Rider Handbook


Passenger Code of Conduct

Jackson County Mass Transit District requires all passengers to be courteous and considerate of other passengers and the driver.  Instructions from a driver are to be followed by all passengers.  Behavior that may affect the safety of other passengers, the driver, or creates an inappropriate or hostile environment for others will not be tolerated.  Inappropriate behavior, conditions, or actions such as eating, drinking, use of tobacco products, foul language, lack of personal hygiene, threatening or disruptive behavior, bothering of other passengers, horseplay, fighting, carrying of weapons, possession of illegal drugs or substances or having open containers of alcohol on the vehicle may result in you being suspended from riding JCMTD vehicles and you may be reported to local law enforcement.  JCMTD management will investigate incidents and determine appropriate action.  JCMTD management reserves the right to suspend or terminate future transportation service to anyone.

Appeals or requests for further assistance with the appeals process should be directed to:

Jackson County Mass Transit District
Attn: Managing Director
602 E College St.
Carbondale, IL  62901
(618) 549-0304 ext. 306

Decisions by JCMTD management with regard to this policy may be appealed in writing to the District Board of Trustees.  Decisions by the JCMTD Board are final.

Passenger Complaints

Jackson County Mass Transit District strives to offer safe, affordable and on time service.  All JCMTD personnel should be friendly and courteous at all times.  If you found your service experience did not meet expectations, you may contact Administration for problem resolution.

Jackson County Mass Transit District
Attn: Managing Director
602 E College St.
Carbondale, IL  62901
(618) 549-0304 ext. 306

Designated Stops

JCMTD has regular stops at Schnucks, Amtrak, JCMTD offices, JC Penney (rear entrance), and Wal-Mart (Pharmacy entrance).  Please refer to the Routes tab for more information.  To board a bus at a designated stop, passengers do not need to call ahead.  See the brochure enclosed in your rider packets for route information, or you may call your local dispatch office for schedules and times.

Door-to-Door Service

JCMTD provides door-to-door service for all passengers.  Door-to-door means that drivers assist you to/from destination in a safe manner.

JCMTD drivers are able to assist passengers to and from the bus, on and off the bus, and assist with adaptive equipment.  Drivers are required to secure passenger wheelchairs and assist with packages.  Customers are not allowed to operate the lift or secure wheelchairs.

Escorting Passengers

Occasionally we have passengers that need special attention while they are on the bus or when they arrive at their destination.  Because of this we allow an escort to accompany the passenger, who needs/requires special attention at no charge.  Only one non-paying escort is allowed per passenger.

Escorts are only allowed when you cannot make the trip without an escort accompanying you.

Exceptions:

  • In the case of a spouse being the escort who would find it necessary to bring a small child along.
  • A spouse accompanying a passenger, when necessary, even though an aide from a nursing home or other agency might be along. This should be approved on a case by case basis with the supervisor documenting the rationale behind their decision

Proper Attire

For health as well as social reasons, you must wear appropriate attire when accessing an JCMTD vehicle.  Proper attire includes shirts; pants, shorts, skirts; and foot covering, such as shoes, sandals, or socks.

Carry on Items

You should not leave carry on packages, bags, or other personal items in a doorway or isle that may cause the driver or other passengers to trip.  Your personal items should be secured in such a way to allow the driver to move freely; not block windows or emergency exits; and protect riders from injury if carry on packages fall or shift.

JCMTD does not allow common items such as gas cans, or flammable items such as gasoline or propane on the bus.  All packages and articles such as book bags, lunch boxes, etc. are subject to search for safety reasons.

Smoking and Eating on Revenue Vehicles

There shall be absolutely no smoking on JCMTD vehicles at any time.  You may not eat or drink on vehicles except when riding on lengthy trips where you may not be physically able to leave the vehicle to consume food or drink.  In that case, the driver shall leave the vehicle parked until you have finished your food and/or drink.  Under no circumstances is the vehicle to be in motion.

Passenger Use of Electronic Devices and Musical Instruments

While riding on a JCMTD vehicle, all electronic entertainment devices may only to be used with headphones. You must maintain the volume at levels that cannot be heard by other passengers. You may not play musical instruments on a JCMTD vehicle.

Entering Customers Home

Providing door-to-door service does not require that drivers enter your home.  Not entering a home is for safety purposes of both the driver and the passenger(s). 

Passenger Assistance – a driver may assist customers by taking your packages or groceries to/from the bus and to the entrance of your destination when requested.  

Receiving Tips and Gifts From Customers

JCMTD employees are prohibited from accepting tips or gifts or any other goods from you, which may, in any way, be construed as an attempt on behalf of the giver to elicit or solicit business favoritism.

JCMTD employees and board members may accept promotional items such as pins, buttons, caps, mugs, and other “gifts” which are clearly inexpensive advertising memorabilia.  Such items should have a retail value of no more than ten ($10.00) dollars.

JCMTD Passes

Agencies and state funded programs are not eligible for this reduced fare.  If you are enrolled in Medicaid or other state sponsored services you may utilize those resources for transportation.

Senior ID Card

The State of Illinois has not approved a Senior Ride ID Card for use in Jackson County.