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ORT Rider Guidelines: What to Know Before You Ride

At Ozark Regional Transit (ORT), we believe that 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 for others.

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Code of Conduct: What’s Expected on Board

We expect every rider to:

  • Respect drivers and fellow passengers – No violence, weapons, or threatening behavior

  • Use public transit for transportation only – No loitering, solicitation, or riding without a destination

  • Keep aisles clear – No blocking walkways with personal items

  • Dress appropriately – Shirt, shoes, and pants are required

  • Use headphones – Keep music and phone calls private

  • Keep pets in carriers – Unless they are verified service animals (see below)

 

Violations may result in 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.

  • Carts or bags must fit safely in your lap and should not block other seats or aisles

  • Limit your items to four grocery-sized bags or fewer

  • Oversized carts (over 24"x24") are not allowed on On-Demand or Fixed Route buses

  • 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 & Strollers

  • Children 11 and under must be accompanied by someone 12 or older

  • Infants must be removed from carriages or strollers and held safely during the ride

  • Car seats are not required on transit

  • Strollers must be folded and stored without blocking aisles

 

Service Animals & Pets

We welcome service animals in accordance with the ADA guidelines.

Service animals are:

  • Dogs of any breed or size

  • Individually trained to perform a task related to a person’s disability

Not considered service animals:

  • Emotional support, therapy, or companion animals without task-specific training

Pets are allowed on board if:

  • They’re in an approved, leak-proof, ventilated carrier

  • The carrier can be kept in your lap or under your control

Drivers may ask:
“Is this a service animal?”
“What task has the animal been trained to perform?”

No further proof or paperwork will be requested.

 

Fare, Passes & On-Demand Guidelines

  • Fixed route rides are currently $0 through 2025

  • On-Demand rides are $1.25 per trip

  • E-passes and physical passes must be linked to a rider account

  • ADA and Demand Response rides must be scheduled in advance – see ADA Services

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:

  • Category A: Minor violations (e.g., eating on the bus) – may result in up to 3-day suspension

  • Category B: More serious misconduct (e.g., threatening language, property damage) – suspension up to 90 days

  • Category C: Severe violations (e.g., assault, multiple repeat offenses) – minimum 6-month suspension

Riders have the right to appeal suspensions. Full procedures are available in our 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 guide makes you feel confident hopping on board.

Start trip planning here: Routes & Maps
Or download the ORT On-Demand App to schedule your next ride.

 

Need help or have questions?
Call us at (479) 756-5901
Chat with us on ozark.org

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