Tips for riding the bus in Springfield

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The following information is taken from the Springfield City Utilities website.

Waiting for the Bus
When waiting for the bus, stand at the nearest bus stop sign. Make sure the bus driver can see you so you are not passed by. Always signal the driver that you wish to ride the bus.

Arrive at the bus stops 5-8 minutes early to avoid missing the bus.

All buses are wheelchair accessible.

Boarding the Bus

Please have your exact fare or pass ready before boarding the bus. Bus drivers carry no money and cannot make change. Half-fare riders must have their reduced bus fare card or Medicare card ready to show the driver.

If you do not show your card, you will be required to pay full fare. If you need a transfer, ask the driver when you pay your fare. After you leave the driver’s area, no transfer will be issued.

Riding the Bus
After paying your fare, move to the rear of the bus.

Please make front seats available for elderly or disabled passengers. Take your seat as quickly as possible. This helps the driver maintain the schedule.

When waiting on a bus, hold on to the grab rails or seat backs. Do not move around on the moving bus. Wait until the bus has stopped to get out of your seat.

Eating, drinking, foul language, radios without headphones, weapons and use of ANY tobacco or vapor item is not allowed on the bus. Shirts and shoes are required at all times. Masks and hoods must be removed when you board the bus.

Animals, except service animals, are prohibited on the bus.

Please use care and courtesy when carrying items such as umbrellas, groceries, etc.

Help keep your buses clean by keeping your feet off seats and taking all trash with you.

If you find an item on the bus, please give it to the driver. All items left on the bus are turned in at the end of the day. If you leave an item on the bus, please call 417-831-8782 (press 1.)

Please do not engage the driver in conversation. His or her job requires that they concentrate fully on driving the bus; they may be distracted by talking.

Exiting the Bus
Give the driver adequate notice that you want to exit the bus. Pull the bell cord at least one block before you want to get off.

After you exit, do not cross the street in front of the bus.

Stand away from the bus and wait until it has left before attempting to cross the street.

Transfers
Please remember the following regulations:

You must purchase your transfer when boarding the bus, stating the route to which you want to transfer. Transfers will not be issued at any other time during your trip.

You cannot obtain a transfer when you exit the bus.

The transfer will have a “time issued” printed on it. You must catch the next available bus traveling the route to which you are transferring in order for the transfer to be valid.

Occasionally buses are delayed by trains, traffic, or blocked streets. The driver will adjust the time on the transfer and will inform you of how long you will have to wait.

When you board the second bus, give your transfer to the driver. Do not put the transfer on the driver’s seat.

Transfers may not be sold or given away.

ParaTransit Service – Access Express
City Utilities also operates a ParaTransit Service to serve the disabled and elderly who are unable to ride the fixed route bus. The service is operated on a demand-responsive, origin-to-destination basis with the same service hours and area as the Fixed Route System. Call 417-831-8711 (press 2)for more information.

Operating Hours