Riding the Bus is Easy Once You Learn How!
Buses pick up passengers along a fixed route as long as it is a safe place for the driver to stop. All CENTRA Buses are ADA accessible and the lift can only be deployed on a flat surface . Passengers should arrive at the area where they wish to be picked up at least five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled arrival time (see schedule for estimated arrival time). Due to safety issues, drivers are not permitted to pick up passengers that cross the street in front of the bus so all passengers must be sure they are standing on the correct side of the street which may depend on direction the bus is traveling. You must be clearly visible and must flag the bus down as it is approaching. Before boarding make sure it is the bus you wish to take. If you are unsure, ask the driver to assist you. Due to safety issues, drivers are not permitted to open the door of the bus for any passenger who crosses over lanes of traffic to catch the bus. Intersections are not a safe place to flag down a bus.Please have exact bus fare, bus pass or "free ride" card ready before boarding. The drivers can’t give change. Bus Passes can be purchased from the drivers or at CENTRA Office. Blue Bus Passes are $8.00. Yellow School Passes are $3.00. "One Ride Passes" are available for purchase only in the CENTRA Office located at 208 N. 4th Street (behind old library).Just before you reach your destination, pull the stop request cord. Please be sure the driver has enough time to make a safe stop. The bus will stop at the nearest corner after the stop request has been activated by the passenger. After you exit, stand to the side of the road or on the sidewalk until the bus has pulled away. For your safety, do not cross in front of the bus and obey all traffic signals. If your destination is a "Request Only", please advise the driver of this before he gets to that location. When you need to come back from that location, please call CENTRA BUS (304-623-6002) and let the dispatcher know that you are requesting a pickup for the bus you need.
Rules of Riding the Bus
These rules are in place to ensure that all passengers will have a safe and pleasant trip while riding with CENTRA BUS. We appreciate your cooperation and assistance in keeping our system safe, clean and pleasant for all who ride.
Smoking
West Virginia law prohibits smoking on public buses and bus shelters.
Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco
Drugs, alcohol and tobacco are not permitted on the bus and in the bus shelters.
Food and Beverages
Consuming food or beverages or possessing open food or beverage containers while on the bus is prohibited.
Weapons
Weapons of any type are not permitted on the bus.
Attire
Proper clothing, including shirts and shoes, are required aboard all buses.
Personal Hygiene
For the comfort of other CENTRA bus riders, good personal hygiene is always required. If your dress, personal body odor, or behavior has been found to be offensive to other passengers, you may be asked to take steps to correct your personal hygiene. Violations of this policy may result in the suspension of CENTRA ridership privileges. (See Appeal Process for Passenger Suspensions.)
Animals
Service animals are permitted and must be kept on a leash and cannot block aisle way. Service animals are not to be touched or talked to by other passengers. Such animals must be well-behaved and not inconvenient to other passengers.
Cell Phones
Any cell phone with a siren ringtone or any sounds that would distract the driver from safely operating the bus must be on vibrate mode or shut off.
Audio Devices: Radios, iPods, MP3 Players, etc.
The use of these devices aboard buses is prohibited unless the passenger utilizes an earphone system so as not to disturb other passengers.
Inappropriate Behavior
Be respectful of other passengers. Any disorderly, lewd or inappropriate conduct is prohibited on the bus. Horseplay, fighting, threats or intimidation, destruction of property, or any such other inappropriate behavior is not acceptable. Obscene, profane, vulgar, foul or abusive language is also prohibited.
Carry-on Items
Carry-on items are permitted, provided that they do not exceed what you can comfortably carry on the bus in one (1) trip. These items are to be stored so that they do not interfere with other passengers. We ask that you please keep track of your items. Explosive, flammable, toxic, dangerous, or offensive items that may cause harm or discomfort to any passengers are prohibited.
Crossing in front of the Bus
Due to safety reasons, our drivers are not permitted to stop to pick up passengers who cross the street in front of the bus that is not considered a safe distance. Please make sure you are standing on the appropriate side of the street to board the bus. When exiting the bus, stand to the side of the road or on the sidewalk until the bus has pulled away.
Baby Strollers and Carts
Strollers and carts, of an acceptable size that do not pose safety concerns while on the bus, are permitted when deemed safe to do so. All strollers and carts must be folded upon entering the bus and stored in the rear of the bus or in between seats. They may not block or narrow the aisle in any manner. Children must be removed from the stroller and either secured safely in a child seat or in the seat by that adult.
