Getting Started

Before You Board: Plan & Prepare

Visit RTC’s fare page to find the right ticket or pass for your trip.

Use maps, timetables, or the RTC transit app to plan your journey.

Be at your designated stop a few minutes before the scheduled time.

If you’re a college student (UNR, TMCC, WNC, DRI), your valid student ID covers fixed-route fares.

Board only at official bus stops marked with blue-and-white RTC ride signs.
When the bus approaches, stand up, make eye contact, and clearly wave with your palm toward the bus (or use a flashlight after dark).
Double-check with the driver: confirm route number and destination before stepping aboard.
Ready your fare, pass, or transfer — be prepared to show or scan it immediately.

Try to sit. If you must stand, move toward the rear and hold onto handrails.
Front seats are reserved—for seniors, people with disabilities, and those who need assistance. Please yield.
Avoid talking loudly or making disruptive noises. Use headphones when listening to music or media.
Keep your arms, feet, and belongings within your personal space. Do not block aisles, doorways, or pathways.
Stay seated until the bus has stopped completely before exiting.

Press the stop request tape about one block before your intended stop, giving the driver time to safely pull over.
Wait until the bus halts fully before standing or making your way to the door.
If the bus can’t stop exactly where you requested (e.g., unsafe or no-turn zone), the driver will drop you at the next designated stop.

Alert the driver: “I may have boarded the wrong route.”
The driver can help redirect you or contact a supervisor to assist with your transfer.

To keep transit safe, reliable, and pleasant for everyone, the following behaviors and items are not allowed:

Inappropriate Behavior

Disruptive conduct: running, shouting, profanity, fights, loitering.
Expressive or promotional activities: speeches, distributing flyers, demonstrations — unless in designated public right-of-way areas.
Disturbing or threatening others.
Boarding without paying, presenting valid ID (if required), or refusing to deboard when asked.
Blocking free movement or interfering with safe boarding, riding, or deboarding.
Vandalism or defacing vehicles, shelters, or RTC property.

Items & Usage Restrictions

Food & drink: Only allowed in sealed, spill-proof containers.
Smoking or vaping: Prohibited on buses, at shelters, or transfer centers.
Animals: Only service animals allowed freely; pets must be contained.
Weapons / Hazardous items: Forbidden unless carried by law enforcement or per valid permit.
Oversized objects: Things that block aisles or interfere with safe movement are not allowed.
Audio devices: Only with earphones, at moderate volume.
Other restricted items: Batteries, fuel containers, or anything that may leak or be hazardous

Safety & Respect

Always wear a shirt and footwear.
Keep personal belongings close and aisles clear.
Respect other riders, neighbors near bus stops, and transit staff.
Reporting threats, harassment, or misconduct is encouraged.
Note: Cameras on buses may be used to document offenses or assist in enforcement.

Disruptive conduct: running, shouting, profanity, fights, loitering.
Expressive or promotional activities: speeches, distributing flyers, demonstrations — unless in designated public right-of-way areas.
Disturbing or threatening others.
Boarding without paying, presenting valid ID (if required), or refusing to deboard when asked.
Blocking free movement or interfering with safe boarding, riding, or deboarding.
Vandalism or defacing vehicles, shelters, or RTC property.

Food & drink: Only allowed in sealed, spill-proof containers.
Smoking or vaping: Prohibited on buses, at shelters, or transfer centers.
Animals: Only service animals allowed freely; pets must be contained.
Weapons / Hazardous items: Forbidden unless carried by law enforcement or per valid permit.
Oversized objects: Things that block aisles or interfere with safe movement are not allowed.
Audio devices: Only with earphones, at moderate volume.
Other restricted items: Batteries, fuel containers, or anything that may leak or be hazardous

Always wear a shirt and footwear.
Keep personal belongings close and aisles clear.
Respect other riders, neighbors near bus stops, and transit staff.
Reporting threats, harassment, or misconduct is encouraged.
Note: Cameras on buses may be used to document offenses or assist in enforcement.