C-Tran Guide for Fixed Route Passengers

C-Tran Guide for Fixed Route Passengers

Updated May 2007

Background

In February 2005, the Cary Town Council approved the start-up of new fixed route transit service for the general public effective December 16, 2005. Door-to-door transit services will still be provided but only for senior citizens (55 or older) and persons with disabilities (see C-Tran Passenger Guide for Door-to-Door Passengers). The new services consist of three fixed routes serving areas in Cary that have been determined to have the best potential for attracting passengers. Factors included in the location of the fixed routes included, but were not limited to, population density, location of significant trip generators such as shopping centers, employment centers, medical facilities/offices, multi-unit residential areas, senior housing, etc.

Hours of Operation

C-Tran fixed route services will operate from approximately 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Peak hours will be from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Off-peak hours will be from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

C-Tran Ticket Outlets

Town of Cary Finance Department, Town Hall, and 316 N. Academy St., Cary, NC 27513 will sell all varieties of ticket options, including Monthly Passes ($30) and 11-Day Passes ($8). The Cary Senior Center will also sell the Monthly and 11-Day Passes.
Kroger at Maynard Plaza (corner of High House Road and Maynard Road) will sell only the 11-Day Passes ($8), $1 tickets and $.50 senior/disabled discount tickets for off-peak hours.
Fixed Route Bus Drivers – passenger may pay cash or purchase $1, $.50, or $4 TTA Day Passes that are good for unlimited rides for that day on C-Tran, and CAT.

Note: Monthly Passes can only be purchased through the Town of Cary Finance Department during the period between the 15^th of the prior month and no later than the 15^th of the month of the pass. The Town of Cary will accept check or credit card and mail tickets. All other tickets may be purchased at any time from the Finance Department. The ticket order form is included as a tab on our C-Tran Web Site page.

Fixed Route Schedules and Map

This information can be viewed by clicking on the “General Public” tab on the C-Tran main page of our Web site. Schedules and routes are subject to change if circumstances warrant such as change in service design, construction issues, weather, etc. In the event of significant changes in service a notice of public hearing will be issued in the local paper and the Town will hold a public hearing to get input from citizens. Schedules and maps can be obtained at the Town’s Finance Department, Planning Department, Herb Young Community Center, Cary Senior Center, and on C-Tran buses.

Accessibility

All C-Tran fixed route buses are wheelchair accessible. Each bus has two wheelchair safety devices. If you are hearing or speech impaired and you use TTY (teletypewriter service), then you may call North Carolina Relay at 711 or (800) 735-2962 and request a connection to the C-Tran information line, (919) 481-2020.

General Policies

Passengers board the bus, pay with proper tickets or provide driver with transfer ticket, and take a seat. It is the responsibility of the passenger to properly secure themselves with seatbelts provided.
Smoking, eating, drinking and concealed weapons are not permitted on the bus.
Animals are not allowed unless required by passengers with disabilities.
Child restraint seats must be provided by passengers and it is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to make sure these devices are secure.
The bus driver is concerned for the safety of all passengers and will be glad to answer questions once the bus has come to a complete stop.
Children age 12 or older may ride C-Tran unaccompanied by an adult. Children age 11 or younger must be accompanied by a family member or companion age 16 years or older.
To signal the bus driver to stop at the next bus stop location, the passenger can push the signal strip near your seat. This device rings a bell informing the driver that a passenger wants to get off the bus at the next stop. Stops will not be made between designated C-Tran bus stops.
Persons wishing to board a C-Tran fixed route bus may board or disembark at any designated C-Tran bus stop sign along any of the fixed routes. Flag down boarding and exiting the bus at locations between stops will not be allowed for safety purposes.

Unruly Behavior/Disorderly Conduct

The Town of Cary has an obligation to maintain a safe and respectful environment for its customers and drivers. Loud, obnoxious, and unruly behavior will not be tolerated on the vehicles. It is unpleasant for the customers and drivers, and it may distract drivers and lead to a safety issue.

The operation of radios, portable music players, and other electronic devices must be kept must to a low volume. Violent, disruptive, illegal behavior or behavior that endangers the safety of the driver or other passengers will not be tolerated. Inappropriate behaviors include but are not limited to:

§ Yelling, cursing, belittling, defaming, arguing, playing music, and otherwise disturbing drivers or other passengers with noises;

§ Shoving, fighting, spitting, and otherwise disturbing others with physical gestures or contact; and

§ Soliciting, begging, panhandling, and otherwise disturbing others by making requests of them.

Passengers who violate this policy will receive a written warning stating the offense and the potential for suspension of service if the behavior continues. In the case of a rider with a cognitive disability, we suggest that a caregiver accompany the rider.

If the offense is repeated, action will be taken as follows:

First Offense	Second Offense	Third Offense	Additional Offenses
Written warning.	30 day suspension.	60 day suspension.	An additional 30 days added to previous penalty period.

A passenger that is in possession of a weapon, physically or verbally abuses another passenger or the driver, damages or vandalizes property, or poses a threat to the safety of the operation of the vehicle will be suspended from service immediately. Service will not be renewed until such time as the rider can prove that he/she is not a danger to other passengers or the driver or if an escort can be provided by the passenger to ensure the safety of all passengers and the driver.

C-Tran reserves the right to refuse riding privileges to any passengers who disrupts the driver or other passengers.

Notification and Right to Appeal

With the exception of immediate threats to health, safety, and welfare, individuals have the right to notice and appeal prior to any suspension of service based on violation of this policy. Individuals will be notified in writing of the issues that are being addressed. The notice will advise the individual that he or she has the right to appeal the assessment of any suspensions of service by submitting a letter of appeal to the Town of Cary Planning Department (PO BOX 8005; Cary, NC 27512). Individuals will have 10 business days from the date of the notice to submit their appeal. The Planning Department will reach a determination within 15 business days of its receipt. All individuals who appeal will receive a written notice of the decision.

A suspension will not be implemented during the period in which an appeal may be filed and while an appeal is being decided upon except for in cases where the passenger was in possession of a weapon or verbally or physically abused or injured a driver, passenger, or other person. The Town of Cary will determine the extent and possibility of resuming service on a case-by-case basis.

C-Tran Passenger Fare/Ticket Information

Passengers are required to have tickets or exact fare ready when boarding the bus; the drivers cannot make change.

Cash fare for one-way trip $1

Transfers between routes* Free

People 55 years or older or disabled** $1 in peak hours, $.50 in off-peak hrs.

Children age 6 or younger Free

Monthly Pass – Unlimited rides $30 good for specific month only

11-Ride Ticket $8, good for 11 rides any time or month

TTA Monthly Pass can be used

As C-Tran Fare Must be purchased through TTA

Seniors/Disabled “Door-to-Door” $2 for one-way in-town trips

Seniors/Disabled “Door-to-Door” $4 for one-way out-of-town trips

*Transfers are issued to any fare paying passenger who needs to take a second bus to reach a destination. Transfers will not be issued to ride back to the original boarding point or to a second trip. Transfers are only good on the next connecting bus at authorized transfer points indicated on the fixed route map.

**C-Tran registration ID card, Medicare Card, or other valid identification must be shown when paying the reduced rate for seniors or passengers with disabilities. Registration for ID cards may be obtained at the Cary Senior Center located at Maury O’Dell Drive in Cary or by faxing the registration form, available on the C-Tran Web site (go to http://www.townofcary.org/ctran/disabled.htm) to the Cary Senior Center at (919) 462-3981.

Holiday Service

No service will be provided on the following holidays: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving Day and the Friday following Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Note: Door-to-door C-Tran services will operate on a limited basis on the Town holidays where fixed route service operates and door-to-door services do not operate for those individuals residing within ¾ mile of the fixed routes and who are unable to get to fixed route stops. Regular door-to-door services will not operate on Town observed employee holidays.

Inclement Weather

Even in extreme weather the C-Tran system will make every attempt to run its routes. However, safety is our first priority, both to our passengers and our drivers.

When service runs in extreme conditions, time schedules may be altered in the interest of safety. The status of the bus can be checked by calling (919) 481-2020. C-Tran fixed route service may operate when Door-to-Door service does not operate, since fixed routes operate primarily on major streets. Door-to-Door services will adhere to the Wake County Public School System Transportation cancellations. These cancellations are broadcasted on local television and radio stations.

Note: Registered passengers certified for ADA service and who reside within ¾ of a mile any of the three fixed routes will receive Door-to-Door service when other Door-to-Door services have been cancelled as long as streets are safe and passable.

C-Tran Bike “Rack-N-Roll” Program

Bike racks on each fixed route bus are designed to accommodate two-wheeled, single seat bicycles. Tandems, tricycles, and bicycles with wheels less than 16 inches in diameter are not compatible.

Safety Tips for Bicyclists:

When loading or unloading, maintain as much eye contact with the driver as possible.
Avoid kneeling or squatting out of the driver’s line of sight.
Be sure to load and unload your bicycle toward the curb.
When approaching and leaving the bus, be aware of the driver’s blind spots and avoid them. Areas behind the wheels on both sides are major blind spots. Should you approach the bus from these angles, you will be outside the range of the driver’s mirrors. Always make sure the driver sees you and recognizes that you are loading a bicycle before walking in front of the bus.
Do not expose yourself to traffic when loading or unloading your bike. The bus is a major vision barrier for motorists.
As a safety precaution, once you have disembarked and gained control of your bike, make sure that you wait for the bus to move completely away from the stop before mounting your bike.
Wear a safety helmet when riding your bike. For children 16 years and younger, it’s the law.
Children 11 years old and younger may use the rack but only when accompanied by an adult (age 18 years or older).
Bicycles are not allowed inside the bus.
The Town of Cary is not responsible for damages incurred or caused by or to bicycles on C-Tran bike racks.

Lost and Found

C-Tran staff will maintain a lost-and-found service to assist with prompt return of lost items. If you have lost an item, please call (919) 481-2020. Items unclaimed after 12 months will be donated to the Goodwill Community Foundation, Inc. in Cary.

Contact Information:

For system complaints, suggestions, or commendations please contact: