ORT Rider Guidelines
What to Know Before You Ride
At Ozark Regional Transit Authority, we believe public transportation should be accessible, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Whether you're commuting, running errands, or exploring Northwest Arkansas, this page outlines our key policies, expectations, and helpful tips to make your ride easy and respectful - for you and others.
CODE OF CONDUCT: What's Expected On Board
We expect every rider to:
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Respect drivers and fellow passengers – No violence, weapons, or threatening behavior.
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Use public transit for transportation only – No loitering, solicitation, or riding without a destination.
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Keep aisles clear – No blocking walkways with personal items.
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Dress appropriately – Shirt, shoes, and pants are required.
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Use headphones – Keep music and phone calls private.
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Keep pets in carriers – Unless they are verified service animals (see below).
Violations may result in the removal or temporary suspension of services. See our Passenger Behavior Policy for full details on sanctions.
Riding With Personal Items
We keep it simple: safety first.
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Carts or bags must fit safely in your lap and should not block other seats or aisles.
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Limit your items to four grocery-sized bags or fewer.
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Oversized carts (over 24"x24") are not allowed on On-Demand or Fixed Route buses.
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Foldable shopping carts are allowed only if they can be stowed safely.
Riders with excessive or unsafe baggage may be asked to wait for a less crowded bus or adjust their load.
Children, Car Seats, and Strollers
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Children 11 and under must be accompanied by someone 12 or older.
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Infants must be removed from carriages or strollers and held safely during the ride.
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Car seats are not required on transit.
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Strollers must be folded and stored so they do not block aisles.
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Service Animals and Pets
​We welcome service animals on board in accordance with ADA guidelines.
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Service animals are:
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Dogs of any breed or size.
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Individually trained to perform tasks related to a person's disability.
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The following are not considered service animals:
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Emotional support animals.
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Therapy animals.
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Companion animals without task-specific training.
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Pets are allowed on board if:
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They are in an approved, leak-proof, ventilated carrier.
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The carrier can be kept on your lap or under your control at all times.
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Drivers may ask:
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"Is this a service animal?"
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"What task has the animal been trained to perform?"
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No additional proof or paperwork will be requested.
Fares, Passes, and On-Demand Guidelines
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Fixed-route rides currently have a $0 fare.
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On-Demand rides are $1.25 per trip for up to 5 riders.
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E-passes are physical paper passes must be linked to a rider account.
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ADA and Demand Response rides must be scheduled in advance. (See ADA Services)
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If you're an organization distributing e-passes, please use our {Bus Pass Tracker} and follow our secure data submission process.
What Happens If Rules Are Broken?
ORT enforces a tiered Passenger Behavior Policy:
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Category A: Minor violations (e.g., eating on the bus) - may result in up to a 3-day suspension.
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Category B: More serious misconduct (e.g., threatening language, property damage) - suspension up to 90 days.
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Category C: Severe violations (e.g., assault, multiple repeat offenses) - minimum 6-month suspension.
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Riders have the right to appeal suspensions. Full procedures are available in our Passenger Behavior: Standard of Conduct Policy Document.
Where To?
​Whether you're heading to work, class, or an afternoon at the park, we're here to help you get there safely. If you're new to transit or just need a refresher, we hope this information helps you feel confident hopping on board an ORT vehicle.
Need Help?
Need a hand? We're happy to help! Reach out to our team through the contacts below.
Call
479-756-5901
Headquarters
2423 E. Robinson Ave. Springdale, AR 72764