City of Wichita - Wichita Transit How do I Ride the Bus?
Saturday, November 07, 2009 :: Currently 61 degrees in Wichita

Front of bus

Transit Services
777 E. Waterman
Wichita, KS 67202

Hours:
6AM - 6:30PM, M - F
7AM - 5:30PM, Sat

Phone: (316) 265-7221
TDD: (316) 337-9476

Michael Vinson
Director of Transit

Steve Ainslie
Assistant Director


Leaving City Of Wichita Website

How do I Ride the Bus?

Wichita's Transit (WT) buses operate on what is called a fixed route system. This means that a bus is scheduled to arrive at a certain destination point along its route, at a fixed time of day. Wichita Transit has printed schedules on each of its 18 routes available to the public. These route maps may be obtained from this web site, the Downtown Transit Center, Wichita City Hall, the Wichita Travel and Convention Bureau Office, the Rhatigan Center at Wichita State University, or contacting Wichita Transit and requesting the information be sent to you.

Listed on each schedule, the rider will find a route map for that individual bus. These routes are broken down into two halves. The listing on the top of the page is the route traveling away from the Downtown Transit Center, located between Emporia and Topeka Ave. and William St. (approximately 2 blocks East of Broadway and 1 block South of Douglas). The bottom listing is the return route from the furthest stop point to the Downtown Transit Center.

When looking at the route map, keep in mind that the bus will always travel from left to right. Major stop points along the route and the buses arrival times are listed on the schedules as well.

  • Plan to be at your corner stop several minutes before the buses scheduled arrival time.

  • Bus drivers and fareboxes cannot provide change, so have the correct fare ready to place in the farebox when you board.

  • If you need to make a transfer, tell the driver and he will issue you a transfer card while you're at the farebox.

  • If you plan to ride often, consider purchasing a bus pass.

Wichita Transit operates its bus routes from 5:45 AM - 6:45 PM, Monday through Friday, and from 6:45 AM - 5:45 PM on Saturdays. The buses do not run on Sundays or major holidays (New Years Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day). The Downtown Transit Center is open from 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM on weekdays, and 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM on Saturdays.

Once a driver has issued a transfer, the rider has up to two hours in which it may be used. Transfers are considered valid as long as they are used on connecting routes. A connecting route may be described as when two or more routes cross or share common streets. You may not use transfers on the same route from which you received them.

Catching the Bus

As the bus approaches your stop, check the route destination sign above the windshield to be sure you will board the correct bus. To flag the bus to stop, step toward the street but keep back from the curb. Make eye contact with the driver and raise or waive your hand. If you mistakenly flag the wrong bus, signal for the driver to continue the route. When the bus stops, if you're not sure that you are getting on the correct bus, just tell the driver where you want to go, and he or she will make sure you're on the proper route.

Boarding the Bus

Before you step off the curb to approach the bus, always wait until the bus has completely stopped and the driver has opened the door. You should always enter at the front door, but allow passengers to exit before you board. Use the handrail as you board, and remember to bring along any baggage or parcels you may have set down while you were waiting at the bus stop.

People boarding WT bus on Central.
People boarding WT bus on Central.

Seats at the front of the bus are normally reserved for elderly passengers and people with disabilities. If you choose to sit at the front of the bus and you could move farther towards the back or stand, be courteous and offer to give up your seat if necessary. If you must stand, use the handrails to steady yourself. Always stay behind the yellow lines at the front and rear doorways. Federal law prohibits the operation of any bus while passengers are located near doorways or outside the white or yellow "standee" line.

How to Signal a Stop

When the bus approaches the block closest to your destination or transfer point, press the bell strip or pull the bell cord located along the walls of the bus or above the aisle. A single sounding of the bell or tone will be sufficient to notify the driver of your intention to disembark. Multiple rings may confuse the driver and disturb other passengers.

How to Exit the Bus

When you plan to get off the bus, wait until the bus stops completely before leaving your seat or moving towards the exit door. This will typically be the rear door of the bus. Remember to bring along any baggage or parcels you are carrying with you. Use the handrails as you exit and stay clear of the bus as it pulls away.

If the driver has permitted you to board with a bicycle, try and sit so that your exit will be made through the rear door. It will cause less inconvenience for the boarding passengers.

If you plan on crossing the street after you exit the bus, always wait until the bus has completely left the stop. Remember to travel to the nearest intersection or crosswalk before you cross to the opposite side.

Rules of the Bus

  1. No smoking, eating or drinking will be permitted on the bus.

  2. No rude language or unruly behavior will be permitted on the bus.

  3. Baby carriages and bicycles may be allowed, based upon available space and is up to the discretion of the driver.

  4. Store all articles out of the aisle.

  5. Radios, tape or CD players cannot be operated on the bus.

  6. Young children must sit by their parent or guardian, and their behavior should be controlled at all times.

  7. No pets are permitted (with exception of guide dogs).

  8. All riders will keep their head and hands inside the bus and clear of opening or closing doors.

  9. Shirts and shoes are required clothing and must be worn while on the bus.

  10. Federal Law requires all riders to stand behind the white or yellow "STANDEE" lines.

  11. Always wait until the bus has completely stopped before entering at the front door.

  12. Always wait until the bus has completely left the stop before crossing the street.

These rules are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for all users of Wichita Transit.

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