Our Commitment

Columbus Transit is committed to providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation for everyone. To ensure a positive experience for all riders, passengers are expected to follow these guidelines and comply with instructions provided by Columbus Transit employees.

Transit Operators are responsible for maintaining a safe and orderly environment on their vehicles and are authorized to enforce these rules when necessary.

Rider Expectations

All riders are expected to:

• Treat Transit employees and fellow passengers with respect.
• Follow instructions from Columbus Transit employees.
• Maintain behavior that does not disrupt service or interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle.
• Keep aisles, doorways, and mobility device areas clear when not in use.
• Respect Transit property and facilities.

Prohibited Conduct

The following behaviors are not permitted on Columbus Transit vehicles, stops, shelters, or other Transit property:

• Harassing, threatening, intimidating, or assaulting others.
• Using abusive, discriminatory, or offensive language
• Fighting or engaging in aggressive behavior.
• Disrupts or interferes with Transit operations.
• Refusing instructions from a Transit employee.
• Smoking or vaping.
• Consuming alcohol or using illegal drugs.
• Damaging Transit property.
• Tampering with vehicle equipment or safety devices.
• Possessing, displaying, or using a weapon in a threatening manner.
• Engaging in conduct that creates a safety concern or significantly disrupts Transit operations
• Refuses to comply with Columbus Transit policies.
• Creates a safety concern. Interferes with the operator’s ability to safely perform their duties.

Whenever possible, riders will be given an opportunity to correct their behavior before additional action is taken. However, Transit Operators may require a rider to exit a vehicle for any of the above offenses.

Violations

Violations of these rules may result in:

• Verbal warnings
• Temporary trespass from Columbus Transit services and facilities
• Long-term or permanent trespass from Columbus Transit services and facilities
• Referral to law enforcement when appropriate

Some violations may result in immediate removal from service by a Driver Operator and/or Transit staff.

Rider Education and Warnings

When appropriate, Driver operators should:

1. Explain the applicable policy.
2. Request compliance.
3. Issue a warning if necessary.
4. Advise the rider that continued noncompliance may result in removal from service.

Removal from Service

Driver Operators may require a rider to exit the vehicle at a safe location when the rider:

• Continues to violate Columbus Transit policies after being advised of the violation.
• Creates a safety concern.
• Disrupts Transit operations.
• Harasses, intimidates, or threatens staff or others.
• Refuses to follow Driver instructions.
• Interferes with the Driver’s ability to safely operate the vehicle.

Driver Operators may trespass a rider whose conduct warrants removal from service for one (1) day without management’s approval.

Serious Conduct Issues

The following behaviors may warrant immediate removal from service and/or law enforcement involvement without warning:

• Threats
• Harassment or intimidation
• Verbal or Physical aggression
• Assault or fighting
• Drug use
• Significant property damage
• Displaying a weapon in a threatening manner
• Any conduct creating an immediate safety risk

When a serious violation occurs and management review may result in a trespass of more than one day, the Driver Operator should advise the rider:

You will need to contact the Columbus Transit office before riding again.

Management will review the incident and determine any additional restrictions on service.

Working Together

Security

ColumBUS Transit buses, paraTransit vehicles, and facilities are equipped with audio and video surveillance equipment.  Please report any suspicious or illegal behavior or unattended items to ColumBUS Transit staff. To make a report, contact any ColumBUS Transit staff person by calling 812-376-2506 or notify law enforcement.  ColumBUS Transit partners with the Columbus Police Department to help ensure the safety of all riders and staff.

Appeal of Trespass

Persons who have been Trespassed may appeal their suspension to the Operations Manager within five (5) business days of issuance.

A request for appeal must include grounds for appeal, date of request, and contact information of the requestor. Appeals may be submitted by mail to: ColumBUS Transit, 850 Lindsey St., Columbus, IN 47201.

If the person issued the Trespass is unable to submit an appeal, the request may be submitted by their representative, upon written verification regarding the authority to act on behalf of such individual.

The Operations Manager will review all relevant information and provide notification via e-mail or written letter within five (5) business days of their decision. The Operations Manager has the authority to reconsider and modify the suspension period.

Trespass Appeal Panel

Within five business (5) days from receipt of the Operations Manager’s decision, the person may seek resolution* from the Trespass Appeal Panel. The Panel shall act on behalf of and at the direction of the Director of Transportation. The Trespass Appeal Panel shall be comprised of five (5) voting members:  Director of Transportation, Manager – Operations, Manager – Compliance, (or their designees), and one (1) member of the Safety and Security Officer committee as well as one (1) Driver/Operator. Three (3) members of the Panel shall constitute a quorum. Appeals will be decided by a majority.

*If required, the Director of Transportation will consult the City of Columbus Director of Security and Risk, the CoC Department of Human Resources, and/or the Columbus Police Department for final resolution of Trespass Appeal decisions.

Our Operators are responsible for the safety of everyone on board. We ask all riders to respect their instructions and decisions so that Columbus Transit can continue to provide safe, reliable transportation for the entire community.

Thank you for riding Columbus Transit.