September 26, 2016
If you've wondered if pets are allowed on board RTS buses, here's the answer: yes!
RTS does allow small animals on board buses, in the Transit Center, or at bus stops/shelters. However, we have important rules in place to keep human and animal passengers safe. Follow the rules and you’re welcome to bring your furry, feathery, or scaly friend along to enjoy the ride!
If you travel with a small pet or an animal that provides emotional support, therapy, comfort, or companionship, please ensure that:
- Your animal stays in a closed container, closed cage, or closed carrier at all times
- You always hold their carrier on your lap or place it near your feet
- You make sure the carrier doesn’t block an aisle or take up a seat/seating area
- Your animal isn’t disruptive—no excessive noise or threatening behavior
- Your animal is housetrained
Service Animals are trained to assist people with disabilities. They aren’t pets. People with disabilities have a right to use Service Animals. Some agencies define Service Animals as only being dogs. At RTS, we use the Code of Federal Regulations definition—which includes other animals as well as signal dogs and guide dogs (49 CFR § 37.3).
RTS allows Service Animals onboard buses, in the Transit Center, or at bus stops/shelters. If you travel with a Service Animal:
- It doesn’t need to be in a carrier, but it must be under your control and be housetrained
- It can’t behave in a way that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others
- It can’t block an aisle or take up a seat/seating area
RTS employees can ask, “Is that a Service Animal?” and “What service is your animal trained to perform?”
RTS employees will intervene if a Service Animal behaves aggressively, makes a mess, or otherwise violates our Service Animal guidelines.
Check out our video below on enjoying the ride with your pet, for the complete guidelines for riding with an animal, check out our Enjoy the Ride guide
For interesting facts and info about Service Animals, check out Frequently Asked Questions about Service Animals and the ADA.
Questions? Concerns? Please let us know. Contact us online or call us at 585-288-1700.
Photo credit: xhowardlee via Flickr, under a Creative Commons license.
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