Safety Tips for Passengers

Halifax Transit is concerned for your safety. If you are lost or ill, being harassed or threatened, or observe any suspicious activity on the bus or ferry, speak to the Operator, who can radio for help.

Bus and ferry operators will always do their best to keep you safe, but familiarizing yourself with the following information can help you too.

Boarding and disembarking

  • Never run for a bus—it’s better to wait for the next bus and avoid an accident. If an operator sees you attempting to get to your stop and can stop safely, they will.
  • Be careful that backpacks, bags, purse straps, or coats don’t get caught in the doors as you get on or off the bus.
  • In slippery winter conditions, be extra careful getting on and off the bus.
  • Never walk directly in front of or behind a bus—the Operator and other drivers may not see you.
  • Ferry passengers with special needs, who make require additional assistance in an emergency, are asked to identify themselves to the Ferry Terminal guard at the time of fare payment. Please note: persons needing special care or assistance on board Halifax Transit ferries can be any passenger or group of passengers that cannot reasonably be expected to follow or understand instructions given by the crew or terminal security in the event of an emergency.

On board

  • Always hold on to the grab rails—the operator sometimes has to brake suddenly.
  • Keep the aisle clear of tripping hazards such as bags and backpacks.
  • All knapsacks, shopping bags and storage compartments attached to the back of a wheelchair must be removed prior to the wheelchair being secured. This is necessary to ensure minimal movement between the wheelchair and the padded post. If required, the operator will remove a reasonable amount of bags to ensure proper and safe securement of the wheelchair. The passenger is responsible for securing their bag/knapsack/packages while the bus is in motion.
  • Stand behind the yellow line so the operator has a clear view of the doorway and mirrors.

Request-A-Stop Program

Sometimes you may need to get off the bus somewhere other than a scheduled stop. Halifax Transit offers the Request Stop Program for these situations.

Request-A-Stop service is available to:

  • unaccompanied persons travelling on conventional service buses (excluding Express and Regional Express Routes) after dusk.
  • passengers with mobility impairment, any time a day, when necessary for special circumstances, such as during poor weather or for safety reasons.

If you wish to disembark at a location other than a regular bus stop along the route, speak with the Operator at least one stop before your desired stop. In order to meet your request, the Operator must be able to stop safely and obey transit safety regulations. If they can’t stop safely or legally, the Operator may deny your request and choose an alternate stopping point.