RULES FOR BUS PASSENGERS
Please help us keep our system friendly and safe for all passengers. Bus conduct is regulated by city and state laws, as well as Topeka Metro policies. Please give front seats to seniors, disabled or pregnant passengers.
Updated August 3, 2025
The following is prohibited:
- Eating, drinking or open food and drink containers. Drink containers must have twist-off cap or secure lid. Drinks will not be transported in the wastebasket.
- Intoxication or being under the influence of illegal substances.
- Smoking (except in designated areas) including the use of E-cigarettes, vaping, and chewing tobacco.
- Flammable liquids, such as gasoline, kerosene, propane, etc. Life sustaining equipment, such as an oxygen tank or respirator, is permitted.
- Unconcealed firearms or other weapons of any kind.
- Disorderly, threatening, or offensive or language, excessive profanity, fighting, spitting, feet on the seats, littering, urinating or defecating in public.
- Physical or verbal abuse of the bus operator, any other transit employee, or another passenger or person.
- Operating, kicking, hitting, or tampering with the vehicle and/or equipment.
- Noise producing devices (headphones and earbuds are allowed).
- Cell phones on speaker or electronic devices having loud notifications or sound.
- Bikes or recreational scooters inside the vehicle.
- Loud or inappropriate conversationsthat may distract the bus operator or interfere with other passengers.
- Dangerous or large items, such as TV’s, computer monitors, moving boxes, car batteries, explosives, fireworks, furniture, trees, large tools, panes of glass, etc.
- Excessive carry-on items or packages in the seat or aisle. Empty personal carts must be folded.
- Strollers that are not empty or folded prior to boarding or that block the aisle, steps, or doorways.
- Leaving items or children unattended. Children under age 5 must be with an older child or adult. Small children should sit up front near the operator.
- Animals without a latched pet carrier. Service animals are allowed but must be under the control of the owner and remain on the floor without blocking the aisle, steps or doorways.
- Nudity or indecent exposure (i.e., must have a shirt, pants, and shoes).
- Saggy pants that reveal any part of undergarments.
- Masks or “hoodies” that cover the individual’s face, except for pandemic or medical face masks.
- Idle Riding (riding more than one complete route without deboarding).
- Electric or gasoline-powered bikes on the bike rack.
- Wearing or using roller skates, roller blades, shoes with wheels extended, or skateboards.
- Offensive body odor or clothing soiled with bodily fluids.
- Open or uncovered sores or wounds.
- Fare evasion, sharing of passes, or misuse of a Topeka Metro Reduced Fare ID.
- Standing when open seats are available. Passengers must remain behind the yellow standee line and out of doorways when the bus is in motion.
- Removal of wheelchair securements any time the bus is in motion.
- Unlawful and unapproved postings or handing out material on transit property.
- Loitering, solicitation, pandering or camping. People should not be at QSS bus stops, and bus shelters for more than one hour.
- The Bus Operator always has the reasonable authority to refuse service or ask for a passenger’s justified removal. For the safety of our passengers, employees, vehicles, and general public, Topeka Metro utilizes surveillance in its vehicles and facilities.
