Town of Chapel Hill, NC
Home MenuHow To Ride and Safety
The System Map
If you are not familiar with the transit system, this is a good starting point because it allows you to see the entire system. Identify your starting point and your destination and look for the bus routes that “connect” these points. Bus routes are labeled and color-coded on the system map. When using the online system maps, click on the route that connects your origin and destination to view specific map and timetables for that route.
The Route Map
The route map shows key points of interest served by the route with “timepoints” shown as numbers inside of circles. These are the significant designated stops along the route that the schedule “reference” times for. Bus stops located between the timepoints are indicated on the route map.
The Bus Schedule
The bus schedule shows the time of day that the bus will pass by each timepoint shown on the route map. If you catch the bus at one of these points, you know just when you need to be there. If your stop is in between two timepoints, you can estimate arrival times using published times. There are separate schedules for routes that run on weekday and weekends.
Most buses operate on “arterial” routes that run between downtown or the University and outlying areas. Note that these routes have split schedules that show departure times by the direction (east, north, west, south) the bus is operating.
Safety Tips
- Never cross the street in front of the bus unless it is stopped at a red light at a designated crosswalk. (Cars beside or behind the bus may not see you)
- Keep your children close to make sure you are not separated
- If you see suspicious behavior or there is an emergency or unsafe situation, tell the operator.
Riding Tips
- Try to arrive at the bus stop early.
- Wait where you are out of traffic and close to the bus stop so that the bus operator can see you.
- As the bus approaches, check the sign above the front window to make sure the bus is going to your destination. Signal the operator that you want to board.
- Stay away from the curb and wait until the bus comes to a complete stop.
If you need the bus to "kneel" or the ramp, ask the operator. - As you board, toward the back so others can board.
- We announce major stops. If you are not familiar with the area, you can ask the operator to announce your destination.
- When you want to get off, pull the bell cord to request the next stop.
(Try to pull the bell a block or two ahead of your stop to give the operator time to respond safely.) - Gather all your personal items and leave through the rear exit door.
Riding Rules
- Stand behind the safety line (the red or yellow line behind the operator.
- No weapons are allowed on the bus or other transit properties.
- No flammable or explosive materials or substances are permitted on the bus.
- Eating is allowed, please clean up after yourself and remember your fellow customers.
- No smoking or chewing tobacco on the bus.
- No spitting
- Beverages must be in sealable containers. Please drink only water.
- Use headphones with audio devices.
Other customers should not be able to hear your music or phone conversations - All animals must be in closed carriers, except service animals.
- Carts, carriages and strollers must be folded while riding.
- Please refrain from unnecessary talking to the bus operator while the bus is in motion.
- Exit using the rear door when possible.
- The front seats are reserved for persons with disabilities and elderly customers.
- Do not extend body parts out of windows.
- Use of obscene language or gestures is not permitted.
- Neither fighting nor fighting words are permitted.
- If your actions create a safety hazard, are offensive or become a distraction to the operator, you are subject to removal, citation or arrest.