So What Is It??

The bus transportation company in our local city, BARTA, has the following motto painted on the side of their buses: "More Than a Ride."

*smile*

I'm still not sure what to make of it...but it certainly stimulates the imagination.

Is it a house on wheels? A rolling social club? An overgrown car? Anyone? Anyone?

* * *

How to Ride BARTA (I thought these were very helpful...though maybe a bit obvious? I know some people need stuff spelled out in basic details, but....)

Here are some tips on how to ride the BARTA Bus System.

1. If you are a new rider or will be taking the bus to a new destination, get the information you will need before you begin your trip. Bus schedules are available here, at most libraries, city halls, the Chamber of Commerce, hospitals, and many stores and businesses throughout Berks County.

2. After checking the schedule and locating your route and the times you want to travel, stand at the bus stop. (Hmmm...that would be helpful, huh?) BARTA bus stops are marked with posted bus stop signs. If there is not a posted bus stop near the area in which you want to board along the route, go to the nearest intersection and wait on the same side of the street in which the bus is traveling. Always try to be at the bus stop several minutes early.

3. Stand where the driver can see you. If you're inside a bus shelter, step outside once you see your bus approaching. Otherwise, it is helpful to wave at the driver as the bus approaches to indicate that you would like to board the bus. (Wave nicely, though...no rude gestures.)

4. Read the bus destination signs before boarding. BARTA buses are marked with both the names and numbers of the routes they serve. They are located on the front of the bus, as well as to the right of the front door.

5. Please wait to get on the bus until all riders wishing to get off have done so. If several riders are getting on the same bus, please form a line to speed boarding.

6. Have the exact fare, your BARTA Pass or your Ten-Trip Ticket ready when you board. Stopping to count change or find you pass or ticket can delay other riders who are waiting to get on or off the bus.

7. If you are purchasing a One-Day-Anywhere Pass onboard the bus, YOU MUST TELL THE DRIVER BEFORE YOU INSERT THE MONEY INTO THE FAREBOX! (Not sure why they have this bold-faced....must be for emphasis?)

8. Have your children ready to board and your stroller folded before the bus pulls up.

9. When you approach your destination, remember to pull the chime cord located above the window area, about one block before your bus stop. If another rider has rung the bell, a sign will light up behind the driver stating "STOP REQUESTED". It is not necessary to ring the bell again. (But if you want to annoy the driver, then go ahead.)

10. If, while traveling on route, you have passed out of the base zone, a 20-cent zone fare should be deposited in the fare box upon leaving the bus. (Please see individual schedules for zone locations.)

11. Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before deboarding. (Very useful!)

12. If you plan on changing buses to complete your trip, pay your 25-cent transfer fare, along with your base fare, when you board your first bus and ask the driver for a transfer. BARTA Pass holders do not need to purchase transfers. Passengers transferring to another bus must take the first bus available for the transfer. All transfers must be made to buses traveling in the same direction. A transfer may not be used to make a return trip. When you change buses, insert the transfer into the farebox in the second bus.

13. When the route is busy, please use the rear doors to get off. (But be sure to follow #11 first.)