Safety Tips

Hampton Roads Transit wants you to be safe. Just follow these safety tips and enjoy the ride:

Light Rail Safety

While on the Tide platform…

• Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks to reach the station. Never walk in a traffic lane.
• Always stand behind the red rumbled strips.
• Don’t stand on or near the tracks. Light rail trains overhang tracks by 3 feet on each side, and the train can hit you if you are not a safe distance away.
• The train stops at all designated stations.
• Always hold small children’s hands while waiting for the train.
• Emergency Call boxes are located on each platform. In the event of an emergency, press the red button and you will be directed to 911.

When boarding…

• Doors will not always open on their own. Press the button. It will light up green and the doors will open.
• Allow others to exit before boarding.
• Keep children close and board together.
• Do not hold doors open when they start to close or place objects in a closing door.

When on the Train…

• Don’t lean or press on the doors.
• Keep your feet on the floor and do not extend arms, legs or personal items into the aisle.
• The train will stop at every station. Do not try to exit at non-designated stops.
• Do not block doorways or emergency exits.
• Use handrails when standing.
• Do not disturb the train operator when the train is in motion.
• Always hold on to small children.
• Never try to get off of a temporarily stopped or disabled train. Obey all crew instructions.
• Emergency Call boxes are located on each train. In the event of an emergency, press the red button, and you will be directed to the operator of the train.

When exiting…

• Always wait until the train has come to a complete stop before exiting.
• Always exit through the door nearest you.
• Do not cross in front of the train. Allow the train to pass before crossing the tracks.

Overhead Electrical Power System Safety…

• Stay away from all overhead wires that power the train. These high voltage wires can cause serious injury and even death.
• Never throw items at overhead electrical lines.
• Never touch a fallen electrical line.
• Never climb a catenary (power system) pole.
• Do not sit or play on/near power substations.
• Never try to get off of a temporarily stopped or disabled train. Obey all crew instructions.

Bus Safety

While waiting…

• Use designated crosswalks and sidewalks to reach the bus stop. Never walk in a traffic lane.
• Always wait for buses on the sidewalk at designated stops and shelters.
• Always stand 2-3 feet from the curb and wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching the bus.

When boarding…

• Always enter the bus through the front door.
• Allow others to exit before boarding.
• Keep children close and board together.
• Be sure to use the handrails to avoid slipping or falling.
• Never cross in front of or behind the bus.

While riding…

• Give elderly and disabled persons priority seating located near the front of bus.
• Always stand behind the yellow line.
• Never stand in the stairwell while the bus is in motion.
• Avoid conversation with the driver while the bus is in motion. Conversations lead to distracting the driver.
• Don’t lean or press on the doors while bus is in motion.
• Stay seated unless you are holding on to a handrail.
• Keep hands, feet and items clear from closing doors.
• Keep your head and arms inside the bus window.
• Keep your feet on the floor and do not extend arms, legs or personal items into the aisle.
• Wheelchair passengers are advised to use the shoulder restraint when riding.

When exiting…

• Always wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before leaving your seat and exiting the bus.
• Always exit the bus through the door nearest you.
• Step onto the sidewalk. Don’t walk between the side of the bus and the curb.
• Use designated crosswalks when exiting the bus. Never walk in a traffic lane.
• Always wait for the bus to pull away before crossing the street.

Additional tips…

• Never run after a bus after it has pulled away from the stop.
• Pay attention to your surroundings.
• If you drop something near the bus, wait until the bus has pulled away before attempting to pick it up.

Ferry Safety

While waiting for a ferry…

• Don’t rush. Be ready to board at least five minutes before departure.
• Riding bikes, skateboards or rollerblades on the ferry is prohibited.
• Don’t climb on or over railings or the structures.
• Don’t move or play with gangways. It’s the ramp or walkway used by patrons to get on and off the ferry.
• Hold onto children. Do not allow them to run or play on the dock area.
• If you are travelling at night, stay in well-lit areas and stay in sight of incoming vessels.

While moving on and off the pier and the ferry…

• Stand back and allow passengers to get off before you board. The deckhand holding the gangway will let you know when it is safe to board.
• Hold onto the handrail and watch your footing as you walk over the gangway.
• Don’t board or disembark while on your mobile phone.
• Supervise young children. Hold their hand or guide them to use the handrail.
• Allow passengers who are elderly, travelling with caregivers, mobility aids, or assistance animals to board in front of you and give them space and time to board and disembark safely and comfortably.

While onboard the ferry…

• Stow luggage away from aisles, steps, gangways and walkways.
• Ask the crew where to stow large items. You must stay with your belongings during the journey.
• Remain seated. The vessel can move and sway if water conditions change.
• Supervise children on board. The safest place for them is seated beside you.
• Do not sit on the bow or the side of the vessel, lean out of the windows, stand on seats or sit children on the rails or on your shoulders.
• Protect your belongings from sea spray if sitting outdoors.
• Riding bikes, skateboards or rollerblades on the ferry is prohibited.
• Secure your bicycle in hanging bike racks or hold onto your bike.
• Take a minute when you board to locate the exits and life jackets.
• If you see someone in the water requiring assistance, immediately advise a deckhand or the captain.

For more light rail safety tips, visit Operation Lifesaver, Inc.