Rules and Guidelines

full bike rack

Peterborough Transit is committed to upholding all aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Peterborough Transit serves a multi-racial, multi-cultural and multi-linguistic city that encompasses people from many religions, races, and places of origin. Peterborough Transit will ensure that every person receives equal treatment in receipt of its services without discrimination due to race, religion, place of origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, or marital or family status.

Peterborough Transit recognizes and values the diversity of its riders and employees by striving to show everyone the respect they deserve. For more information, please contact Peterborough Transit or the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Rules and guidelines

Visit our COVID-19 services and updates page for guidance and protocols related to COVID-19.

Peterborough Transit Operators are responsible for the operation of the bus and administering the rules and regulations that ensure a safe and comfortable ride for all passengers according to the following rules:

Rules On the Bus

  1. Eating and drinking are not permitted.
  2. Passengers traveling with strollers and/or bundle buggies must: 1) board and exit the bus unassisted, 2) maintain care and control of their stroller and/or bundle buggy, and 3) keep the stroller and/or bundle buggy clear of the aisle.
  3. Phones or other devices that play music or make noise must be used with headphones.
  4. Pets (unless secured in a small pet carrier) are not permitted; service animals are permitted.
  5. Shoes and shirts and some footwear must be worn at all times on the bus
  6. Priority seats are available at the front of all buses for older adults or people with disabilities.
  7. When standing, please move to the very back of the bus.
  8. Passengers are encouraged to exit at the rear doors when safe to do so.
  9. Skis, toboggans, snowboards, and wagons are not permitted.
  10. Bicycles are only permitted on bicycle racks provided on the front of buses. Note that this is a pilot program and bike racks are only provided on buses on Routes 4, 5, and 8. Watch this video to learn about the pilot and how to use the bike racks on buses.
  11. Inline skates cannot be worn.

Rules On Buses, In Bus Shelters and at on Transit Terminal Property

  1. Smoking and vaping are not permitted, in accordance with City of Peterborough by-laws.
  2. Care and control of personal property should be taken at all times. Peterborough Transit is not responsible for personal items damaged during service.
  3. Swearing or use of profane or discriminatory language is not permitted.

Guide dogs and service animals

Guide dogs and service animals are permitted on Peterborough Transit. When it cannot easily or clearly be seen that the animal is a service animal, a document from a regulated health professional confirming that the person requires the animal for reasons relating to their disability must be presented to the driver when boarding a Peterborough Transit vehicle.

The following are regulated health professionals authorized to issue a service animal letter:

  1. A member of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario
  2. A member of the College of Chiropractors of Ontario
  3. A member of the College of Nurses of Ontario
  4. A member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
  5. A member of the College of Optometrists of Ontario
  6. A member of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
  7. A member of the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario
  8. A member of the College of Psychologists of Ontario
  9. A member of the College of Registered Psychotherapists and Registered Mental Health Therapists of Ontario

Strollers and bundle buggies

Single strollers are permitted on Peterborough Transit. Passengers may board a bus without folding up strollers or bundle buggies, but it is the responsibility of the passenger to ensure that their stroller and/or bundle buggy does not interfere with the safety or comfort of other passengers. Passengers traveling with a stroller and/or bundle buggy may utilize the space designated for wheelchairs or scooters, however, should a passenger with a disability board the bus, they will be given priority for this space.

Pilot Program for Transportation of Bicycles

Peterborough Transit launched a pilot program with racks for bicycles installed on the front of a limited number of buses in May 2021. Cyclists using Peterborough Transit are welcome to mount their bikes on these new bike racks, which will provide more options and flexibility to travel to their destinations. The bicycle rack pilot program will be used on buses on routes 4, 5 and 8.

Watch this video to learn about the pilot and how to use the bike racks on buses.

Passengers are responsible for loading, securing and unloading their bikes without the assistance of the transit operator. The following guidelines apply:

  • there is no additional charge for bikes on Peterborough Transit buses
  • space is available for 2 bicycles on each bus rack, on a first come, first serve basis
  • bike racks fit regular-sized bicycles with a minimum wheel size of 16”
  • fat bikes and scooter-style bicycles are not compatible with the racks
  • all detachable items must be removed from bicycles, such as bike bags, water bottles and bike helmets.

The pilot program will be used to determine what needs to be in place to expand the roll out the program and to gauge demand for this service.

Transportation of Other Items

Transportation of bulk items will be at the operator's discretion. Firearms, offensive or prohibited weapons, chemicals, toxic substances and flammables are not permitted on Peterborough Transit vehicles. Parcels and personal items (includes sports equipment) must be kept clear of the aisles at all times.

Lost and found

Peterborough Transit is not responsible for lost items. If you think you left an item on a bus, contact Customer Service at 705-745-0525.