On the bus

Catching the bus

You can only catch or hop off a bus at designated bus stops.

Several buses travelling different routes may visit the same stop, so make sure you watch carefully for the one you want. The destination sign above the bus’ front window shows where the bus is heading to and a route number.

If a bus approaching a stop is the one you want, stay on the footpath and signal its driver, with a clear wave of your arm, that you intend to board.

Getting on the bus

Please let arriving passengers get off the bus first.  Enter the bus through the front door, keeping to the left.  All the buses are low-floor and can be lowered on request.  There’s also a ramp to allow easy access - just ask the driver!

You must pay - or use an authorised concession ticket - before taking your seat.  Keep the ticket the driver gives you for the whole trip.

Seating

If all seats are full, stand carefully and steady yourself with the easily located handles on seats, pillars, roof rails or by using the straps provided. Move to the rear to allow more people to board.

For safety reasons, don’t stand in doorways.

Consideration for others

For everyone’s safety and comfort:

  • No eating, drinking, smoking or spitting.
  • Please think of others.  Give your seat to seniors, pregnant women or anyone with special needs.
  • Don’t put your feet on seats.
  • If listening to personal audio devices, please use headphones at a volume that won’t disturb others.
  • Take all your belongings (including rubbish) with you.

Drivers can remove - or refuse to carry - anyone who is drunk, drugged, dirty or behaving inappropriately.

Prams, wheelchairs and luggage

Prams and wheelchairs can be carried. Just ask the driver if you want the bus floor to be lowered to use the ramp to board.

Within reason, other items or luggage can also be taken on board.  However, space can be limited, so please check with the driver first.

Animals

Guide dogs and guide dogs in training are okay on buses, under the supervision of their care-giver. Sorry, other pets are not allowed.

Bikes

Bikes can’t be taken on a bus (unless the bike is a folding model).

Signalling the bus to stop

All buses have two screens showing maps with the actual location of your bus as it travels.  Automatic announcements are made as stops get close.

There are red buttons on the poles throughout all buses. Just push one to ring a bell that lets the driver know to drop you off at the next stop.  (Make sure when you ring the bell that there’s plenty of time for the driver to stop smoothly and safely.)

Getting off the bus

Once the bus has stopped, move towards the exits, which the driver will open. Where possible, use rear doors.

Lost property and incidents

Neither the bus operator nor the Northland Regional Council accept any responsibility for parcels, packages, luggage or other goods left on the bus.

Any incidents must be reported within 24 hours to either:

  • Ritchies - phone 09 438 7142; or
  • Northland Regional Council - phone 09 470 1200.