Fixed Route Ridership Policies & Guidelines
General Policy
Public transportation vehicles and facilities are provided by the City of Liberal for the benefit of the City of Liberal community, visitors and the general public. All permissible use of public transportation vehicles and facilities shall be strictly limited to conduct consistent with the reasonable use and enjoyment of such services and for their safe and reliable operation.
Hours/Days of Operation
Hours are Monday through Friday (except New Year's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day & Christmas Day) from 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Cost
The current fares for the use of City Bus one way services are one dollar per ride or fifty cents per ride for low income, disabled, students, and persons aged 60 or older. Half-fare cards will be issued to those who apply and qualify based on age, disability or low-income. Students may instead show a school ID and persons ages 60 and up may show an ID or Driver's License to receive half-fare. This also entitles a rider to purchase an unlimited monthly pass (calendar month only) for $15.00. Half-fare cards are not monthly passes and will not be treated as such. Full-fare monthly passes may be purchased for $30.00 for a calendar month. The City Commission may adopt fare changes from time to time.
Wait Policy/Delays
Passengers must wait at the location of the stop ready to board the bus upon arrival. It is suggested to arrive at designated bus stops 10 minutes prior to the scheduled stop time. If no passengers are at a bus stop or no person on the bus needs to de-board, the bus will proceed to the next stop. Also, if the bus arrives to a stop after the posted stop time under the same circumstances, it will proceed to the next stop without stopping. Use of City Bus services is available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached. The buses cannot and will not wait for incomplete boarding parties.
Due to unexpected circumstances (such as the weather, RR crossings, heavy traffic, car accidents, etc.), it is not always possible for buses to run exactly on schedule. It is not considered early or late up to five minutes on either side of the schedule, which is the reason that passengers are asked to be at stops 10 minutes early.
Standing Passengers
All standing passengers (whether adults or children) must use the handrails or other stabilization devices provided on the vehicles in order to stabilize themselves while the vehicle is in operation. Passengers are not permitted to stand forward of the Standee Line per federal regulations. Passengers stand at their own risk.
Children
Passengers ages eight (8) and younger must be under the supervision of a responsible adult at all times when using City Bus services. Children must be removed from strollers while on the City Bus. All children under the age of six (6) must be seated. Diapers may not be changed aboard a Liberal Transit vehicle.
Strollers & Wagons
Only collapsible strollers, wagons and similar child transport devices are permitted on the City Bus vehicle. Non-collapsible strollers, wagons, and similar child transport devices are not permitted on the City Bus. All strollers, wagons, and similar child transport devices shall be carried on the City Bus vehicle in their collapsed condition.
Hazardous Materials
Hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, firearms or weapons (except as authorized by law) are prohibited on City Bus vehicles. Mention of any such materials is considered to be threatening behavior and will not be tolerated. Any violation of this prohibition will result in immediate notification of the appropriate law enforcement officials.
Animals
Only service animals are allowed on City Bus vehicles. A service animal has been individually trained to assist an individual with a disability. A “service animal” is defined as an animal that is individually trained to perform a specific task for a person with a disability. Service animals include, but are not limited to animals that guide individuals who are blind, alert individuals with hearing disabilities, pull wheelchairs or carry and pick up items for persons with mobility disabilities. Therapy animals which are used solely to provide emotional support are not considered service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Carry-On Items
City Bus vehicles do not have space specifically designed for storage, and anything other than carry-on baggage is not allowed on City Bus vehicles. Riders may bring small packages and groceries on-board vehicles if space is available and if they maintain control of these items within their immediate seating area. Any rider traveling with carry-on items must be able to board without assistance. Carry-on items must not interfere with passenger safety or obstruct the aisles. Due to time limitations, only one trip is allowed to remove all cargo and personal items. Portable music devices such as radios, iPods, etc. must not be played at a volume that would disrupt the safe operation of the transit vehicle or annoy other passengers. Transit riders are required to use headphones for their radios or IPods while on board a transit vehicle as a courtesy to your fellow passengers. Furniture or appliances are not permitted for transport aboard a City Bus vehicle. No food or beverages may be consumed by passengers aboard a City Bus vehicle. Beverages should be transported in a spill proof container.
Transfer Cards
Transfer Cards are available from drivers to allow riders to transfer to another route to reach final destination for one fare. It is free to transfer, but the card must be used within one hour of issuance. It may not be used as a return ticket on the route from which it is issued or to travel to more than one destination. Multiple destinations require an additional fare per destination.
Smoking
Smoking is strictly prohibited while using City Bus vehicle.
Loitering
Remaining on board a City Bus vehicle without a destination, sleeping on-board a City Bus vehicle, or loitering at a Public Transit Station or designated Bus Stop is not permitted.
Flash Photography & Laser Pointers
Flash photographs or the use of a laser pointer while on board a City Bus transit vehicle is extremely dangerous and not permitted.
Alcohol & Illegal Drugs
The consumption of alcohol is prohibited while using the City Bus services. The possession of an open alcoholic beverage container is prohibited while using the City Bus services. No person may ride the City Bus services while he or she is visibly intoxicated and not in control of their own person. The possession, sale, or use of any illegal drug is prohibited while using City Bus services.
Emergencies
In the event of an unforeseen emergency, the Transit Operator shall provide passengers with specific directions for evacuation and/or other necessary actions. For your safety and that of our other passengers, you must comply with the directions provided. Transit Operators are licensed Commercial Drivers and are provided extensive training to meet federal regulations for safety.
Accessibility
All City Bus vehicles shall meet the standards of accessibility for persons with disabilities established by the Federal Transit Administration pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, 42 U.S.C. §12101, et seq. (Public Law 101-336). Accessibility is provided along our fixed route system at designated bus stops only.
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather, check local radio, the bus answering machine (620-626-0100) or the City of Liberal Facebook page for related closings. Normally, if USD 480 closes, City Bus will also be closed. However, the Liberal Transit Supervisor has the discretion to run City Bus service if USD 480 is closed. Additionally, if USD 480 does not close but the Liberal Transit Supervisor deems the weather too severe to operate safely, then operations will cease for the day in question.
Mobility Aids
Section 37.3 of the DOT's regulations implementing the ADA Act of 1990 (49CFR Parts 27, 37 and 38) defines a " wheelchair" as a mobility aid belonging to any class of three or four-wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered. A “ wheelchair" does not exceed 30 inches in width and 48 inches in length measured two inches above the ground, and does not weigh more than 600 lbs when occupied. Drivers may assist riders using mobility aids, but are not permitted to assist individuals in transferring from a mobility aid to regular vehicle seating. Such riders must provide their own PCA (Personal Care Aid) to assist in their transfer. Drivers are not permitted to push mobility aids if the combined weight of the device and passenger weigh over 300 lbs. These passengers are responsible for their own movement or must have a PCA to push and maneuver the mobility aid onto the bus, into a forward facing position. It is also the passenger's or their PCA's responsibility to de-board the chair and away from the bus. All mobility aids must be secured to the floor by the 4-Point Tie-Down system. It is highly recommended that passengers use the shoulder and seat belts while riding the bus. Power driven mobility aids must be in the "off" position while on the lift. Passengers who are non-wheelchair users may request the use of the lift to board the bus in the event they have difficulties using the stairs.
Conduct, Hygiene, and Prohibited Behaviors
If at any time drivers feel they are in an unsafe situation, they have the right to exercise judgment, stop the vehicle and ask passengers to de-board or call authorities if needed. Inappropriate conduct, including behaviors which present a danger to other passengers, will not be tolerated. These include but are not limited to intoxication, fighting, arguing, sexual harassment, threatening drivers or passengers, using foul or derogatory language including excessive conversation, attempted usage of a half-fare card as a monthly pass or any other fraud with half-fare and/or passes, playing loud audio devices or engaging in any type of business, legal or illegal, on the bus or at a bus stop. Anyone who poses a safety hazard to him/her or others by misplaced bodily fluids will be denied bus service. At the drivers’ discretion, riders who engage in persistent inappropriate and/or dangerous behavior may be required to de-board. No alcoholic beverages may be consumed on the bus. No other food or drink may be consumed on the bus except for medical purposes allowed by drivers. No smoking is allowed within 20 feet of vehicles or 50 feet of the Liberal Transit office or garage entrance. No tobacco usage or open containers, no weapons or ammunition and no hazardous material such as car batteries, gasoline, propane, etc. are allowed in City Bus vehicles.
Ridership Policy Compliance
The City Bus Transit System reserves the right to deny boarding or City Bus services to any person not complying with the usage policy and guidelines for the transit system.
Refusal to comply with the directions of a transit operator or transit supervisor and/or the hindering of the movement of public transportation is punishable by Federal Law with up to 16 years in prison and up to $750,000 in fines. Other state and local laws may also apply. Persons not following the basic requirements for Use of the LCB Services will not be allowed to board or will be told they must disembark. Liberal City Bus will notify law enforcement officials of any misconduct involving City Bus Services at its discretion.
Suspensions
If passengers are found to violate any of the aforementioned rules, they will be asked to de-board immediately and will not be allowed to ride again that day. (If riders refuse to de-board when asked to do so by drivers for any of the reasons above, the police will be called to escort him/her off the vehicle.)
1st offense- rider will be de-boarded and suspended for remainder of day.
2nd offense- 30 day suspension.
Any and all occurrences of inappropriate and/or dangerous behavior will receive an additional 30 day suspension at each occurrence.
Grievance Procedures
This grievance procedure has been developed to assure passengers of fair and equitable access to City Bus services. In the event of suspension, information outlining the appeals process will be sent with a suspension letter. When a rider has any problem, the following procedure should be followed to resolve the conflict: each rider is expected to communicate to the Transit Supervisor in writing regarding ride-related actions, occurrences or attitudes perceived as unfair or inequitable. A rider who believes he/she has suffered a grievance should communicate the matter to the Transit Supervisor within five working days of the occurrence of the alleged grievance in an attempt to arrive at a satisfactory solution. The transit supervisor will have five working days to respond, making every effort to resolve the grievance at this level. If a resolution is not reached, the details will be forwarded to a committee within 30 days for their review.
Non-Discrimination Notice
Any person who believes him/her or any specific class of persons is subjected to discrimination prohibited by Title VI Civil Rights Act or the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act may by him/herself or by a representative file a written complaint with the City of Liberal and/or the Federal Transit Administration. All complaints will be promptly investigated.
*To request additional information on the Liberal City Bus non discrimination obligations or the
Americans with Disabilities Act, contact:
- Transit Supervisor
- Liberal of City Transit
- 324 N. Kansas Ave.
- P.O. Box 2199
- Liberal, Kansas 67905-2199
Information in languages other than English will be provided as needed and will be consistent with DOT LEP Guidance. Additionally, alternative formats, i.e. large print are available upon request.