Rules of Conduct and Safety

All passengers play an important role in helping CapMetro maintain safe and comfortable services for our community. CapMetro's Code of Conduct extends across all vehicle types as well as our stops and transit hubs. Before you ride, please read these rules and expectations.

Safety and Courtesy

• View our safety brochure for our full list of safety guidelines. 
• If you see something, say something. Report emergencies or suspicious activity to any bus operator, uniformed personnel or call 911. When riding CapMetro Rail, use the intercom to reach the train engineer. You can also report suspicious activity using the See Say feature in the CapMetro App or using this webform.
• Buses and trains are allowed to pick up or drop off customers only at official CapMetro bus stops, stations or designated areas. The only exception to this rule is when a customer requests a courtesy stop between regular bus stops after 9 p.m.
• Have your pass or cash ready when boarding, and keep your fare handy in case requested by a fare inspector. Customers without a valid fare will be asked to de-board and may result in a fine.
• Always use traffic lights and crosswalks, and obey all warning signals and railroad crossing gates.
• When boarding and exiting, watch your step and do not cross in front of the vehicle.
• Please let customers exit the bus before boarding. And, please exit through the rear door when possible - it speeds up the boarding process and allows our vehicles to better keep to their schedules.
• Customers may not board the vehicle once it pulls away from the curb. Never approach a moving vehicle or attempt to knock on its doors or windows to capture the driver's attention.
• Lifts and ramps may be used at any time the vehicle is stopped. Remain alert when boarding or exiting and allow the operator to fully deploy the lift or ramp before entering.
• Priority seating at the front of vehicles is reserved for customers with disabilities and senior citizens. Customers in wheelchairs have priority. Operators may ask you to relocate to another seat. Please accommodate them, even if it means you must stand for your trip.
• If a rider boards a full bus while carrying a child, kindly offer them your seat.
• Don't interfere with the operation of a vehicle, including by talking to the operator while the vehicle is in motion.
• Standing while riding is permitted except on CapMetro Access vehicles. Look for a pole or a strap to hold for safety. Stand behind the safety line while vehicles are in motion.
• Do not yell out your stop request to the bus operator. When you're about a block away, use the "stop requested" cord or button.
• Customers are allowed one seat and should avoid taking up more space than allowed. Don't lay down or put your feet on the seat.
• Falling asleep while riding is unsafe. Customers who are asleep are at risk of being injured from unexpected vehicle movements or braking, as well as theft and injury.
• Keep hold of your belongings on your lap, at your feet or in overhead storage spaces. Items may not block aisles, obstruct seats or be left unattended.
• Disruptive behavior is not allowed, including: loud conversation, profanity, insults, threats, horseplay, fighting, inconsiderate cell phone use or playing musical instruments.
• Headphones are required when using all audio and visual devices.
• Heads, hands and all other objects must remain inside the vehicle while it is in motion.
• Panhandling and soliciting are not allowed.
• Shirt, pants/shorts/skirt and shoes are required.
• Spitting, urinating, defecating or exposing one's body parts are not allowed.
• Boarding with uncovered health-related open sores and wounds; visible bodily fluids on clothing; or a visible infestation of bedbugs, fleas or lice is not allowed.
• Please don't perform tasks of basic hygiene, like clipping nails or flossing teeth while on board our vehicles
• Please be considerate of customers with chemical sensitivities by limiting use of colognes and perfumes.
• Children younger than 10 must be accompanied by a rider who is 12 years or older.

Rail Track Safety

• CapMetro has a zero-tolerance policy for trespassing within the railroad right-of-way. Never stop on the tracks. 
  • Photos on tracks can be deadly. Don't risk your life for a selfie.
  • Cross tracks only at designated crossings and never cross tracks when the gates are down or lowering.

• Be alert and watchful. If you are standing on or near the tracks, you may not see, hear or feel the vibration of an approaching train. Rail trains are faster and quieter than freight trains and not required to blow horns in designated quiet zones.
• Stand behind the safety line on the platform while waiting for the train.
• Hold your child's hand while waiting on the platform.
• Hold on while standing on board the train.
• Do not try to beat the train to a crossing when driving. Stop at least 15 feet from rail crossings.

Bikes, Strollers, Scooters and Pets

• Most buses feature exterior bike racks located at the front of the vehicle. Exceptions include some Express vehicles, which have storage compartments on the side of the vehicle, and electric buses with compartments at the back of the bus. Only folded bicycles are permitted onboard buses. However, bikes are allowed on Rail, and must either be stored in the onboard bike rack or maintained in a standing position by the owner.
• Fold your recreational scooters before boarding the bus or train.
• Children may remain in strollers while on board the bus in the priority seating areas if a parent or guardian maintains control of the stroller. If the priority seating areas are not available, children must be removed from the stroller and the stroller must be collapsed. Riders in wheelchairs or mobility devices have priority for that seating.
• Roller skates, skateboards and other small wheeled recreational devices may not be used while on board vehicles.
• Service animals assisting a rider with a disability and service animals in training are allowed on board our vehicles, but they may not occupy a seat or block the aisle.
• Pets, emotional support and comfort animals are not allowed on CapMetro vehicles.

Food, Beverages and Other Consumption

• Beverages are allowed in spill-proof containers, screw top bottles, or cups with lids. Otherwise, please don't eat or drink on board CapMetro vehicles.
• Smoking tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes or vaporizers, and chewing tobacco are not allowed. Expelling the residue of any tobacco product, including chewing tobacco, is also not allowed.
• Consumption of alcoholic beverages on board and at stops is not allowed. Alcohol must be in its original and sealed container for transport.

Vehicles with 15 Seats or Fewer

• The operator must secure your mobility device, such as a wheelchair or scooter, for you.
• No standing while vehicle is in motion.
• Lap seat belts must be worn, if provided.
• Hospital beds, stretchers, Hoyer lifts, large shopping carts and other devices posing a safety risk are not allowed on board vehicles.
• Bikes are not allowed on vehicles with 15 seats or fewer.

Property and Facilities

• Trespassing and loitering at stops, or on CapMetro property and vehicles, is not allowed.
• Vandalism is not allowed, including writing on, removing, marking or defacing CapMetro properties, vehicles and stop amenities.
• Please do not use CapMetro facilities or properties for non-transportation purposes.
• Illegal possession, use, distribution or sale of any controlled substance is not allowed.
• Illegal weapons, explosives, wet cell batteries, flammable/combustible material (gasoline, kerosene or propane) and other hazardous items are not allowed.
• CapMetro is not responsible for lost, stolen or damaged items. Remember to take personal items with you.
• CapMetro staff, including vehicle operators, are not allowed to accept tips or gifts. You may show appreciation with a thank you or by submitting a compliment through the GO Line (512-474-1200).

---

Tobacco-Free Policy

We do not allow tobacco use on board, in boarding areas or within 15 feet of a bus stop or rail station. A field supervisor will politely ask the violator to move to another area or stop using the tobacco product. Repeat violators may be issued a Criminal Trespass Warning.

How do we enforce our policy?

Bus stops and rail stations fall under the city's domain, meaning they require a city ordinance to prohibit smoking. When we see violations, we remind customers of the tobacco-free policy and ask for their cooperation. To learn more:

• Read the Tobacco-free facilities policy.
• Read the Riders' FAQ
• Interested in quitting tobacco? Check out this free community resource [PDF].