CATA Passenger Conduct Policy

CATA’s goal is to provide safe and enjoyable public transportation, and the expectation is that each passenger and employee has a safe and positive experience on CATA services and property.

Each person using CATA services and facilities is expected to exhibit the following courteous behaviors including but not limited to:

1. Boarding through the front and exiting through the back when the vehicle has more than one set of doors.
2. Allowing exiting passengers to depart before boarding.
3. Vacating a seat in the first row of front facing seats if asked by a person with a disability, an older adult, or a CATA operator.
4. Using headphones with audio or video devices.
5. Conversing at a volume that is not distracting to others, including the operator.
6. Occupying only one seat.
7. Keeping feet off seats, including not allowing children to stand on seats.
8. Ensuring that children remain seated while the vehicle is in motion.
9. Carrying food and/or beverages in a sealed container.
10. Maintaining personal hygiene.

Prohibited conduct includes but is not limited to:

1. Refusing to pay the proper fare upon boarding a CATA vehicle.
2. Repeated failure to provide requested identification of eligibility for senior free, reduced fare, or ADA programs.
3. Children under five years of age riding without a responsible older individual.
4. Distracting or harassing of a vehicle operator.
5. Conversing on a phone or other device at a volume that is distracting to others.
6. Loud, abusive or harassing behavior including vulgar language.
7. Assaulting an operator or another passenger.
8. Littering, vandalizing or destroying CATA property.
9. Eating, drinking from a non-covered container, or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
10. Bare feet and/or not wearing a shirt.
11. Smoking or vaping.
12. Defecating, urinating, vomiting, or spitting that is not the result of an individual’s disability.
13. Loitering on CATA property or riding the bus for multiple trips without paying another fare.
14. Soliciting.
15. Displaying a weapon for which the passenger has a carry permit or boarding with a weapon for which the person does not have a permit.
16. Bringing a non-service animal on board that is not properly muzzled or contained in an approved pet carrier.

Exhibiting prohibited conduct or failure to exhibit courteous behaviors may result in action ranging from a verbal warning to immediate removal from a CATA vehicle or property; repetition of any such prohibited conduct may result in temporary and/or permanent suspension from the use of CATA services. Single acts of prohibited conduct that are deemed egregious may also result in temporary and/or permanent suspension from the use of CATA services. In addition, certain acts may be subject to fines and/or prosecution.

CATA will not refuse to provide service to an individual with disabilities solely because the individual’s disability results in appearance or involuntary behavior that may offend, annoy, or inconvenience employees of CATA or other persons. It is not discrimination to refuse service to an individual with disabilities because that person engages in violent, seriously disruptive or illegal conduct, or represents a direct threat to the health and safety of others.

A passenger may appeal a suspension from use of CATA services. A written appeal must be received by CATA’s Executive Director/CEO within 15 calendar days of the date of the suspension stating why the suspension is inappropriate and including any relevant supporting information.

Adopted: April 17, 2023

CATA Passenger Conduct Policy (PDF)