Transit 101

Ride Norfolk vehicles are equipped with a lift at the back of the bus to assist passengers. The lift can be used by passengers with limited mobility or who require a mobility aid which prevent them from boarding through the main doors. The lift can be deployed by the bus operator upon request.

The usable platform for the lift is 30” x 44” and the weight limit for the lift is 800 lbs.

If your mobility aid meets the length, width, and weight requirements there are factors such as maneuverability that may affect your ability to properly board the bus. You must be able to maneuver your mobility aid into the designated areas on the bus.

The final decision concerning if mobility aid can be safely loaded onto the bus will be at the discretion of operator.

Passengers with bags or backpacks are asked to be considerate of other passengers while maneuvering on and off the bus. While seated, bags should be held on the passenger’s lap. Bags, backpacks and other personal items may not occupy a seat or block aisles and exits.

Shopping buggies and other large articles may be allowed on the bus at the operator’s discretion and if there is space. The operator has the authority to refuse such objects at any time that he/she feels safety may be compromised.

Ride Norfolk is committed to eliminating barriers and improving accessibility for persons with disabilities in a manner that respects dignity, independence, integration, and equal opportunity.

Ride Norfolk recognizes the diverse needs of all our riders and will respond by striving to provide services that are accessible to all.

 

Priority Seating

Priority seating is located at the front of the bus. These seats are reserved for people of all ages with disabilities and mobility challenges. Ontario Regulation 191/11 requires that passengers, other than persons with disabilities must vacate these seats if its use is required by a person with a disability.  These seats are marked on Ride Norfolk vehicles by signs on the wall.

Firearms and other weapons are not permitted on Ride Norfolk vehicles, at shelters, or stops. Toxic, flammable or hazardous substances or materials are also not permitted with the exception of medically necessary materials. Individuals found with these items in their possession may be asked to leave the bus or Norfolk County property. The proper authorities will be notified if the item is deemed as a threat to others.

Do drivers carry money to make change?

No. Exact fare is required. Place cash in the fare box when you get on the bus. Visit the Fares, Tickets, and Passes page for more information.

If you are going to eat or drink on the bus, please be tidy and take your garbage with you to properly dispose of in a garbage or recycling bin. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the bus and at all transit stops.

Does Ride Norfolk operate on holidays and weekends?

No. Ride Norfolk operates Monday – Friday from 7:30 am – 6:00 pm.  There is no service on weekends, on statutory holidays, or on civic holidays.

Travelling with bags, parcels, laptops, strollers or other items is acceptable on Ride Norfolk, but please remember to keep the aisle clear so people can move through the bus safely and easily. Please keep free seats clear of items and available for someone to use.

Ride Norfolk is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged bus passes. The owner is responsible for replacing these items at their expense.

All lost items that are found by transit staff will be kept up to 90 days. If you believe you lost an item on the bus, contact the Public Transportation Coordinator.

Talking on your cell phone is acceptable behaviour while riding the bus, but keeping your conversation at a respectful volume for your own privacy and for the courtesy of other passengers.

Passengers using audio/visual equipment are asked to use earphones and adjust the volume accordingly so as to not disturb other passengers or the operator, and as determined by the operator.

Exercise courtesy towards the driver and passengers alike. Refrain from engaging the driver in unnecessary chit-chat when the bus is in motion. Do not ‘hover’ behind or beside the driver’s seated area.

Operators have the authority to deny passengers the right to board vehicles or remove any passenger who may be causing a disturbance or damaging the vehicle.

Child 
Children under 5 and accompanied by an adult.

Student
A person between the ages of 6 and 18 who attends an elementary or secondary school. All secondary students must present their valid “STUDENT Photo I.D. Card” using a student fare. Student fares also apply to Simcoe Fanshawe College students.

Senior
Available to Senior Citizens, age 55+. Government Senior Citizen I.D. Cards will be honoured as proof of eligibility.

Support Person
A support person is someone who accompanies a person with disabilities on the bus.

Passengers on Ride Norfolk vehicles and at shelters or stops are not permitted to wear inline skates or roller skates or to use skateboards. These items should be removed and safely held at all times to prevent them from becoming a hazard. Ice skates should have ice guards or be properly enclosed in a bag.

Bicycles are not permitted on the bus, however Ride Norfolk will be installing Bike Racks in 2023.

No refunds shall be issued for persons who have purchased individual tickets.

No shows and cancelled trips – Riders will receive a credit in their Blaise account in the amount of the fare purchased. Credits will also be issued to your Blaise account in the event of a service disruption or inclement weather cancellation. Refunds will not be issued.

Persons or agencies that have purchased bulk tickets (5 tickets or more) shall be entitled to a full refund under the following circumstance:

• Ride Norfolk discontinues services and the person or agency submits their unused tickets with a written request for refund. Include full contact info including name and mailing address. The refund cheque will only be sent to the address provided.

Request must be received within 60 days of the cancelation of service.

Requests for refunds of bulk tickets shall be directed to attention of the Public Transportation and Business Development Coordinator.

Operators have the authority to deny passengers the right to board vehicles or remove any passenger who may be causing a disturbance or damaging the vehicle.

• Shirts and shoes must be worn.
• Passengers must refrain from using profanity.
• Riders may not interact rudely with the operator and other passengers or behave in an aggressive or intimidating manner.
• No horseplay is permitted, and please keep your feet off the seats.
• Appropriate fare must be paid.

Please be respectful of your fellow passengers.

Am I eligible for a transit tax credit?

The Seniors’ Public Transit Tax Credit is a refundable tax credit to help seniors with public transit costs. Eligible transit expenses incurred on or after July 1, 2017 can be claimed for the credit. For more information on this new tax credit, visit the Government of Ontario website.

Passengers who require the support of a service animal are permitted to bring their service animal on Ride Norfolk vehicles. For the safety of all passengers, service animals must be securely leashed and under the care and control of the owner at all times. An operator may ask for confirmation of service animal certification. When service animals are present, please remember:

• Do not distract or interact with the animal. It is a working animal and must pay attention at all times.
• Be aware of the service animal and give it enough space, and avoid stepping on or bumping the animal.
• Respect the other person’s need for the animal.

Note: Pets in carriers are permitted on Ride Norfolk vehicles.  Other animals are at the discretion of the operator.

Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited on any Ride Norfolk vehicle, in all shelters and at all transit stops as per the Smoke Free Ontario Act, 2017.

Where room is available and safe storage is possible, transit operators will ensure assistive devices/mobility aids are safely stored and secured within the bus.

Walkers, canes, etc. should never obstruct the free flow or safety of other passengers in the aisle or entrance/exit area of buses. Passengers using crutches, walkers, or other mobility aides are requested to fold or stow the aid in a safe place.

The boarding and unloading of a stroller is the responsibility of the passenger. For the safety and well-being of young children in strollers, as well as other passengers and the operator, these guidelines must be followed:

• Passengers may park strollers in the wheelchair accessible area only if the area is NOT required by priority passengers. Riders with strollers must vacate these seats if they are requested to do so by passengers with priority requirements.
• Passengers should lock the wheels of the stroller and remain in firm control of it at all times.
• The stroller should not obstruct the aisle or impede the flow of passengers.
• Strollers too large, or that result in passengers not being able to access seats or exits, must be folded and stowed at the front or back of the bus as space permits.
• Children should be seated or held securely on an adult’s lap and strollers must be folded.
• Play buggies, plastic pull-along carts, and wagons are not permitted at any time.
• Strollers may be denied if they will limit passenger access once on board the bus. Passengers should be aware that if the bus cannot accommodate their stroller, they may need to wait for a later bus or choose an alternate form of transportation.

A person with a disability who is accompanied by a support person will be permitted to have that person accompany them while using Ride Norfolk. There shall be no charge to support persons accompanying a person with a disability while using Ride Norfolk Transit.

Ride Norfolk may deem it necessary to require a support person for a person with a disability in order to protect the health and safety of that person or others using the service. This will only occur after a consultation with the person with a disability and when it is the only means to allow the person with a disability to access the service.

In Town: An In Town trip is classified as a trip under 8km. If a rider gets on and gets off in the same town they are required to pay an In Town fare regardless of where the bus has traveled during the ride.

Out of Town: An In Town trip is classified as a trip over 8km within Norfolk County – getting on and getting off in different towns.

Ride Norfolk will only allow the boarding and disembarking of passengers at official Ride Norfolk designated stops. In cases where a transit stop is temporarily inaccessible, people with disabilities will be able to board or exit the bus at the closest available safe location. In determining where a safe location is located, the operator will consider the preference of the person with a disability. However, the final determination of the safe location will be at the operators discretion.

Ride Norfolk service will not operate if the weather and/or road conditions are deemed unsafe for vehicles. Service will be cancelled if:

• Grand Erie District School Board closes schools or there is no school bus transportation for Zone 1 (Norfolk County) due to weather conditions
• The Public Transportation Coordinator (PTC) deem, the Bus Driver and/or Norfolk County Roads Department deem the roads unsafe for Ride Norfolk Service to operate.

If possible, the decision to cancel the daily service due to weather conditions will be made prior to the start of daily service (7:00 AM).

The PTC will inform the public by:

• Contacting MyFM 98.9 (Simcoe Radio) and having the cancellation announced
• Updating the Ride Norfolk website, Facebook page, and Twitter page announcing service cancellation
• The Ride Norfolk office voicemail will note the cancellation of the service (519-428-3178)