**** HRM Media Release
The Transit Code
Your Guide to Passenger Conduct and Policies on Halifax Transit
Thank you for being courteous and respectful of Operators and your fellow passengers.
Whether you’re on a bus or a ferry, or at Halifax Transit terminals and facilities, follow The Transit Code to help make everyone’s ride on Halifax Transit enjoyable and safe.
8 Principles of the Transit Code
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Respect one another
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Be inclusive
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Mind each other’s space and privacy
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Be safe, for yourself and others
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Do not litter or deface property
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Communicate calmly
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Be courteous and kind
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Honour diversity, equality & the rights of all
Passenger Courtesy
Being considerate to your fellow passengers will help to ensure that everyone, including yourself, has a positive transit experience. Follow these tips to keep Halifax Transit rolling smoothly:
- Have the correct fare (ticket, pass or cash) ready ahead of time.
- Allow people to get off the bus before boarding.
- Stand behind the yellow line on the floor of the bus and refrain from lengthy conversations with the Operator.
- Always move to the back of the bus when boarding and upon Operator request to accommodate as many passengers as possible.
- Do not block or stand in doorways. This is for your safety and to allow other passengers to enter and exit quickly.
- Share seats with those who may require them and if possible, offer your seat to a person who might need it, such as a senior citizen, a small child, a pregnant person, or a passenger with a disability.
- Ride quietly and respect the privacy and rights of other passengers.
- Remove your backpack while on the bus and hold it in front of you to avoid accidently bumping into other passengers as you pass.
- Do not take up seats with backpacks, bags, or personal belongings, and keep aisles free of items.
- Do not lie down or spread out on seats or benches provided for passengers waiting to board.
- Respect those around you by keeping cell phone conversations to a minimum and at a low volume.
- Use headphones when listening to music or personal audio and keep the volume down.
- Avoid wearing strongly scented perfumes and products for the sake of fellow passengers with allergies and scent sensitivities.
Prohibited Conduct
The following will not be tolerated on vehicles, vessels and properties owned and operated by Halifax Transit:
- Behaviour that threatens the safety of others or the safe operation of transit vehicles
- Threats or assaults
- Harassment of any kind
- Discrimination based on protected characteristics (such as age, race gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, disability or religion) under the Nova Scotia Human Rights Act.
- Loitering or soliciting
- Use of profanity
- Excessive noise or disorderly conduct.
- Consumption or distribution of alcoholic beverages or illegal substances.
- Use of tobacco, cannabis, and e-cigarettes in non-designated areas
- Carrying of firearms or dangerous materials
- Littering, vandalism, or graffiti.
- Skateboarding or bicycle riding
If you witness or experience this behaviour on Halifax Transit, notify transit staff or call 311.
Additional Rules for Ferry Operations
Halifax Transit ferries are governed by the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and the Domestic Ferry Security Regulations. As such, the following additional rules apply when riding Halifax Transit ferries.
- No one shall jeopardize the safety of passengers, crew, ferries or impede access to or tamper with safety equipment.
- The Captain has the overriding authority and responsibility to maintain safety, security and good order. The Captain’s decision will be final in such matters.
- Passengers may be subject to security screening, including their possessions, as per the prevalent Maritime Security (MARSEC) level. Failure to comply with regulatory screening requirements may result in denied access to the ferry.
Reporting Unsafe or Disrespectful Behaviour
If you experience or have witnessed inappropriate, disrespectful or dangerous behaviour on a Halifax Transit vehicle or on transit property, we encourage you to:
- Notify the bus Operator or Transit staff
- Report the incident to 311
Halifax Transit Supervisors have the authority to deny service and restrict future service.
Incidents that are reported directly to Halifax Transit are investigated internally, and if warranted, may be referred to Police for further investigation and follow up.
Policies & Guidelines
Halifax Transit has designed policies and guidelines to ensure a positive and safe travel experience for passengers and Operators.
All Halifax Transit buses and ferries are accessible to passengers with mobility limitations.
Assistive Mobility Devices (Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters)
Mobility scooters are allowed on all Access-A-Buses, designated Accessible Low Floor (ALF), and conventional bus routes. Maximum size restrictions are:
• three-wheeled scooters: 40” x 21.125”
• four-wheeled scooters: 40.25” x 21.25”
All mobility devices will require at least two anchor or tie-down points, and should have four anchor or tie-down points if possible to secure the device to the bus. These are not provided by Halifax Transit and are the responsibility of the passenger to provide. Passengers using scooters are required to maneuver into the docking station and transfer to a fixed transit seat independently. The Operator will then secure the mobility device to the bus.
All knapsacks, shopping bags and storage compartments attached to the back of a wheelchair must be removed prior to the wheelchair being secured. This is necessary to ensure minimal movement between the wheelchair and the padded post. If required, the operator will remove a reasonable number of bags to ensure proper and safe securement of the wheelchair. The passenger is responsible for securing their bag/knapsack/packages while the bus is in motion.
Passengers are responsible for repairs/removal of their mobility devices, in the event of breakdown.
Assistive Mobility Devices on Ferries
Mobility scooters are allowed on all ferries. Maximum size restrictions are:
• three-wheeled scooters: 40” x 21.125”
• four-wheeled scooters: 40.25” x 21.25”
Mobility devices are to remain in the main cabin of the ferries. If passengers choose to transfer to a fixed seat, they must stay close to the mobility device. The responsibility of the mobility device resides with the passenger at all times within the terminal and onboard the ferries. Mobility devices are not allowed tow anything such as another wagon or trailer.
Passengers are required to stay clear of entrance to machinery spaces, emergency exits and all safety equipment. Passengers will be guided by general safety instructions of the Captain and the crew.
Accessible Bus Stops
Operators will deploy the ramp at the request of any passenger at any bus stop, other than those marked with a ‘No Ramp Deployed’ decal. Our three bus stop classifications are as follows:
Standard ALF Bus Stop (as indicated by an International Symbol of
Access (wheelchair) symbol) meets Halifax Transit’s accessible standards; where the ramp can be deployed, and the bus stop has a concrete landing pad (minimum size 1.5 m x 2.5 m) with access to a sidewalk.
Inaccessible Bus Stop (as indicated with a ‘no ramp’ symbol) is where the accessibility ramp cannot be deployed under any circumstance.
Non-Standard ALF Bus Stops (as indicated by no symbol) is where the ramp can be deployed, but these stops are not considered accessible under Halifax Transit standards and may only be used at the passenger’s own determination and risk.
Bags and backpacks should not obstruct other passengers and should be stowed directly in front of you, on your lap, or in the overhead racks where provided. Bags and backpacks cannot block doors or aisles, lifesaving appliances, firefighting equipment, or emergency exits on the bus or ferry.
Bike racks are located at the front of buses and can hold a maximum of two bikes. You are responsible for both loading and unloading your bike—the Operator can’t help you. Bike racks are available on a first-come-first-served basis. If a bike rack space is not available, you will have to wait for the next bus. No cyclist is to be denied the use of a bike rack or transit when open space is available.
There are dedicated bike racks on the ferries that can accommodate up to 12 bikes per trip depending on their configuration. Ferry Crew or Terminal Security may restrict the number of bikes depending on other safety and security factors.
All persons must dismount their bike before entering the terminal buildings. Riding bikes inside the terminals, on ramps, and ferries is strictly prohibited.
All bikes must be properly stowed in the racks provided while onboard the ferries. If all available bike racks are in use, the owner will be asked to wait for the next ferry or make alternate arrangements.
Electric-powered bicycles are permitted to be transported on Halifax Transit ferries as long as they are safely stored in the bike racks provided; however, gas-powered bicycles are not permitted.
Children Ride for Free
Children aged 0-12 may use all transit services free of charge. This policy is designed to increase access to and encourage the use of public transportation by children, which will ideally lead to continued use of public transportation into adulthood.
Mandatory Masks
In keeping with the provincial public health order, masks are mandatory on all Halifax Transit buses and ferries, and inside transit terminals, as of July 31, 2020. Children under two, children aged 2 to 4 when their caregiver can’t get them to wear a mask, and those with a medical reason for not wearing a mask are exempt. Those who are feeling ill are reminded not use any transit services until their health returns to normal.
Route 320 Airport
As of June 30, 2021 travelers arriving from outside the Atlantic provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland and Labrador) AND who need to complete self-isolation requirements should avoid using public transit.
However, airline employees who are arriving from anywhere outside of Nova Scotia are permitted to use public transit as per the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) guidelines.
This includes the Halifax Transit Regional Express Route 320 to and from Halifax Stanfield International Airport. Thank you for your cooperation.
Food and Beverages
Beverages may be consumed on Halifax Transit buses if a sealable, spill-proof container is used. Single-use disposable cups are not permitted. Food cannot be consumed on buses because there is a risk of spillage when the bus accelerates or decelerates.
Due to COVID-19 precautions, until further notice food and drinks are prohibited on the ferries to reduce litter.
Under no circumstances is open alcohol allowed onboard or to be consumed on any Halifax Transit vehicle.
Garbage and Recycling – Transporting on Halifax Transit
In order to maintain a safe and sanitary environment, the transportation of garbage, recycling, or composting on Halifax Transit vehicles is prohibited. Suspected violators will be denied access to a vehicle.
All found items are catalogued by the Halifax Transit Lost and Found Department located at the Bridge Terminal in Dartmouth. Valuable items are held for 30 days. Items not deemed valuable are held for 14 days. Perishable items are disposed of immediately. Call the Halifax Transit Lost and Found Department at 902.490.6617 if you think you’ve left an item on a bus or ferry.
Luggage
Passengers are allowed to travel with luggage on all Halifax Transit buses and ferries only if the luggage can be safely stowed on the floor directly in front of you, on your lap, or in the overhead luggage rack where provided (Route 320 Airport – Fall River buses only).
While on the ferry, the owner is to remain with their luggage. Luggage is not permitted on the upper deck. Aisles and doorways must always be clear of any items that could impede the flow of passengers.
Bags and backpacks
Similar to luggage, your bag or backpack should not obstruct other passengers, and should be stowed directly in front of you, on your lap, or in the overhead racks where provided. Bags and backpacks cannot block doors or aisles, lifesaving appliances, firefighting equipment or emergency exits on the bus or ferry.
All passengers are required to wear: top, bottoms, and footwear. Those failing to meet these requirements will be denied service.
Transit Operators shall not deny access to passengers who are wearing religious, cultural, or medical clothing, which may include face coverings.
Personal Transportation Devices
Segways, e-scooters, and hoverboards are not permitted on Halifax Transit buses or ferries due to associated safety risks.
Any battery-operated transportation device potentially poses a safety hazard on our buses. Lithium ion batteries are considered dangerous goods, much like gasoline and propane. Overheated batteries can ignite and produce toxic fumes. Further, these devices cannot be properly stowed on buses or ferries, posing risks to passengers as tripping hazards, possibly blocking safe access, or becoming a projectile in the event of a collision.
Motorized bicycles, both gas and electric-powered, are not permitted on Halifax Transit conventional buses. Electric-powered bicycles are permitted to be transported on Halifax Transit ferries as long as they are safely stored in the bike racks provided.
You cannot wear your skates or roller skates on the bus or ferry or inside any of the Transit Terminals.
Pets are allowed on Halifax Transit vehicles and ferries if properly restrained in a closed pet container that prevents them from escaping. Passengers carrying an appropriate container may travel with the container either on their lap or placed on the floor. A container cannot impede the free passage of customers or block any doors or emergency exits. Passengers should ensure containers are clean, free of odor, and have no sharp edges. Pets are not to be left unattended at any time. Pet containers are not to exceed 16″ (40.6 cm) high X 21″ (53.3 cm) deep X 27″ (68.6 cm) wide.
The transit Operator, at their discretion, may not allow a passenger to board with their pet if there is a concern for the safety or comfort of fellow passengers. If only standing room is available, the transit Operator may refuse passage to the pet and pet owner even with an adequate container.
Sometimes passengers may need to get off the bus somewhere other than a scheduled stop. Halifax Transit offers the Request-A-Stop Program for these situations.
Request-A-Stop service is available to:
• Unaccompanied persons travelling on conventional service buses (excluding Regional Express) after dusk.
• Passengers with a mobility impairment, at any time of day, when necessary for special circumstances, such as poor weather or for safety reasons.
To disembark at a location other than a regular bus stop along the route, speak with the Operator at least one stop before your desired stop. In order to meet your request, the Operator must be able to stop safely and obey transit safety regulations. If they can’t stop safely or legally, the Operator may deny your request and choose an alternate stopping point.
Smoking
In accordance with the Smoke-free Places Act and By-Law N-300 (Respecting Nuisances and Smoking), smoking and vaping on municipal property, including transit property and sidewalks, is permitted only within municipal designated smoking areas (DSAs). This includes both smoking and vaping tobacco and cannabis products.
Halifax Transit service is free for people aged 65 and older during certain times every Tuesday. Seniors can travel free of charge from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and after 6 p.m. on conventional bus and ferry services, including Community Transit. A premium fare for Regional Express ($1.00) is required.
Access-A-Bus services are excluded from this program.
Seniors who qualify for free travel should carry proper photo identification, as the Operator may ask for proof of age.
Customers who require the support of a service animal are permitted to bring their service animals into all Halifax Transit facilities and on all vehicles and vessels. For the safety of all customers, service animals must be securely leashed and under the care and control of the owner at all times.
Transit Operators may deny access to a service animal if the Operator has reasonable grounds to believe that the service animal poses a risk of injury to other passengers or service animals. The Operator will not be held responsible if a service animal causes injury to a passenger.
What is a Service Dog?
Service dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities with everyday activities like carrying or retrieving items, ringing doorbells, assisting with balance and stability, alerting or responding to seizures or diabetic episodes and other tasks. For additional information and reference the Provincial Service Dog Act can be found at the following link: https://novascotia.ca/servicedogs/.
Service Dog Identification
Customers are not required to carry identification for their service dog; however, Halifax Transit encourages the use of certification documents or municipally issued Service Animal Identification (ID) tags to assist transit Operators in distinguishing between service dogs and pets.
Customers without identification for their service dog may be asked to provide contact information (name, address, and telephone number) to facilitate their future access to the transit system.
For the convenience of passengers who require the support of a service dog but who do not have or are unable to conveniently carry certification identification, the municipality will provide an identifiable tag for the dog. You can license or renew the license for your service dog in person at any municipal Citizen Contact Centre or select veterinary clinics.
Comfort and Therapy Animals
The Provincial Service Dog Act does not protect pets, emotional support animals or therapy animals. As such, comfort and therapy animals do not have the same right of access as service dogs on Halifax Transit and all rules related to Pets will be enforced.
Strollers
Passengers are permitted to bring strollers on Halifax Transit vehicles as long as they are smaller than 42” x 22.5” (double wide strollers will not be allowed). The transit Operator will have ultimate discretion based on the size of the stroller or the amount of room available on the bus and/or ferry due to capacity, and other safety considerations.
Strollers are not permitted on the upper deck of the ferries.
Please note: children’s push carts, wagons, and bicycles are not permitted on buses due to safety concerns as these items have the potential to become a projectile in the event of a sudden stop or collision.
Surveillance Cameras
All of Halifax Transit buses and ferries, as well as our terminals, are equipped with surveillance cameras to provide greater security for our passengers and Operators. As required by privacy laws, signs are posted on buses, ferries and in terminals to advise passengers of the presence of cameras.
