Overview
Lawrence Transit stations, stops, and buses are shared public spaces. To ensure that everyone feels welcome, we ask everyone to be respectful of each other and transit property. By using the Central Station, Downtown Station, bus stops, and buses, riders agree to follow Lawrence Transit’s general rules and Code of Conduct.
General Rules
Passengers who do not follow regulations are subject to disciplinary actions as listed in the Lawrence Transit Code of Conduct, including immediate removal from transit vehicles and property.
Prohibited Activities on the Bus
- Smoking or vaping, consuming illegal substances, alcohol consumption
- Loud speaking (including cell phones), or use of profanity
- Behavior that is disruptive to others’ use of transit and transit facilities
- Solicitation, commercial or non-commercial purposes
- Vandalism, graffiti, littering
- Inappropriate or distracting conversation with driver
- Listening to electronic equipment without headsets
- Chronic sleeping on the bus or in bus shelters or taking up more than one seat
- Placing hands, arms, head, or personal belongings outside the bus
Prohibited Carry-On Items
- Hazardous materials
- Firearms or other weapons
- Items that would block the aisle or require the use of an additional seat, with the exception of small grocery carts used responsibly and safely
- Open containers of drink, food
- Any animal that is disruptive or out of control
Passengers Are Required to
- Wear shirt and shoes
- Be free and clear of biohazards
- Hold small children securely
- If standing, remain behind the designated line and hold onto the stanchions or overhead railings
Transit staff, drivers, and road supervisors have the authority to enforce these rules based on their assessment of the situation.
Procedures
Behavior that violates local, state, and/or federal laws is prohibited. Any transit staff or contracted service provider staff may enforce consequences. In the case of misconduct of a minor nature, staff will request patrons to stop the unacceptable behavior and remind patrons of Lawrence Transit’s policy.
For more severe misconduct, the Discipline Levels & Consequences listed below will be followed (actual suspension may be higher based on the situation and facts gathered). A patron may appeal a suspension by notice in writing to the Director of Transit within 15 days after receipt of suspension.
Discipline Levels & Consequences
Level 1
Example behaviors: smoking/vaping, drinking, drug use, disruptive/loud/threatening/harassing behavior, obstructing access, littering, minor theft or damage.
Consequence: Up to 1-month suspension
Level 2
Example behaviors: repeated Level 1 violations, threat of violence, use of transit property during suspension or outside of operating hours.
Consequence: Up to 3-month suspension
Level 3
Example behaviors: repeated Level 1 or 2 violations, physical fights, sexual harassment, major theft or damage.
Consequence: Up to 12-month suspension
Level 4
Example behaviors: repeated Level 1, 2, or 3 violations, possession/display of weapon, sexual assault, physical fights against staff/drivers/contracted staff.
Consequence: Up to indefinite suspension