Additional Rules for Riders

Please help us keep our system safe, secure, and comfortable 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.

The following is prohibited:

• Eating, drinking, open food items, and drink containers that do not have a twist off cap or secured lid. Disposable fast-food cups are not allowed.
• 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.
• Dangerous or large items, such as TVs, computer monitors, packed moving boxes, car batteries, explosives, fireworks, furniture, trees, large tools, large glass items, etc.
• Unconcealed firearms or other weapons of any kind.
• Fare evasion, sharing of passes, or misuse of a Topeka Metro Reduced Fare ID.
• Physical or verbal abuse of the bus operator, any other transit employee, or another passenger or person.
• Disorderly, threatening, or offensive behavior or language, excessive profanity, fighting, spitting, feet on the seats, littering, urinating or defecating in public.
• Operating, kicking, hitting, or tampering with the vehicle and/or equipment.
• Idle Riding (riding more than one complete round trip without deboarding).
• Loitering, solicitation, pandering, or camping. People should not be at QSS, bus stops, and bus shelters for more than 1-hour.
• Noise producing devices (headphones and earbuds are allowed).
• Cell phones on speaker or electronic devices having loud notifications or sound.
• Loud or inappropriate conversations that may distract the operator or interfere with other passengers.
• Standing when seats are available. Passengers must remain behind the standee line and out of the doorways when the bus is in motion.
• Removal of wheelchair securements at any time the bus is in motion.
• Packages in the aisle, steps, or seats (when others need to pass by or sit) or excessive carry-on items. 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 ride with an older child or adult. Young children should remain in view of 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.
• Bikes or recreational scooters inside the vehicle.
• Electric, gasoline-powered, motorized, tandem bikes or tricycles on the bike rack. (Bicycle weight limit = 55 lbs)
• 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.
• Unlawful and unapproved postings or handing out material on transit property.

The Bus Operator always has the reasonable authority to refuse service or ask for a passenger’s justified removal. Service may be refused if rules are not followed, safety is compromised, or service is disrupted. For the safety of our passengers, employees, vehicles, and general public, Topeka Metro utilizes surveillance in its vehicles and facilities.

Updated April 2025