varying
    routing and scheduling according to customer
    needs (more personalized but more expensive)
  • Flexible routes include both a fixed and
    demand-responsive component (Route 8 Midland)

6
How are Transit Services Funded?
  • Federal funds
  • Primarily restricted to capital improvements
  • Replacement vehicles or fleet expansion
  • Construction of facilities
  • Purchase of fixed equipment (computers,
    fareboxes, telephones)
  • Allocated based on complex formulas including
    population, service area size, and ridership
  • Also include dedicated earmarks from elected
    officials

7
How are Transit Services Funded?
  • State funds
  • Provide for both capital improvements and
    operating expenses
  • Fuel
  • Wages and benefits
  • Vehicle maintenance
  • Come from a variety of sources
  • Slow growth and inconsistency in these sources
    has brought about a transit funding crisis in
    Pennsylvania

8
How are Transit Services Funded?
  • Local funds
  • Provide mostly for operating expenses
  • Allow us to subsidize DART fares for certain
    customer groups
  • In our case, these are provided by Beaver County,
    but they can also come from individual
    municipalities or a local sales tax
  • These are important because they not only help us
    to operate, but also indicate a hometown
    investment in and commitment to transit

9
How are Transit Services Funded?
  • Passenger fares
  • Offset our reliance on federal, state, and local
    subsidies
  • Usually set far below market price of service
  • Transit agencies are increasingly being judged by
    elected officials and taxpayers on their ability
    to recover a high percentage of their operating
    costs through these fares
  • Sound route planning and fare policies help to
    increase this percentage

10
BCTA Fixed Routes Route 1
  • Control cities Chippewa to Pittsburgh
  • General routing State Routes 18, 51, and 65
    (Ohio River Boulevard)
  • Connects to
  • Routes 2, 3, 6, 8, and 11 at the Rochester
    Transportation Center
  • Route 2 and Port Authority 16A and OV at Ambridge
    Park and Ride
  • Numerous Port Authority routes in Pittsburgh

11
BCTA Fixed Routes Route 2
  • Control cities Rochester to Ambridge
  • General routing State Route 18, Brodhead Road,
    and local streets in Aliquippa and Ambridge
  • Connects to
  • Routes 1, 3, 6, 8, and 11 at the Rochester
    Transportation Center
  • Routes 4 and 6 at the Expressway Travel Center
    (in Center Township)
  • Route 6 at Green Garden Plaza
  • Route 1 and Port Authority 16A and OV at Ambridge
    Park and Ride

12
BCTA Fixed Routes Route 3
  • Control cities Rochester to Pittsburgh
  • General routing State Routes 51 and 65 (Ohio
    River Boulevard) limited stops
  • Monday through Friday Only
  • 2 peak inbound trips
  • 2 peak outbound trips
  • Connects to
  • Routes 1, 2, 6, and 11 at the Rochester
    Transportation Center
  • Numerous Port Authority routes in Pittsburgh

13
BCTA Fixed Routes Route 4
  • Control cities Chippewa to Pittsburgh
  • General routing State Route 60, Parkway West,
    and West Busway limited stops
  • Monday through Friday Only
  • 4 peak inbound trips
  • 4 peak outbound trips
  • Connects to
  • Routes 2 and 6 at the Expressway Travel Center
  • Numerous Port Authority routes in Pittsburgh

14
BCTA Fixed Routes Route 6
  • Control cities Rochester to Robinson
  • General routing State Routes 18 and 60
  • Connects to
  • Routes 1, 2, 3, 8, and 11 at the Rochester
    Transportation Center
  • Routes 2 and 4 at the Expressway Travel Center
    (in Center Township)
  • Route 2 at Green Garden Plaza
  • Numerous Port Authority routes throughout the
    Airport area

15
BCTA Fixed Routes Route 11
  • Control cities Rochester to Vanport
  • General routing State Route 68, Dutch Ridge
    Road
  • Connects to
  • Routes 1, 2, 3, 6, and 8 at the Rochester
    Transportation Center

16
What Does a Ride Cost? Fixed Route
  • Also includes flexible route (bus stop-to-bus
    stop)
  • All in-county trips 1.75
  • Out-of-county trips
  • 1.00 surcharge past Sewickley on the Route 1
    (2.75 total fare)
  • 0.25 surcharge past Hopewell on the Route 6
    (2.00 total fare)
  • All express trips between Beaver County and
    Pittsburgh 3.50

17
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • Reduced fare program
  • Intended for persons with disabilities
  • Customer completes an application and presents
    verification of disability at BCTA in Rochester
  • Customer receives a card valid for travel at half
    fare, rounded to the lower nickel
  • Card valid on all Pennsylvania transit systems
  • Temporary disability temporary eligibility
  • Program in effect all day, every day
  • Customer cannot use another discounted fare
    payment method in tandem with this program

18
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • Free senior transit program
  • Intended for persons age 65 and older
  • Customer completes an application and presents
    verification of age at BCTA in Rochester
  • Customer receives a card valid for free travel
  • Card valid on all Pennsylvania transit systems
  • In lieu of this card, customer can present
    Medicare card and proof of age
  • Program in effect all day, every day

19
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP)
  • Intended for those eligible for Medical
    Assistance
  • Customer must register with the MATP Coordinator
    at BCTA in Rochester
  • Customer is then eligible for free trips on fixed
    route services
  • These trips must be taken for medical purposes
    (appointments, treatment, prescriptions)

20
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • Children
  • Age 5 and under ride free with a fare-paying
    passenger (limit 2)
  • Age 6-11 ride at half-fare, rounded to the lower
    nickel

21
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • Transfers
  • Are free and worth the base fare (1.75 full
    fare/0.85 half fare)
  • Valid for three hours on any connecting route
  • Not valid for return or continuing trips on the
    same route
  • Customer pays applicable zone charges, if any
  • Allows travel between any two points in the
    county for one reasonable fare

22
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • Transfers
  • Express transfer
  • Morning customer pays express fare on the
    connecting route
  • Boards the express route and pays no additional
    fare
  • Afternoon customer pays express fare on the
    express route
  • Boards a connecting route and pays no additional
    fare for trips within Beaver County
  • Transfer agreement with Port Authority in
    Ambridge, Aliquippa, and Airport Corridor

23
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • Transfer sample picture

24
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • Day pass
  • Customer purchases this directly from the driver
    for 3.25
  • Price includes unlimited trips within Beaver
    County until the end of the service day
  • Out-of-county can also use by paying the
    applicable surcharge
  • Valid out-of-county - except downtown Pittsburgh
  • Route 1 out-of-county (Leetsdale, Sewickley)
    adds 1.00
  • Route 6 out-of-county adds 0.25

25
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • Day pass
  • Eliminates the hassle of requesting and
    presenting transfers
  • Unlike a transfer, the day pass can be used on
    return or continuing trips on the same route
  • Non-transferable
  • When compared to cash, offers a slight discount
    of 4-7 on a round trip more if the customer
    travels a lot during the day

26
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • Day pass sample picture

27
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • 101 trip ticket
  • Customer purchases this directly from BCTA or
    from one of our remote ticket outlets
  • It is purchased for the fare value most
    frequently used (1.75, 2.00, 2.75, 3.50)
  • Good for trips at or below the purchased fare
    value, or can be supplemented with cash
  • Customer pays for 10 one-way trips, and receives
    the 11th trip free
  • No expiration date
  • Because a finite amount of trips are being
    purchased, this ticket can be transferred, or
    used to pay for multiple fares at one time (for
    example, you and a friend)
  • When compared to cash, offers a discount of 9
  • Good for the infrequent rider

28
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • 101 trip ticket sample picture

29
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • 7-day pass
  • Customer purchases this directly from BCTA or
    from one of our remote ticket outlets
  • It is purchased for the fare value most
    frequently used (1.75, 2.00, 2.75, 3.50)
  • Good for trips at or below the purchased fare
    value, or can be supplemented with cash
  • Can be held until needed, and validated upon
    first use

30
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • 7-day pass
  • Good for unlimited travel within seven
    consecutive days upon validation
  • Non-transferable
  • Price based upon ten one-way trips
  • In this manner, when compared to cash, offers a
    discount of 14 - more if a customer rides
    evenings and Saturdays
  • Value for the frequent or everyday rider who
    cannot afford the purchase of a greater number of
    trips

31
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • 7-day pass sample picture

32
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • 31-day pass
  • Customer purchases this directly from BCTA or
    from one of our remote ticket outlets
  • It is purchased for the fare value most
    frequently used (1.75, 2.00, 2.75, 3.50)
  • Good for trips at or below the purchased fare
    value, or can be supplemented with cash
  • Like the 7-day pass, can be held until needed,
    and validated upon first use

33
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • 31-day pass
  • Good for unlimited travel within thirty-one
    consecutive days upon validation
  • Non-transferable
  • Price based upon forty-four one-way trips
  • In this manner, when compared to cash, offers a
    discount of 18 - more if a customer rides
    evenings and Saturdays
  • Our best value for the everyday rider

34
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • 31-day pass sample picture

35
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • Fare cards
  • Sold with no discount directly by BCTA and select
    remote ticket outlets
  • Customer purchases as many as they need
    individually (phasing in sales of books of ten)
  • Available in four values (0.85, 1.00, 1.35,
    1.75)
  • Can be mixed and matched to make up any full or
    reduced fare value
  • Good for customers who cannot or choose not to
    carry cash

36
Ways to Save Fixed Route
  • Fare card sample picture

37
Demand and Response Transit (DART)
  • Door-to-door, advanced reservation, shared-ride
    service provided by BCTA
  • Covers all of Beaver County
  • Rural area trips made Monday, Wednesday, Friday,
    and Saturday only
  • Urban area served Monday through Saturday
  • No Sunday service
  • Hours of service
  • Monday and Friday 730am to 430pm
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 730am to
    930pm
  • Saturday 930am to 430pm

38
Demand and Response Transit (DART)
  • Service available to
  • Persons not living within ¼-mile of a BCTA fixed
    route
  • Those with specialized transportation needs
  • Daily routes and schedules vary according to
    customer requests hence the daily schedule is a
    direct response to the collective demand of
    the market

39
Demand and Response Transit (DART)
  • No restriction on trip purpose (can be taken for
    any reason)
  • No type of trip is given priority over another in
    the scheduling process
  • Service is door-to-door, with reasonable
    assistance available from the driver
  • Customer, however, must share the ride with other
    customers DART is not a direct point-to-point
    taxi service

40
Demand and Response Transit (DART)
  • Reservation process
  • Reservations are accepted Monday through Friday,
    800am to 300pm
  • Reservations must be made by 12noon the working
    day before the trip, and up to a week in advance
  • Customer receives a call after 330pm with
    pick-up time for the next day
  • Actual times are within a 15-minute window of
    given times

41
Demand and Response Transit (DART)
  • Cancellation process
  • If it is necessary to cancel a trip, this must be
    done by 12noon the working day before the trip
  • This allows another customer use of the system
  • Extenuating circumstances may be taken into
    consideration
  • Failure to follow this procedure results in the
    assessment of a late cancellation or no-show
  • Upon the third no-show, riding privileges are
    suspended until payment is made for the three
    no-shows
  • 15 per trip for a total of 45

42
What Does a Ride Cost? DART
  • Sticker price of all trips is 9.25
  • Many funding sources are available to subsidize
    the fare for certain customer groups (to be
    covered shortly)
  • Transfers to the fixed route are available at no
    additional charge

43
Ways to Save DART
  • Children
  • Age 5 and under ride free with a fare-paying
    passenger (limit 2)
  • Age 6-11 ride at half-fare, rounded to the lower
    nickel

44
Ways to Save DART
  • Senior lottery program
  • Intended for persons age 65 and older
  • Customer completes an application and presents
    verification of age at BCTA in Rochester
  • Customer receives a card valid for travel at a
    fare of 1.25 each way
  • Pennsylvania Lottery subsidizes 85 of the
    general public fare
  • Beaver County Office on Aging subsidizes the
    remainder, less the 1.25 co-pay

45
Ways to Save DART
  • Beaver County Office on Aging
  • Intended for persons age 60-64
  • Customer completes an application and presents
    verification of age at BCTA in Rochester
  • Customer is then eligible for travel at a fare of
    1.25 each way
  • Beaver County Office on Aging subsidizes most of
    the general public fare
  • For this particular group, work trips are not
    eligible for subsidy

46
Ways to Save DART
  • Reduced fare program
  • Intended for persons with disabilities traveling
    within urbanized parts of Beaver and Allegheny
    Counties
  • Customer completes an application and presents
    verification of disability at BCTA in Rochester
  • Customer receives a card valid for travel at half
    of the general public fare, rounded to the lower
    nickel
  • Beaver County subsidizes half of the general
    public fare
  • Temporary disability temporary eligibility

47
Ways to Save DART
  • Rural Transportation Program for Persons with
    Disabilities (PwD)
  • Intended for persons with disabilities living or
    having travel needs in more rural areas of Beaver
    County
  • Customer completes an application and submits
    verification of disability to BCTA in Rochester
  • Customer eligible for travel at 23 of general
    public fare, rounded to the lower nickel
  • Temporary disability temporary eligibility
  • Funding source of last resort

48
Ways to Save DART
  • Human Services Development Fund (HSDF)
  • Intended for low-income persons age 18-59
  • Customer submits an application to BCTA in
    Rochester
  • Customer is then eligible for one or two free
    round trips on DART per week, depending on
    funding levels
  • These trips must be taken to and from human
    service agencies and/or medical appointments

49
Ways to Save DART
  • Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP)
  • Intended for those eligible for Medical
    Assistance
  • Customer must register with the MATP Coordinator
    at BCTA in Rochester
  • Customer is then eligible for free trips on DART
  • These trips must be taken for medical purposes
    (appointments, treatment, prescriptions)

50
Ways to Save DART
  • Other programs
  • Clients of Beaver County Rehabilitation Center
    (BCRC) under certain circumstances have all or a
    portion of their DART fares paid by that agency
  • Volunteers with the Foster Grandparent Program
    (FGP) have all or a portion of their
    assignment-related DART fares subsidized by that
    program

51
BCTA Flexible Route Route 8
  • Flexible service
  • Bus stop-to-bus stop passengers ride according
    to the public timetable
  • Door-to-door passengers riding off of the
    established route, but within the service area
    must call the DART office for a reservation
  • These customers are given an individualized set
    of pick-up and drop-off times
  • The bus then flexes off the established route
    to pick the customer(s) up

52
BCTA Flexible Route Route 8
  • Control cities Rochester to Midland
  • General routing State Route 68, Dutch Ridge
    Road
  • Hours of operation
  • Monday through Friday 900am to 630pm
  • Saturday 915am to 530pm
  • No Sunday service
  • Frequency Varies, but generally every 4 hours
  • Connects to
  • Routes 1, 2, 6, and 11 at the Rochester
    Transportation Center

53
Convenience
  • Proximity
  • BCTA provides service to almost 400 major
    destinations (shopping, housing, medical,
    recreation, schools, etc.) alone or in
    conjunction with Port Authority of Allegheny
    County
  • 44 of Beaver County residents live within ¼-mile
    of a BCTA fixed bus route
  • Fixed routes run along most Beaver County Main
    Streets
  • DART service covers the entire County, according
    to need

54
Convenience
  • Hours of service
  • Weekday fixed route service starts at 500am and
    continues until 900pm
  • Saturday fixed route service starts at 800am
    and continues until 700pm
  • Some routes begin a bit later and/or end a bit
    earlier
  • DART hours vary according to need
  • Provides access to most major work shifts in
    Beaver County and Pittsburgh

55
Convenience
  • Frequency
  • Most fixed route service operates on a consistent
    hourly headway
  • Express services and Route 1 commuter services
    operate as frequently as every 30 minutes
  • DART service operates according to need
  • This gives the customer numerous and predictable
    options for traveling to and from their
    destination

56
Convenience
  • Simplicity
  • As stated earlier, most services operate
    according to a consistent hourly headway
  • Easy to know when the next bus will be arriving
  • Fare system has been greatly simplified
  • All routes are identified by a
  • Number
  • Color
  • Shape

57
Convenience
  • Connectivity
  • Fixed route services operate according to a
    pulse system
  • Uses two main hubs (Rochester and Ambridge)
  • All routes arrive and depart at about the same
    time
  • Minimizes transfer waiting time
  • Close connections at other hubs as well
  • Transfer agreement with Port Authority in
    Ambridge, Aliquippa, and the Airport area
  • DART trips can be timed to meet fixed routes

58
Convenience
  • Seat availability
  • BCTA takes passenger loads into account when
    assigning vehicles to trips, or purchasing new
    vehicles
  • We regularly review ridership data and add or
    delete service where it can be done safely
  • Capacity is matched to demand
  • The end result one very seldom sees a customer
    standing on a BCTA bus

59
Reliability
  • Schedule adherence
  • No more than 1 minute ahead or 5 minutes behind
    schedule is considered on-time
  • Transfers
  • Our policies include a maximum six-minute hold at
    hubs to ensure that connections are made
  • Drivers can communicate transfers to one another
    via an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system
  • Vehicle maintenance
  • A strong emphasis on preventive maintenance keeps
    our vehicles on the road and minimizes service
    interruptions

60
Accessibility
  • All fixed route vehicles are equipped with either
    a wheelchair lift or ramp
  • All DART vehicles are lift-equipped
  • Majority of fixed route buses kneel in
    addition, to accommodate those with limited
    mobility
  • Designated seating for those with mobility
    limitations
  • Fixed route drivers announce principal
    timepoints for those with visual impairments

61
Accessibility
  • Armband program to help fixed route drivers
    identify customers with visual impairments
  • DART drivers will assist passengers between the
    door at their point of origin, the vehicle, and
    the door at their final destination
  • DART drivers will also assist with a limited
    number of packages

62
Accessibility
  • Written materials available in alternative
    formats upon request
  • Braille
  • Audiotape
  • Large print
  • Telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD)
    available to facilitate fixed route and DART
    customer service and information
  • All staff receive sensitivity training with
    respect to the needs of those with disabilities

63
Safety
  • Traffic safety
  • Membership in the State Association for Transit
    Insurance, Inc. (SAFTI)
  • Vehicle safety
  • Our emphasis on preventive maintenance helps to
    uphold our safety record
  • Passenger safety
  • No criminal incidents on board BCTA vehicles in
    recent memory
  • No reported criminal incidents at stops or
    facilities
  • Drivers are a resource to passengers and have a
    direct link to dispatch and the authorities

64
Safety
  • Driver training
  • All fixed route and DART drivers undergo a
    rigorous safety training program before being
    permitted to enter revenue service
  • Defensive driving
  • CPR
  • Fire safety
  • Training also given on an ongoing and remedial
    basis
  • BCTA has successfully cut its percentage of high
    risk drivers since taking over operations

65
How to Read a Bus Schedule
  • Step 1 Select the route(s) needed
  • Tips
  • Control cities generally listed on the front
    cover
  • List of cities/towns and major destinations also
    generally listed on the front cover
  • List of timepoints inside give clues as to
    routing (read down)
  • Basic maps included

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How to Read a Bus Schedule
  • Step 2 Locate the timepoint closest to your
    point of origin
  • Tips
  • Cities and towns along the route are listed in
    colored bands use these to narrow search
  • Principal timepoints (intersections or landmarks)
    in each town are also listed
  • This is the practice due to large number of stops
  • You will find two that apply to your trip one
    in each direction

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How to Read a Bus Schedule
  • Step 3 Select your direction from point of
    origin
  • Tips
  • Direction in the form of control cities listed
    in the black band at the top of the timetable
  • As you read down, is the route traveling in the
    direction you need to go?
  • This becomes easier as you develop a general
    understanding of the system routing

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71
How to Read a Bus Schedule
  • Step 4 Select the time you need to depart from
    your point of origin
  • Tips
  • Read directly across from your selected timepoint
    to see times that the bus serves that location
  • Depending on whether your specific stop falls
    before or after the timepoint, you may have to
    adjust your departure time slightly
  • We recommend arriving at the bus stop several
    minutes ahead of schedule, to account for
    differences in setting clocks and watches

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How to Read a Bus Schedule
  • Step 5 Locate the timepoint closest to your
    destination
  • Tips
  • Again, use cities/towns and timepoints to narrow
    your search
  • Should have already figured out the proper
    direction (read down from your point of origin)
  • Read directly across from your selected timepoint
    to see times that the bus serves that location

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How to Read a Bus Schedule
  • Step 6 Note the time you will arrive at your
    destination
  • Tips
  • Imagine a straight vertical line it connects
    your departure and arrival times
  • You can adjust one or more spaces to the left or
    right to tailor the times to your needs
  • Depending on whether your specific stop falls
    before or after the timepoint, you may have to
    adjust your arrival time slightly

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How to Read a Bus Schedule
  • Step 7 If needed, plan your connecting trip
  • Tips
  • Bear in mind BCTAs transfer points
  • Rochester Transportation Center
  • Ambridge Park and Ride
  • Expressway Travel Center
  • Green Garden Plaza
  • These are shown on the maps in each schedule
  • Repeat steps 1 through 6

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How to Read a Bus Schedule
  • Step 8 Return to your point of origin
  • Tips
  • Start with the connecting route, if any, then
    move to your initial route from earlier
  • Reverse your direction
  • Continue to read down the schedule to trace the
    routing of the bus
  • Continue to shift left or right to find times
    that meet your needs
  • Connect your departure and arrival times with a
    vertical line

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82
How to Locate the Bus Stop
  • Remember, printed timetables only include major
    timepoints
  • You may call BCTA for specific stops close to
    your origin and destination, or request a full
    stop list
  • Stops are listed in the following format MAIN
    STREET/CLOSEST CROSS STREET
  • For example, Merchant Street/11th Street means
    along Merchant Street, at or near 11th Street

83
How to Locate the Bus Stop
  • Most stops are also designated near side or
    far side
  • For example, a near side stop at Merchant
    Street/11th Street would mean you would wait
    along Merchant before the intersection with 11th
  • Based upon the direction the bus is traveling, it
    would reach you before it reaches the
    intersection
  • Once you figure out where you need to wait, look
    for the BCTA Bus Stop sign
  • 12 wide by 24 inches tall
  • White, black, and blue color scheme

84
How to Locate the Bus Stop
  • Bus stop sign sample picture

85
How to Identify Your Bus
  • Look at the destination sign on the front of the
    bus, above the windshield
  • The signs list
  • Route number
  • Final destination
  • Major interim destinations
  • In many cases, buses have signs along the side
    that list these same types of information
  • Dont hesitate to flag down the driver and ask
    questions if you are unsure

86
How to Identify Your Bus
  • Bus front destination sign sample picture

87
How to Identify Your Bus
  • Bus side destination sign sample picture

88
How to Board the Bus
  • Please be at a designated stop on-time
  • For insurance reasons, drivers will not permit
    boarding at non-designated stops
  • In most cases, drivers must adhere to a strict
    schedule and will not be able to wait
  • As the bus approaches, stand close to the stop
    and signal the driver
  • Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop, then
    board at the front door
  • If you require the bus to kneel, or the use of
    a wheelchair lift, please ask the driver

89
How to Pay Your Fare
  • As you board, please have your exact fare ready
    in the form of cash, pass, or ticket
  • This will help speed the boarding process and
    keep the bus on-time
  • Drivers do not carry change
  • In most cases, drivers will allow an exception to
    you if you do not have the full amount needed to
    pay your fare however, this is a one-time
    courtesy only
  • You will generally not be permitted to deboard at
    an interim stop to get change in order to pay
    your fare

90
How to Pay Your Fare
  • If paying by cash, fare cards or paper transfer
  • You will notice two slots on the farebox
  • Coins are dropped in the left slot
  • Paper media are deposited in the slot on the
    right
  • To ensure that the correct fare is being paid,
    and help to prevent farebox breakdowns, bills,
    fare cards, and transfers must be unfolded before
    being placed into the farebox
  • If you need to transfer to another BCTA or Port
    Authority bus, ask the driver for a transfer
  • If you are purchasing a Day Pass, please notify
    the driver

91
How to Pay Your Fare
  • Farebox sample picture

92
How to Pay Your Fare
  • If paying by magnetic pass, ticket, or BCTA
    transfer
  • There will be a small box with a slot in the top
    in the immediate area of the main farebox
  • Insert your unfolded pass, ticket, or transfer
    arrow side down into this slot
  • If the magnetic card is used up or expired, the
    box will retain it expired cards are not valid
    for fare payment
  • If you have trips remaining on the card, the box
    will process it and pass it back to you for
    future use

93
How to Pay Your Fare
  • Magnetic reader sample picture

94
How to Conduct Ones Self
  • Conduct prohibited aboard BCTA vehicles includes,
    but is not limited to, the following
  • Refusing to pay the proper fare
  • Harassing or threatening the driver or other
    passengers
  • Using profanity
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages or being grossly
    intoxicated to the point of the following
  • Harassing or disturbing others
  • Loud or disruptive
  • Loss of control over bodily functions

95
How to Conduct Ones Self
  • Conduct prohibited aboard BCTA vehicles includes,
    but is not limited to, the following
  • Smoking
  • Eating
  • Drinking
  • Except non-alcoholic beverages from a covered,
    spill-resistant container such as a travel mug
  • Carrying weapons
  • Listening to music without headphones and/or at a
    volume that disturbs other passengers or the
    driver

96
How to Conduct Ones Self
  • Conduct prohibited aboard BCTA vehicles includes,
    but is not limited to, the following
  • Lying down or occupying more than one seat
  • Of course, we make reasonable exceptions for
    children and sleepy adults as space permits
  • Loud or disruptive behavior
  • Putting feet up on the seats
  • Littering
  • Defacing the vehicle or other peoples belongings
  • Bringing animals aboard that are not service
    animals or are not carried in an approved pet
    carrier

97
How to Conduct Ones Self
  • Violation of these rules can result in the
    following
  • Expulsion from the vehicle
  • Refusal of future service
  • Fine
  • Arrest
  • In general, our rules are common sense and we
    expect our passengers to treat others the way
    they would like to be treated

98
How to De-board the Bus
  • Shortly after the bus passes the stop before
    yours, pull the cord located directly above or
    alongside your seat
  • A stop requested light and a bell at the front
    of the bus will let the driver know you want to
    de-board
  • Dont hesitate to ask the driver if you need help
    identifying your destination
  • Please wait to exit the bus until it comes to a
    complete stop

99
How to De-board the Bus
  • De-boarding features sample pictures

100
If You Need More Information
  • We will be happy to assist you in person, by
    mail, or over the phone
  • Rochester Transportation Center
  • 200 West Washington Street
  • Rochester, PA 15074
  • Hours of operation
  • Monday through Friday 530am to 730pm
  • Saturday 1000am to 200pm
  • Phone
  • Fixed route questions (724) 728-8600
  • DART (724) 728-4200
  • TDD (724) 728-3221
  • Answers are also available over the web
  • www.bcta.com
  • Timely service news and updates
  • Descriptions of BCTA programs
  • Remote ticket outlets locations
  • Contact information
  • Schedules and fares
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