Rider Guide

Bus Stops

Be VISIBLE at bus stops so the bus driver can see you waiting. Wave at the driver to ensure being noticed and keep yourself safe. Buses will pick-up or drop-off passengers at all locations with TVT bus stop signs. Passengers may also request other pick-ups or drop-offs, or may wave the bus down at any safe location along the route. Drivers will not stop if unsafe.

Microtransit exception: TVT’s microtransit vans, such as EZ Trip Middlebury, are only available by reservation. They do not serve bus stops on a regular schedule or stop for flag downs.

Deviations & Request Only Bus Stops (R)

Some TVT stops along a route are listed as “R or Request Only. This may apply all day or only during certain times. Most non-commuter bus routes also allow Deviations. Request Only stops and Deviations follow the pickup and drop off procedures below and will stop at the nearest safe location.

Addison Region buses deviate up to 1/2 mile (1/4 mile for MSB Hannaford/ADK, Rutland Connector and Saturday Burlington LINK) from the published routes to pick up or drop off passengers.  There are no deviations on the 116 Commuter or Monday-Friday Burlington LINK buses.

Orange/No. Windsor Region buses deviate up to 3/4 mile from the published route on the Randolph Shopper, Saturday Shopper, and Randolph Circulator routes to pick up or drop off passengers.  Bradford Area Circulator will deviate up to one mile from the published route.

There are no deviations on the 89er, River Route, Strafford Extension, 116 Commuter, or LINK to Burlington commuter routes.

To request a DROP OFF

When boarding the bus, please tell the driver that you would like a Deviation or a Request Only drop off. The driver will let you know whether the request can be accommodated immediately or on the next loop. Every effort will be made to accommodate all requests.

To request a PICK UP

All Pick Ups – whether a Deviation or Request Only Bus Stop – must be requested by calling the TVT office at least one business day (24 hours) in advance. For a Monday pickup, please call on Friday.

Dispatch staff will take your information, review the bus schedule, and determine a Pick Up time. Under Federal Law, the ride may be scheduled up to one hour before or one hour after your requested time. TVT dispatch staff is available by phone from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.

Transfers

See Bus Route Fares for detailed information on transfers to or from each route. Please confirm with driver when boarding if you need to transfer to another bus or route.

Child Seats

All TVT buses have built-in child seats and seat belts at every seat. Ask the driver for assistance if you need to use a child seat. If you bring your own child seat, please be sure it is secured correctly.

Bikes

All TVT buses (excluding EZ Trip microtransit in Middlebury) are equipped with bike racks. Each rack can accommodate two bicycles. Bicycles may also be brought in the bus if necessary and space is available.  Electric bicycles cannot be placed on racks or inside buses. Riders are responsible for loading and unloading their own bicycles, and they must be strapped down for safety.  Motorized stand-up scooters are not allowed on buses unless they are needed for an ADA disability.

Check out our how to load a bike video to see how easy and safe it is to load your bike on our bus.

Pets and Service Animals

Service animals are allowed on TVT buses.  Pets are also allowed if in a carrier or wearing a muzzle and leash.  All animals must be under control at all times to ride.  Other bus systems may not allow non-service animals on board.  If you are planning to continue your trip with another transit provider you should call ahead to verify their animal policy.

Oversized Items

Oversized items are welcomed on the bus provided they are kept out of the aisles and under the rider’s direct control. Oversized items may include grocery bags, shopping trolleys, skis/snowboards, skateboards, and other large or multiple items.  Motorized stand-up scooters are not allowed on buses.

Lost and Found

TVT is not responsible for items left on the bus. Perishable and soiled items will be disposed of for safety reasons.  All other items found on the bus will be brought to the office and kept in our lost and found for 30 days. Call your local office to see if your item has been found and how you may claim it.

WHERE’S MY BUS?

Figuring out when to catch your next bus has never been easier! TVT has signed up with “Transit”, a smartphone app that provides upcoming departure times for nearby buses. Transit will help you navigate TVT’s bus system with accurate, real-time predictions, simple trip planning, step-by-step navigation, service disruption notifications, and departure and stop reminders…all presented in a clear, bold interface.

KEY FEATURES

• Plan A to B trips with ease.
• See exactly where your bus is on the map in real-time.
• Get push notifications if service disruptions will affect your trip.
• Launch GO for step-by-step navigation when you’re on an unfamiliar route.
• Receive departure alarms and stop notifications as well as prompts to pick up the pace in GO.
• View schedules and route itineraries. Even offline.

Here’s a quick Transit app tutorial…

Code of Conduct

These rules are for the safety and comfort of all.  Your ride may be denied if you break them.

• No arguing, violence, threats, bullying, or harassment.
• No swearing or mean words about race, gender, age, or sexual orientation.
• No weapons.
• No items that could cause a fire.
• No smoking, vaping, illegal drugs, or open alcoholic drinks.
• No soliciting any product or service.
• No open food or drinks.  (Lidded drinks are okay.)
• No excessive noise or use of speakers.  Use headphones or turn off sound.
• No littering or sticking anything out the windows.
• No taking more than one seat or putting your feet up.
• No exposed body fluids.
• Sit behind the line while bus is moving and keep the aisle clear.
• First row seats are for riders who are older, have a disability, or need child seat belts.
• Wheelchair tie-down areas are reserved for wheelchairs, walkers, and mobility scooters.
• Riders must be fully clothed and limit odors that disturb others.
• Stay in control of your service animal.
• Ask driver for help securing large items.
• Leave the bus after one loop (unless another partial loop is needed to get where you are going).

The safety and comfort of our riders comes first.