Hello New Rider! Thank you for choosing public transportation we are excited to see you! Below you’ll find highlights and FAQ on how our system works. We will update this page as new questions come our way or new services come your way.
Organization 101
Ozark Regional Transit Authority is a non-profit organization. We serve the Northwest Arkansas community by offering freedom through transportation. Our funding is provided by private companies, city, state, and federal grants, another reason our services are limited.
Want to be a rider, but we’re not in your city?
Whether you would like a fixed route or on-demand system. Your first step would be to contact your local city council representative. This may be some leg work so let us know if you would like help via our website contact form or email us ORTinformation@ozark.org. We can help you identify your local representative. The only way a city/county will know residents want this service would be for the residents to tap them on the shoulder and say, “we want public transportation, please!”
City/county website + Your physical address = your representative.
If the ward member cannot be identified, we may refer you to your mayor, judge, or city/county manager. We would love to be in every Northwest Arkansas area and our executive director does meet with different city officials, but this type of request for services is more effective when it comes directly from the residents of the city, not from ORT staff.
Safety for Riders and Drivers
ORT Vehicles are equipped with some form of audio/video surveillance.
Lost and Found: if you leave an item on the bus,
please call us at 479-756-5901, then press 1.
Riders Quick Guide
Children ages 11 and under must be accompanied by a passenger 12 and older.
Bus fare: $0. Zero Dollars. No money is needed to ride our buses.
ADA Paratransit Service applications and information may be found via our website https://www.ozark.org/ada
Route Pick up Be ready. Vehicles depart briefly after arriving at the pick-up point.
On-demand: when you book an on-demand ride, you will need to make sure to keep an eye on your texts because once our driver has arrived. The driver is instructed to wait 1 minute before cancelling the ride. This is to ensure that our pickup and drop off schedules stay on time. Wave at our driver so they know you’re their passenger. Otherwise, they may miss you.
Fixed route: Our buses do not automatically stop at every bus stop. This is to keep the flow of traffic moving. If you see the bus coming in the distance, make sure you’re visible at the bus stop and away from the curb. Wave at our drivers so they know you’re their passenger. Otherwise, they may miss you.
Drop-offs
Please wait until the bus has left the stop before crossing the street. Do not attempt to cross in front of the bus.
On-Demand: A driver receives your destination point when you book your ride. Our system tells the driver where it is safest for the rider and bus to pull over. Please wait till the bus has fully stopped before getting out of your seat. There are multiple safety points a driver must check before opening the doors for a passenger. We are not doing this to “make you late”, we are doing those things to keep you safe.
Fixed route: As we mentioned above our buses do not automatically stop at every stop. Before each stop there will be an illuminated sign above the inside windshield “Arrival” that is your cue to pull the cord by your passenger window. The arrival sign will turn to a red “stop” signaling to the driver that a passenger would like to depart.
Service Hours:
Fixed Routes: Monday - Friday hours will vary based on city and route. Please check your schedules & route here https://www.ozark.org/schedules-maps
On-Demand: Monday – Saturday hours will vary based on city. Please check your on-demand city guide for hours. https://www.ozark.org/on-demand-service
ADA Paratransit Service: ADA hours match the servicing city hours of operation.
Carry-on items?
Packages, Carts, or Groceries.
On-Demand: Please give our drivers grace. They have safety and procedure. If your cart is larger than 24 x 24 inches your cart will not be allowed on the bus. Please limit them to no more than four groceries (or similar-sized) bags. Personal items should be able to fit in your lap and should not block aisles.
Fixed route: Please give our drivers grace. They have safety and procedure. If your cart is larger than 24 x 24 inches your cart will not be allowed on the bus. Please limit them to no more than four groceries (or similar-sized) bags. Personal items should be able to fit in your lap and should not block aisles.
Where to?
Using the bus system in Northwest Arkansas can be a great way to explore the region, save money, and foster independence. While it can be intimidating at first, with a little planning and preparation, you can make the most of your experience. So why not give it a try? Hop on the bus and start exploring! https://www.ozark.org/schedules-maps