Rider Education Center

Bus Riding Basics
Passengers with Disabilities and Older Adults Have the Right to...
In addition to the above rights, older adults and passengers with disabilities may also...
What if I believe I've been denied any one of these rights or have been otherwise discriminated against by my local transit system?

Bus Riding Basics

Go online at www.rtd-denver.com OR call RTD at 303-299-6000 for bus times, connections and bus stop locations OR plan your trip using a printed bus schedule.
Arrive at your bus stop a few minutes early and stand close to the bus stop sign. Face the direction the bus will be coming from.
Have the exact fare, coupon ticket, or your monthly pass in your hand when the bus arrives. If you also have a Special Discount Card (SDC) or proof of 65+ (ID), be ready to present it to the driver.
Let people get off the bus before you start to get on.
Show your SDC/ID card and monthly pass to the driver or put the exact change/coupon ticket in the fare box. Drivers do not make change.
If you need a transfer ticket, ask for one when you pay the fare. If you are using a monthly pass you do not need to ask for a transfer for local trips.
If you are not sure where you will need to get off the bus, tell the driver where you are going and ask him/her to tell you when the bus gets there.
Sit in a seat close to the front of the bus. Sit down as soon as you can and stay seated until the bus arrives at your stop. If you use a mobility device, make sure you let the driver know how you would like to be secured.
If you asked the driver to tell you when the bus gets to your stop, remind him/her about it once. Get to know the drivers, but keep conversations with them brief. They need to pay full attention to traffic.
Ring the bell cord, button or pressure strip one to two blocks before the stop at which you want to get off.
Be ready to get off the bus with your packages, purse, etc. in your hands.
Stay in your seat until the bus comes to a complete stop at your destination.
Get off the bus at your stop.
Stay back from the bus as it pulls away from the curb. Do not cross the street in front of the bus.

Passengers with Disabilities and Older Adults Have the Right to

Use any general public bus or rail system.
Expect that all lifts and other accessible equipment be kept in good working order.
Upon request from RTD have route and service information provided in alternative formats (such as Braille, TTY, symbols or large print).
Receive courteous, respectful assistance identifying bus and train stops.
Receive courteous, respectful assistance using lifts or other equipment.
Have the required and requested streets and intersections clearly announced.
Ask a driver to stop at a designated bus or train stop.
Board a bus or train using any ADA defined common wheelchair or other mobility device meeting the "common wheelchair" definition. (Occupied max. 600 lbs / 30" wide / 48" long).
Use a lift with handrails if you cannot use the steps of the bus or train.
Have your mobility device properly secured if you use one.
Ride the bus or train seated in your own mobility aid.
Get on or off a bus or train at any regular stop where a lift can be safely used.
Travel with a guide dog or other service animal as long as it is not disruptive, aggressive, or dangerous to others.
Travel with any necessary equipment or devices (respirators / portable oxygen tanks).
Adequate time to get on or off a bus or train.
Sit or stand wherever you desire.
Request that the bus or train remain stopped until you are seated.
Have a personal attendant or aide (including trainers) ride for free.
Travel independently, without the requirement of an attendant.
Exit at any door at which you feel safest.
Find out if you are eligible for discounted fares.
File complaints with the transit company.

In addition to the above rights, older adults and passengers with disabilities may also...

Request a "night stop." RTD's Night Stop bus service provides added safety for bus passengers traveling at night between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. Night stop allows passengers to get off the bus at any safe location along a regular route, even if it is not a designated RTD bus stop.
Request that the operator position the bus closer to the curb, reducing the gap between the bottom step and the curb.
Use the lift when traveling with a walker, shopping cart or stroller.
Board the lift forward or backward in their wheelchair on fixed-route buses.

What if I believe I've been denied any one of these rights or have been otherwise discriminated against by my local transit system?

Contact: RTD Main Office at 303-299-6000 ext. 3 (TDD at 303-299-6089) weekdays 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. or weekends and holidays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. You may also visit www.rtd-denver.com.
Contact: The Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Transportation at (202) 366-4754 (voice) or (202) 366-0381 (TTY).
You may file a private lawsuit without contacting the above agencies. Remember, the right to accessible public transportation is an important civil right and guaranteed under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).