Rider Guide
Bus Stops
Be VISIBLE at bus stops so the bus driver can see you waiting. Wave at the driver to ensure being noticed and keep yourself safe. Buses will pick-up or drop-off passengers at all locations with TVT bus stop signs. Passengers may also request other pick-ups or drop-offs, or may wave the bus down at any safe location along the route. Drivers will not stop if unsafe.
Microtransit exception: TVT’s microtransit vans, such as EZ Trip Middlebury, are only available by reservation. They do not serve bus stops on a regular schedule or stop for flag downs.
Deviations & Request Only Bus Stops (R)
Some TVT bus stops are listed as “R” or Request Only – either all of the time or during some parts of the day.
Request Only stops follow the pick-up or drop-off procedures below, stopping at the nearest safe location.
Addison Region buses deviate up to 1/2 mile (1/4 mile for Rutland Connector and Saturday Burlington LINK from the published routes to pick up or drop off passengers. There are no deviations on the 116 Commuter or Monday-Friday Burlington LINK buses.
Orange/No. Windsor Region buses deviate up to 3/4 mile from the published route on the 2nd Friday Shopper, Berlin Shopper, Randolph Shopper, Saturday Shopper, Woodstock Shopper, and Randolph Circulator routes to pick up or drop off passengers. Bradford Area Circulator will deviate up to one mile from the published route.
If the request for Deviation or Request Only pick-ups or drop-offs cannot be accommodated at the desired schedule time, per Federal Law, TVT will provide the service up to 1 hour before or after the requested time.
There are no deviations on the 89er, 89er North, River Route, or Thetford Connector commuter routes.
To request a DROP OFF
Upon boarding, please let your driver know you would like a Deviation or a Request Only drop off. The driver will let you know if this can be accommodated right away or on the next loop. All attempts to accommodate requests will be made.
To request a PICK UP
We ask that All Pick Ups – whether a Deviation or Request Only Bus Stop – be requested by calling your local office one business day (24 hours) in advance, or on Fridays for a Monday pick up. However, we will always attempt to fill requests that are made with less notice.
Dispatch staff will take the information, review the bus schedule and determine a Pick Up time. Per Federal Law, the ride will be accommodated either up to one hour before or one hour after the requested time. TVT dispatch staff is available by phone Monday – Friday.
Transfers
See Bus Route Fares for detailed information on transfers to or from each route. Please confirm with driver when boarding if you need to transfer to another bus or route.
Child Seats
All TVT buses have built-in child seats and seat belts at every seat. Ask the driver for assistance if you need to use a child seat. If you bring your own child seat, please be sure it is secured correctly.
Bikes
All TVT buses are equipped with bike racks. Each rack can accommodate two bicycles. Bicycles may also be brought in the bus if necessary and space is available. At this time, electric bicycles cannot be placed on racks or inside buses. Riders are responsible for loading and unloading their own bicycles, and they must be strapped down for safety. Motorized stand-up scooters are not allowed on buses.
Pets and Service Animals
Service animals are allowed on TVT buses. Pets are also allowed if in a carrier or wearing a muzzle and leash. All animals must be under control at all times to ride. Other bus systems may not allow non-service animals on board. If you are planning to continue your trip with another transit provider you should call ahead to verify their animal policy.
Oversized Items
Oversized items are welcomed on the bus provided they are kept out of the aisles and under the rider’s direct control. Oversized items may include grocery bags, shopping trolleys, skis/snowboards, skateboards, and other large or multiple items. Motorized stand-up scooters are not allowed on buses.
Lost and Found
TVT is not responsible for items left on the bus. Perishable and soiled items will be disposed of for safety reasons. All other items found on the bus will be brought to the office and kept in our lost and found for 30 days. Call your local office to see if your item has been found and how you may claim it.
WHERE’S MY BUS?
Figuring out when to catch your next bus has never been easier! TVT has signed up with “Transit”, a smartphone app that provides upcoming departure times for nearby buses. Transit will help you navigate TVT’s bus system with accurate, real-time predictions, simple trip planning, step-by-step navigation, service disruption notifications, and departure and stop reminders…all presented in a clear, bold interface.
KEY FEATURES
- Plan A to B trips with ease.
- See exactly where your bus is on the map in real-time.
- Get push notifications if service disruptions will affect your trip.
- Launch GO for step-by-step navigation when you’re on an unfamiliar route.
- Receive departure alarms and stop notifications as well as prompts to pick up the pace in GO.
- View schedules and route itineraries. Even offline.