Customer Service

Nanaimo Regional Transit is committed to providing you with a positive experience while using public transit. We offer you a safe ride, courteous drivers, easily accessible information, and clean, comfortable buses that run on time.

Our drivers should always be friendly and courteous to passengers. Drivers will be able to answer basic questions about the system, fares and upcoming detours or service changes. However, the driver can't plan your trip for you. If you need trip-planning assistance, please contact our Customer Information at 390-4531 in Nanaimo, or 954-1001 in Parksville/Qualicum Beach.

The following information will help you make the best use of the services provided by the Nanaimo Regional Transit System.

How do I use the new Farebox?

BC Transit is introducing new electronic fareboxes that counts bills and coins, and lets you swipe your transit pass.

You will notice that there are different areas to put your fare. Tickets and coins go in different slots and your monthly pass will soon be swiped.

Swipe the Stripe

Beginning in September instead of showing your monthly pass to the transit driver, you will swipe your pass through the magnetic swipe reader mounted on the top of the farebox.

In January you will swipe your ProPass and BC Bus Pass.

It's easy - swipe the pass with the magnetic stripe facing you. A beep will sound and you are on your way. The driver may ask to check your pass or to swipe again if the beep doesn't sound.

Why are we changing the farebox?

The electronic farebox provides transit and our customers with:

• new fare payment opportunities
• revenue security for lost or stolen passes
• information for future planning
  

When do the buses run?

The conventional buses run Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. until midnight, and on Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. There is no service on holidays.

Where do the buses run?

The buses route to all all regions of Nanaimo and north to Nanoose, Parksville and Qualicum Beach.

Fares

You may pay with cash (exact coin fare only, drivers carry no change), a ticket, day pass, monthly pass, semester pass, BC Bus Pass or CNIB Pass.

Transfers

If you need to use more than one bus to complete your trip, and are using cash or tickets as fare payment, you will need a transfer to board the connecting bus. Be sure to request a transfer when you board the bus.

If you need to take more than two buses to complete your trip, you may use the same transfer. Please show your transfer to the driver, face-up with time and route punch showing.

Transfers are valid for one-way travel only (you cannot use it on your return trip). Stopovers are not permitted, and transfers must be used on the first connecting bus.

Boarding the Bus

You may board only at designated stops, via the front door of the bus. Have your fare ready when you board the bus, and display your entire Monthly or DayPass to the driver.

Appropriate Attire

• For safety reasons, drivers will refuse service to passengers not wearing shirts and footwear.
• The bus is a great way to get to and from the beach, lake or pool, but please make sure your clothes are dry when boarding.

Priority Seating

The priority seating up front on the bus is designated for people with disabilities, passengers with children in strollers and seniors—in that order. Please respect the priority seating designations, and be prepared to move if the driver asks you to.

Baby Strollers on the Bus

Passengers travelling with youngsters in strollers now have easier access on low-floor accessible buses.

The stroller can be wheeled onto the bus with the child strapped in. Once on board, the passenger can:

1. Remove the child from the stroller, collapse the stroller and store clear of the aisle between the seats, OR
2. Allow the child to remain in the stroller and position the stroller in an unoccupied wheelchair location. The stroller's brakes should be set, but the restraining straps are not required. The parent or guardian is responsible for the stroller and child during the trip and is required to hold on to the stroller at all times.

Safety on the Bus

Safety is a priority at Nanaimo Regional Transit. The driver will not put the bus in motion until you've had an opportunity to sit down at the first available seat. If you pass the first seat, the bus may start moving, so make sure you use the handholds.

Please remain seated or hold onto one of the stanchions when the bus is in motion. Do not put your arms or elbows out of the window. Do not bring combustible materials such as wet-cell batteries and gasoline containers onto the bus. To request a stop, pull the bell cord in time for your driver to be able to stop safely.

Getting off the Bus

Exit by the rear door when possible. After leaving the bus, wait until the bus pulls away and you have a clear view of any oncoming traffic before you cross the street.

Passenger Responsibility

When your bus is approaching your stop, make sure you are in clear view of the driver and use the "transit wave" to alert the driver that you are waiting for that bus. If the bus coming is not your bus, take a step back to signal to driver that you are not waiting for that bus.

Have your fare ready when you get on the bus and display your entire monthly or DayPass to the driver. If you are eligible for discount fare, please display your ID.

If you are using a Walkman or other portable music player, please keep the volume down to ensure that you are not disturbing other passengers.

When darkness approaches, it becomes difficult for drivers to see people at bus stops, especially along unlit roads. Please take safety precautions by wearing light-coloured clothing, and by carrying a reflective strip and a flashlight.