Bus Safety | Your Safety

General bus safety

When you have signalled for the bus to stop (by putting out your arm) stand back to allow the bus to pull in.
Allow passengers to leave the bus before attempting to board.
Board the bus one-at-a-time.
Use the handrail when ascending or descending steps
If you drop something when boarding or getting off, never go under or near the bus as the driver may not be able to see you. Alert the driver and ask for assistance
During inclement weather, especially snow and ice, be careful and watch your step when disembarking.
If the bus has departed from the bus stand (at a bus station) or a bus stop, the driver is not obliged to reopen the doors and let passengers on or off, for everyone’s safety.
There is CCTV on board buses and at bus stations to keep everyone safe.
Follow the instructions of the bus driver at all times.

Do not talk to or distract the bus driver when the vehicle is moving.
Allow the elderly and people with disabilities to use the priority seating.
If a passenger in wheelchair boards the bus and you are seated in a wheelchair space, please move to another area.
Press the bell to alert the driver in plenty of time before your stop.
Hold on to the handrails and steady yourself when standing or walking through the bus.
Keep one hand free to hold the handrail when using the stairs.
Do not use your mobile phone when using the stairs.
Press the ‘Stop’ button to indicate to the Driver that yours is the next stop and descend the stairs carefully, without rushing and with a free hand to hold onto the handrail.
Standing is not permitted on Goldliner coaches to keep everyone safe.
Always stand behind the line behind the driver.
When travelling with luggage, ask the driver to open the luggage compartment or put it in the luggage rack.
Do not leave bags or personal belongings in the aisle as it can present a tripping hazard.
Use the seat belt if one is fitted.
Do not open or tamper with emergency windows.

Smoking and vaping is prohibited on board.
Please use mobile phones with consideration for other passengers, use earphones and keep the volume low enough so as not to disturb others.
Do not behave in a way that could cause harm, damage, or disturbance.
Don’t throw things inside the bus. This could hurt other passengers or the driver.
Seats are not for feet or bags.
Please take your litter with you and dispose of properly.
Report any concerns to the driver.

Press the bell to alert the driver you wish to get off. Make sure you have all your belongings and be ready to leave the bus before it arrives at your stop.
Wait until the people in the seats in front of you leave.
Be sure to use the handrails when moving through the bus and using the steps.
Be especially careful when stepping off the bus onto the pavement or street.
When alighting bus services NEVER cross the road in front of or behind the bus.
Wait until the bus has moved away from the bus stop and the road is clear before attempting to cross.
When collecting children from the bus do not stand on the opposite side of the road calling them to cross.
Never cross while using a mobile phone, earbuds or headphones as these are distractions.
Choose a safe place to cross the road:
- Clear, straight sections of road where you are visible to traffic in all directions
- Pedestrian crossings, traffic lights or islands are best
- Avoid crossing between parked vehicles, on brow of a hill or on a bend
- Cross straight across the road, not diagonally, and cross without running
- Keep looking and listening while you cross.

Ensure the child is securely fastened into the buggy before attempting to board or alight.

Boarding

Stand well back from the kerb as the bus approaches the stop.
Feel free to request bus platform to be lowered to pavement level, if the Driver has not already done so, before you attempt to board.
Do not try to board when the bus is lowering, you could trap your pram/buggy's wheels between the bus platform and the kerb.
Lean pram/buggy on rear wheels and place the front wheels onto bus platform.

On Board

Most buses have a wheelchair priority space and if this is empty, you’re free to use it for your pram/buggy.
Wheelchair users have priority to travel in this space, please share the space or fold buggy/pram if needed and store in luggage area.
Never leave pram/buggy unattended. Apply the brake and do not hang shopping bags or other items on your pram/buggy
If you have a small child, you can use the Priority seats.

Getting off the Bus

Make sure the bus has come to a stop before moving forward.
Alight with the pram/buggy in a way which feels most comfortable/natural for you.
Remain aware of the position of the pram/buggy wheels in relation to the pavement