Code of Conduct

Besides information on what to look for and who to contact, RTA will also provide current updates to news and information about staying safe while riding our buses, useful tips to better your riding experience and resources that can be useful in other areas of your life.

Whether you're following your regular commute route or on your way to a movie or meet up with friends, public transit is a key part of your day. You know public transit, and no one can spot something suspicious or out of place better than you.

RTA has initiated a local public awareness campaign called: "See Something, Say Something"^TM to raise the awareness of transit safety with our customers to be aware of dangerous or inappropriate activities on the bus, in transit centers or at bus stops. The program's aim is to encourage the public to tell RTA officials about the activity they may have seen. Look for billboards and information cards on RTA buses and transit centers.

When traveling the on RTA, customers may protect themselves from becoming victims of crime by keeping alert and following a few proven crime prevention techniques. The following information will help you in making your RTA travels safer and more enjoyable.

Personal Safety:

Always be alert and aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Refrain from listening to music or wearing headphones while riding the transit system. (iPods, cell phones, and portable radios will distract you and could make you a potential target)

• Avoid talking to strangers, especially in isolated areas.
• lf carrying a purse, hold it tightly and close to your body.
• If carrying a wallet, keep it in a front pocket.
• lf you are attacked, scream or blow a whistle in order to bring attention to your situation.

At Transit Centers:

• When waiting for a bus, stay in a central location that is occupied by other customers (it's true that there is safety in numbers).
• lf you are on the platform or inside the center, always spot a transit ambassador or other RTA staff to assist you if needed.

Code of Conduct:

This facility is owned and operated by the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority (RTA). The RTA has enacted this Code of Conduct to ensure a safe, convenient and enjoyable experience for customers using our transit services.

The Code of Conduct establishes reasonable expectations with regards to behavior for all persons on RTA property. Any person's failure to comply with the Code of Conduct may result in removal from the property, prohibition from RTA's facilities and services (including buses) in the future, criminal prosecution, and further penalty as outlined in Ohio Revised Code 306.99.

WHILE YOU ARE ON RTA PROPERTY, YOU ARE PROHIBITED FROM

1. Carrying or possessing weapons of any kind, except lawfully carried and possessed firearms.
2. Using profanity or engaging in any disruptive or threatening behavior.
3. Destroying, damaging or defacing RTA property or the property of its customers and tenants.
4. Loitering, delaying or lingering about the property or its exterior.
5. Littering.
6. Smoking (including e-cigarettes), except in clearly designated areas.
7. Obstructing facility entrances or interfering with the free flow of pedestrian traffic.
8. Possessing an open alcoholic beverage or public intoxication.
9. Possessing, selling, or using any illicit or illegal drugs or related paraphernalia.
10. Gambling.
11. Unsafe or Disruptive behavior such as running, riding a bike or scooter, skating or skateboarding on the property.
12. Making or causing noise loud enough, including electronic devices, to disturb the peace of other persons.
13. Soliciting, picketing, handbilling, distributing, or selling materials on RTA property without the prior written consent of RTA.
14. Failing to wear clothing that appropriately covers your body and undergarments so as not to offend others.Additionally, failing to wear shoes and shirts or wearing apparel that has obscene language or gestures or racial, religious, sexual, ethnic or other slurs or comments that are likely to create a disturbance or otherwise disturb the peace of other persons.
15. Wearing ski masks or other non-health related face coverings. Face coverings worn for religious purposes are allowed.
16. Engaging in any unlawful activity or any behavior that is disruptive to RTA's business or offensive to the general public.
17. Carrying or transporting animals, except for service animals or those in appropriate carriers.

This Code of Conduct will be strictly enforced. Any person who has been denied access to any RTA facility may appeal that decision to the RTA Chief Operating Officer by providing written notice of appeal within 14 days of removal to 600 Longworth Street, Dayton, OH 45402.

On Buses:

• Try to avoid isolated bus stops.
• Stand near others and in well-lighted areas, move to your bus as it arrives.
• During off hours, ride as near the bus driver as possible.
• lf trouble occurs, notify the bus driver. The bus driver can radio into the dispatcher, who can then notify the RTA security team or police department.

Rules of the Road:

1. No smoking (including e-cigarettes), eating, or drinking on RTA vehicles. Food and drinks carried onboard must be in a sealed container.
2. Customers must wear clothing that appropriately covers their body. Customers must wear shoes and shirts and may not wear apparel that has obscene language or gestures or racial, religious, sexual, ethnic or other slurs or offensive comments
3. Customers must use headsets when listening to audio and video devices.
4. Customers are asked to refrain from speaking on cell phones while on RTA vehicles.
5. Customers must not use profanity or engage in disruptive or threatening behavior.
6. Vandalism of RTA property or littering will not be tolerated.
7. Customers must keep aisles clear.
8. Customers must remain behind the standee line when the bus is in motion.
9. Bicycles must be functional and able to be secured on the bike rack.
10. Customers prior to boarding the vehicle, are responsible for providing a valid form of payment, ensuring an appropriate account balance, and providing proof of eligibility when obtaining a reduced fare.
11. Customers must vacate designated seating areas for older customers and customers with disabilities as requested by RTA operators.
12. Customers may not carry onto an RTA vehicle any item which could cause injury or damage to RTA customers or property, including hazardous materials, except lawfully carried and possessed firearms.
13. Customers must maintain personal hygiene so as not to offend fellow customers.
14. Ski masks or other non-health related face coverings must be removed upon boarding RTA vehicles. Face coverings worn for religious purposes are allowed.
15. Loitering on vehicles is prohibited. RTA services are designed to provide mass movement of customers for single trip purposes to maximize customer safety and comfort.

Park and Ride - Walking To Your Car:

• Briskly and confidently walk to your vehicle.
• Scan the area as you walk and be aware of the people in the area.
• lf someone looks suspicious, move away from him/her. Call 911.
• Have your keys out and ready before you reach your vehicle.
• Once you have reached your car, quickly check the interior for any possible intruders. - - - - lf clear, enter the car and quickly lock the door behind you.

Inform Your Children:

• IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO BOARD CHILDREN UNATTENDED ON THE BUS
• If your children ride the RTA alone, please advise them not to talk to strangers.
• Teach them how to contact the police, bus operators, transit ambassadors for assistance and help.