General Information & Tips

How to read a schedule

Reading a timetable is simple once you know how.

• Look on the map for a route that goes by your destination.
• Look on the map for a route that goes by your origin.
• If they are the same route number, go to the timetable for that route.
• Find the closest landmark listed along the top of the timetable.
• Read down the column until you determine the next time the bus will pass that location.
• Do the same to find the time the bus will arrive at the destination.
• If you must change buses (transfer) to reach your destination. Read the first timetable to the transfer point.
• Read the next timetable from the transfer point.
• Remember - A 30 minute bus will pass the same point every 30 minutes; a 1 hour bus will pass every hour.

Remember -- Weekday and Saturday time schedules on some routes are different and may not run on Saturday

How to Catch the Bus

• Use the timetable to determine what time the bus should pass. Plan to arrive at the bus stop early. It's better to be early than late! Bus stops are marked with a bus stop sign. Buses stop at designated stops.
• Be sure to stand near the bus stop sign as the bus approaches so the driver can see you.
• Wait for the bus to come to a stop before you approach it, and board at the front door only.

Be sure to read the destination sign on the bus as it approaches. Some bus stops serve many routes. That means a bus may come by that is not going where you want to go. Be sure you're getting on the right bus by looking for the route number on the destination sign above the front window of the bus. Do not try to catch a bus if the destination sign reads, "Garage" or "Out of Service."

Boarding and payment

• Have your exact fare ready before boarding. All buses have electronic fareboxes that accept dollar bills and coins, but do not make cash change.
• You may pay your fare with cash, a 'cash card', or a prepaid pass.
• If you overpay your fare you can request credit in the form of a cash card if you tell the driver before the next transaction. You can also purchase passes if you tell the driver before the next transaction. Cash cards and passes are not transferable and are not redeemable if lost or damaged.
• If you will need to transfer to complete your trip in one direction you must ask for a transfer when you pay your fare on the first bus you ride. When you board the second bus give the transfer to the drive. Transfers expire in one hour so you must use the next available bus to complete your trip.
• Hold on to the handrails as you find a seat, as the bus may begin to move before you sit down.

You must sit if there is a seat available. If there are no seats you must stand behind the yellow line. In no case will any person be allowed forward of the yellow line until the bus comes to a complete stop.

Exiting the bus

• As the bus approaches your stop, signal the driver that you want off by pressing the rubber strip between the windows or above your seat, or pull the cord (depending on the particular bus).
• The operator will stop at the next bus stop. sign. Please give the driver enough notice so that he may make a smooth stop.
• If you are not familiar with the area, ask the driver to let you know when you are nearing your destination.
• Please exit the bus from the rear door if other passengers are boarding at your departure point.
• Carefully step off the bus.
• Boarding and deboarding is allowed only at designated bus stops and the terminal. At the terminal please board the bus before it starts to pull out. Drivers are not allowed to pick up or discharge passengers once they pull away from the terminal, or to use the back door at the terminal. For your safety please don't even ask.

At street bus stops do not cross in front of the bus. Wait for the bus to pull away and cross behind it.

What you need to know about transferring

• If you need to transfer from one bus to another to complete a one-way trip, you can save money by transferring
• A transfer must be obtained when you pay your first fare
• Transfers can only be used to connect to the next available bus traveling in the same general direction. They cannot be used for any other purpose.
• They have a one hour time limit and are designed to allow you to catch the next connecting bus
• Transfers may not be used to travel in the opposite direction or to make your return trip
• When you board your next bus, hand the transfer slip to the driver
• Transfers can only be used one time. Within the Lafayette Transit System, you would never need to transfer to a third bus.
• Drivers do check transfers; please make sure yours is valid
• Avoid trying to make a transfer that doesn't give you at least five minutes between your first and second bus

If you purchase an 'unlimited ride' type of pass you will not need a transfer.

Tips for carefree riding

• Try to be at your bus stop 5 or 10 minutes early.
• Watch your step while boarding and exiting the bus.
• Never carry open food or drinks onto the bus.
• Never carry a flammable liquid onto the bus.
• Firearms and other deadly weapons are not allowed on the bus.
• Always have your pass and ID (if necessary) ready for the driver.
• Offer the front seats to the elderly and disabled.
• Keep children with you seated or in your lap. Children may not remain in a stroller on the bus.
• Please turn off your radio, CD player or tape player or use headphones.
• Pets are not allowed on board except seeing eye dogs or trained personal assistant animals.
• Smoking is not allowed on the bus.
• Do not distract your operator while the bus is in motion.
• Always stand behind the yellow "standee" line near the front doors while the bus is in motion.
• Children age 5 and younger must be accompanied by an older passenger or an adult.
• Stay seated until the bus is completely stopped.
• Keep your shirt and your shoes on.
• Exit through the rear door when you can.
• Never cross the street in front of the bus.

Title VI complaints

• Click here for Title VI information and the process for filing a Title VI complaint.  

Riding the bus is a privilege, please do not abuse it by behaving in a way that offends other customers or affects the safe operation of the bus.

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