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How to Ride B.C. Transit

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BC Transit has scheduled, routed bus service throughout Binghamton, Johnson City, Endwell, Endicott, Vestal, Kirkwood, and Conklin. The system map shows each route by number, name and where it goes.  While we may not be able to pick you and drop you off at exact locations, BC Transit provides a cost effective mode of transportation to get you in your general location.

 

Plan Your Route

Route planning starts with knowing where you want to go, the time you want to be there and where you are.  Using the system map, find the route(s) serving your destination and starting point.  If you need more than one route, check for transfer locations.  Most transfers occur at the BC Junction; however, you may have to transfer elsewhere.   Know your direction of travel before taking the bus.    

 

Read the Schedule

Schedules can be found on our buses, BC Transit offices, Weis Markets, libraries, certain area vendors, and our website, www.ridebctransit.com. 

Bus schedules contain four sections:  

1)       Title page

2)       Map

3)       Timetable

4)       Fare and Contact Information  

Look at the map on the schedule serving your starting point.   Mark where you are and where you want to go.  Trace your route.  Note the progression of the large block letters.  If the letters are going in alphabetical order, you are traveling outbound, if they are in reverse alphabetical order, you are traveling inbound.   These block letters are time points showing what time the bus will pass at that point.  They match the column headings on the timetable.  

Once you know your direction, look at the timetable.  Read down the column of the time point nearest your destination; follow the time sequence in reverse order to know when you need to get on the bus.

 

RESOURCES:   Bus Schedules 

 

Did You Know?

Taking public transportation can save you over $9000 per year?

 

BC Transit: We Go Where You Go!  (Except to the gas pump)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go to the Bus Stop

Arrive early, watch and be at the correct bus stop.  Most buses travel in opposite directions on the same roadway.  Have your pass or money ready.  Strollers and carts must be folded.  When the bus comes, be sure the marquee sign matches the route you want.  Signal your intent to ride.  During early morning and night travel as the bus approaches, wave a lighted device or mirror to help us see you.   Buses are accessible for persons with disabilities.  Kneelers lower on request.

 

 

 

Get on the Bus

Allow other passengers to exit.  Enter the bus via the front doors.  You may pay cash, use a ride card or a bus pass.  We do not sell passes on the bus, or accept passes from other cities.  You may request a transfer if you are using a ride card or paying cash, and if using another route to complete your trip.  

 

Ride, Watch and Listen

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, drivers are required to announce major stops.  The driver may also announce other buses you can catch along the route.  Please be attentive.

Exit the Bus

 

Most routes have bus stops for you to safely get on and off the bus.  Pull the yellow cord strung near the windows to alert the driver you want to get off.  Exit via the rear doors unless instructed differently by the driver.

 

For Your Safety:   Allow the bus to drive off and then cross the street.  Cars may go around the bus and not see you. 

  

How do I transfer?

You may need to transfer to another bus to reach your destination.  The B.C. Junction is the primary transfer point; however, review each bus schedule for other transfer points.   Transfers are free.  Transfers are not needed when using a 31-day pass.   You may not transfer at non-designated transfer points or to another bus on the same route. 

 

Putting a Plan Together: An Example

Here is an example of someone living on Nanticoke Ave in Endicott and wanting to arrive at the Broome County Health Department by 9:45AM on a weekday morning.   The Health Department is near the corner of Clinton St and Front St in Binghamton.   Using the system map , we see that route 8 goes by the Health Department, and route 35 serves Nanticoke Ave, on Main St in Endicott.   The common transfer point is the BC Junction.

On the route 35 map, trace your route to the BC Junction. The block letters are going in reverse alphabetical order.  You are going inbound.  Map out the route 8 schedule. The Health Department is

Know where you want to go and when  you want to be there.
between letters A and B.  The block letters are in alphabetical order. You are traveling outbound.   

Look at the 8 Front St timetable.   In this example, you have to be at the Health Department by 9:45AM.  On the route 8 weekday outbound timetable, you are getting off the bus after it leaves the BC Junction, but before it reaches BCC.   A bus leaves the BC Junction identified by letter A at 9:30 AM and arrives at letter B or BCC at 9:40AM.  On the route 35 inbound schedule, from Endicott to the BC Junction a bus arrives at 9:25AM.  Read the schedule further backwards, from right to left and see the bus leaves the Glendale Technology Park at 8:45AM, passing by Nanticoke Ave on Main St, a few short minutes after.

 

Travel training for individuals and/or groups is available.  Contact our Mobility Manager at 607.778.6515 or email at werc@co.broome.ny.us/ to schedule.

 

Know our Rules before Riding:  

·         Reserve seats for the elderly, pregnant women and those with physical disabilities.  

·         Sharing of 31 day passes with others is strictly prohibited.  One pass is allowed per person.

·         No eating, drinking or smoking on the bus.

·         Strollers and other wheeled objects must be folded.

·         Service animals and pets in cages are allowed.

·         Items you bring on the bus cannot occupy a seat or obstruct the aisle.

·         You may not put hands, body parts, or objects out the window of the bus at any time.  

·         No hazardous material, including fuel, automobile type batteries, explosives, nor weapons.

·         No loud, harassing, or disruptive behavior.

·         Never approach a bus while it is moving, wait until it stops before attempting to get on or off. 

·         BC Transit reserves the right to remove and/ or deny service to any passenger who poses a threat to the safety of themselves or others.

·         Our complete policy manual can be found at any of our offices, or www.ridebctransit.com.

 

BC Transit recommends:
  •  Wearing stable, secure footwear. Appropriate footwear will help you to maintain good balance and traction as you board, ride, and disembark the bus.  Walking may be required as part of your trip, though most major destinations have stops near building entrances.  
  • Being ready as the bus approaches.   Have your fare ready.  Wheeled carts or strollers must be folded.  Make your intentions to ride visible to the driver.
  • Finding a seat. We encourage you to be seated while the bus is in motion; however, on busy routes, you may need to stand.   As a courtesy, seating preference is given to the elderly, pregnant woman, and persons with disabilities.
  • Knowing your route and bus stops before you ride.   Contact our information line if you need additional help.   For safety reasons, drivers are prohibited from engaging in extended conversations while driving.
  • Being observant. Take from the bus everything you brought.  The Department is not responsible for your lost, stolen, or missing items, including lost bus passes, fare or ride cards.  Watch out for any suspicious activities and report it to the driver.   If the bus is running late,  listen to the driver for updates or instructions about connections to other buses.  
  • Taking the route with fewest transfers if you are new to the system.
  • Please review our Guidelines and Rules to learn more about taking our buses. 
  • If you have small children, consider using a small easy to collapse stroller. All wheeled carts and strollers must be folded and small enough to fit between your legs or under the seat while the bus is moving.