Policy for Bus Riders

> POLICY FOR BUS RIDERS

POLICY FOR BUS RIDERS
The Licking Bridge Builders, Inc. transportation van is a public transit vehicle. Anyone can ride.
SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT
  1.    To schedule an appointment, you must call the Licking Bridge Builder’s, Inc. 24 hours in advance and talk to a volunteer.
  2.  The Licking Bridge Builder’s bus will anywhere you want to go to pick up a rider.
  3.  Persons with serious medical problems must have a relative or caregiver ride with them on the bus. NO EXCEPTIONS.
  4.  Appointments may be scheduled 24 hours in advance for medical appointments – doctors, dentists, or physical therapy. The appointments MUST be for EARLY in the day.
  5. Appointments may also be scheduled 24 hours in advance for business reasons – such as lawyer, legal or financial responsibilities, and also must be made EARLY in the day.
  6.  The bus is only available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am until 4:00 pm.
  7.  Appointments for shopping need to be made for only that week. Shopping trips needs to be published a week in advance.
  8.  When you call to schedule an appointment other than medical, you must let us know exactly what your destination will be and how long you will be there. A limit of 4 stops per person per day, rider may only spend one- hour in each location, unless the driver knows he doesn’t have any other appointments.
  9.  PLEASE DO NOT SCHEDULE ANY TRIPS WITH THE BUS DRIVER. YOU MUST CALL THE LICKING BRIDGE BUILDERS TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.
  10. Passengers with disabilities may request modifications to current service procedures to access the service. To make a request, please call us at 573-674-3558. Please submit requests at least the day before the trip.
PAYMENTS FOR RIDES
  1. Route sheets will be on the bus for you to sign and the time will be recorded as to when you are picked up and when you return. All passengers regardless of age must sign the Trip Sheet.
  2. Cash Fares – Payment is required at time of service. Correct Change is required. Drivers are not authorized to give change or refunds.
CHILD RIDER POLICY
It is the policy of The Licking Bridge Builders, Inc. to provide the most effective, efficient, safest, and uninterrupted transportation service to all residents. In providing this service it is necessary to establish policies that govern our role and responsibilities in the transportation of children under the age of 16. These roles and responsibilities are as follows:
  1. Parents with small children must supply their own car seats for babies, and booster seats for small children – this is a state law. Children under three years of age will ride at no charge.
  2. All children must follow all the Transit rules, regulations, and policies. Violations of these rules by either the child or parent may lead to service suspension.
CANCELLATIONS
  1. To cancel a ride, passengers must call our Transit Office at least one hour before scheduled pick-up time. If you do not call one hour in advance, the trip will be regarded as a “no show”. No-Shows must pay for the scheduled trip the next time they ride.
  2.  “No shows” pose a unique problem for our service. It is vital that each rider make their arrangements in a timely manner. Abuse of the system, such as scheduling rides and repeatedly not taking them, will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
 SHOPPING TRIPS
  1. Shopping in any store is limited to 1 hour. If you are not on the bus at the end of an hour, you will be given a warning. After 10 minutes the bus will leave without you.
  2. When shopping, buy only items that will fit in a grocery bag—such as food, clothing, and other small items. All packages must be capable of being handled and / or carried by the rider.
SPECIAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
  1.  No flammable items of any kind may be taken on the bus.
  2.  No weapons, such as guns or knives are allowed on the bus.
  3.  Service animals are permitted. Service animals presenting a danger to the driver or other passengers must be confined or constrained. Small animals in a carrier may be on the bus.
  4.  Oxygen tanks and other necessary medical equipment are allowed on the bus. The equipment must be secured to prevent injury in case of an accident or sudden stop.
  5.  All riders are required to conduct themselves properly when riding our Licking Bridge Builder’s bus. Behavior that distracts the driver or annoys other passengers will not be tolerated. This behavior includes:
    1. All Passengers must be secure in their seats with a seat belt
    2. Passengers should not talk in such a manner as to disturb other passengers
    3. Passengers should not talk to the driver except to give directions to the destination or directions to an individual’s home
    4. Passengers should not leave their seats while the bus is in motion
    5. There should not be solicitations of any kind
    6. Riders should be sure and notify the Center if a trip is cancelled
    7. If driver cannot contact you before leaving the Center, we will not come to your house.
    8. Individuals who ride the bus will maintain themselves in such a manner as not to offend others
    9. Physical abuse or abusive language by a rider will not be tolerated
    10. Disrespect shown to any rider or driver, including cursing and physical abusive contact will not be tolerated.
  6.  Riders should be properly dressed when you come to the door.
  7.  Combining trips with other riders is cost effective for the transit system. Riders should be prepared to be picked up earlier or dropped off later than originally planned to accommodate other riders.
  8.  Failure to comply with this policy will result in being placed on probation for thirty days. For a second offence, within a three month period, the rider will be banned for six months.
IN CASE OF VEHICLE ACCIDENTS
In case of an accident while riding the Licking Bridge Builders, Inc. transportation van, please remain calm, cooperate with the bus driver, and follow all instructions given by our bus driver and the emergency responders. Our drivers know our Vehicle Accident Policy and Procedures and have been trained for such emergencies.
IN CASE OF A COMPLAINT / GRIEVANCE
Contact the Licking Bridge Builders, Inc. for a complaint / grievance form to fill out and the Transportation Director will explain the policy and procedure for filing a complaint or grievance. Also see this website for more information.
SECURING MOBILITY DEVICES
LBB has a Qstraint to secure any Mobility Device and available seat belts with extensions available for all Riders.

All riders who must use a mobility device will be scheduled for their ride when the Qstraint vehicle is available.
Passenger and Visitor Standard Code of Conduct
Purpose
To establish standards of conduct for transit passengers and visitors while utilizing services and facilities or while on The Licking Bridge Builder’s, Inc. (LBB) property. This policy is to help ensure the safety, health, and welfare of transit staff, passengers, and the general public.
 Policy
It is the desire of LBB to provide safe, secure, convenient and efficient transit to visitors and citizens of the counties served. LBB believes that it is the obligation of each and every person to do his/her part to contribute to the safety of the employees and patrons of the system by refraining from inappropriate behavior while utilizing any of the facilities or vehicles that LBB has provided as part of the transit system. To this end, LBB has adopted the following "standard of conduct" policy which outlines the conduct that is expected from every passenger or patron of the services provided.
STANDARD OF CONDUCT
No individual may engage in inappropriate conduct on any transit vehicle, or at any facility. "Inappropriate conduct" includes, but is not limited to, any individual or group of conduct or activity that would:
  1. constitute a violation of any law or ordinance;
  2. be deemed by a reasonable person to be an attempt to disturb the peace or quiet of a person by tumultuous and/or offensive conduct, or by threatening, harassing, slandering, defaming or otherwise appearing to try to physically or mentally injure a person utilizing LBB services or facilities; or
  3. attempting to damage any LBB facility or property.
The fact that an individual is or is not charged or convicted of a violation of any law or ordinance does not preclude an investigation as to whether the act constituted "inappropriate conduct" and warrants the imposition of sanctions under this Policy.
Any person who is found to have committed an act of "inappropriate conduct" as defined herein or set out in the Passenger & Visitor Standard of Conduct Procedures, subject to the process set out in said standard of conduct and procedures, may be denied the privilege of using the transit system and its facilities. Sanctions for inappropriate and/or proscribed conduct are outlined below.
SANCTIONS FOR INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT
In the interest of the health, safety, and welfare of its passengers and employees, LBB reserves the right to suspend or revoke any and all services to anyone found to have committed an act or acts of inappropriate or prescribed conduct while at, in, or on LBB public transit facilities or where the person is not physically at, in or on public transit facilities and conducts himself/herself in a taunting or belligerent manner so as to interfere with peaceful transit operations. The Executive Director may revise and update the offenses and sanctions from time to time as he/she deems necessary.
  • Category A offenses are offenses to LBB patrons or damage to LBB property, and may result in an immediate suspension of up to three days (72 hours). Violators will be given a verbal warning not to engage in the conduct prior to the imposition of discipline. If a person is found to have committed multiple Category A offenses over a one-year period from the initial offense, that person may have his/her privilege to use the public transit system and facilities further suspended or revoked as provided for in Category B offenses.
  • Category B offenses are more severe than Category A and include inappropriate conduct that causes actual damage to LBB facilities, equipment, or property, or is conduct which threatens the safety, health, or well-being of the LBB employee or other passengers on LBB vehicles. NO WARNING IS REQUIRED. A person found to have committed a Category B offense may be suspended for up to 90 days (3 month period). A person found to have committed multiple Category B offenses within a two-year period may be suspended as provided for in Category C offenses.
  • Category C offenses are the most severe and include, without limitation, damage to facilities, equipment, or property in an amount in excess of $250.00, or any "battery" against any individual. NO WARNING IS REQUIRED. A violator shall be suspended for a period of not less that six months, or until the suspension of services is overturned or modified as part of an appeal process.
 EXCLUSIVE APPEAL PROCESS
A person who has been suspended from using the transit system and/or its facilities for more than 72 hours may appeal said suspension or revocation of privileges as provided in the Passenger and Visitor Standard of Conduct Procedures. A copy of the appeal procedures will be provided with the notice required above. The documents may be served by regular mail or hand delivery.


Anyone found to have committed two Category C offenses within three years will be permanently enjoined from the use of LBB services and facilities unless reinstated following application to the General Manager and a decision of an Appeal Panel appointed by the Executive Director,. Said application shall not be considered until the suspension has been in place for not less than one year and the individual has fully complied with all terms imposed as part of the suspension.


Any proposed suspension in excess of 72 hours shall be reviewed and approved by the Transportation Director or his/her designee prior to the implementation. Except in the case of multiple Category C offenses, the Director may modify any suspension or revocation imposed pursuant to this policy, prior to the completion of the full term of the suspension, as part of an appeal or to accommodate a demonstrated need for transportation to maintain employment, attend school, or receive necessary medical treatment.
STANDARD OF CONDUCT PROCEDURES
The Licking Bridge Builder’s, Inc. (LBB) has adopted a Transit Passenger and Visitor Standard of Conduct Policy to help ensure that the citizens and visitors who come to the service area of LBB and utilize the transit services have a pleasant and safe experience. LBB believes that persons who need the privilege of utilizing public transit vehicles and facilities should conduct themselves appropriately at all times while on, at, or within the LBB facilities and vehicles so that all users will have the pleasant and safe experience that they have the right to expect.


The prohibitions established by Policy are intended to apply to all property, facilities and vehicles in which LBB has an interest, including, without limitation, administrative, maintenance, operational facilities (owned or leased), buses, bus stops and all other vehicles used as part of the transit services. Any person found to have engaged in inappropriate behavior, set forth herein, may lose the privilege of using LBB public transportation or visiting LBB facilities. Safety is everyone's responsibility and LBB asks that anyone witnessing inappropriate behavior in or around LBB vehicles or facilities, report it to the Director immediately. Definitions and examples of categories of inappropriate behavior are set forth below:

 Definitions:
  1. the driver of any LBB public transportation vehicle.
    1. LBB Official - all LBB management officials, contract management officials and his/her designee.
    2. LBB Facility - includes any LBB structure or facility (owned or leased), including administrative, maintenance and operations facilities, passenger waiting areas or park and ride vehicle parking lots.
    3. LBB Vehicle - includes a bus, van or other vehicle used to transport passengers or employees, owned or operated by or on behalf of LBB.
    4. Weapon - means any dangerous or deadly weapon and includes, without limitation, any firearm or knife of any kind; nightsticks or other clubs; metal knuckles; or any other instrument used in a threatening or intimidating manner. This definition does not apply to any instrument which is generally known to be a dangerous instrument if the possession of same is authorized by a lawfully issued permit.
    5. Suspended Services - means LBB has a right to refuse transit services and to remove anyone from a LBB vehicle or from LBB property.
    6. Service Animals - are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities, such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protection of a person's seizure, or performing other special tasks. Service animals are working animals and not pets or companions.
    7. Mobility Device - is any mobility aid belonging to any class of three or four-wheeled devices, usable indoors, designed for and used by individuals with mobility impairments, whether operated manually or powered. A "common wheelchair" does not exceed 30 inches in width and 48 inches in length measured two inches above the ground, and does not weigh more than 600 pounds when occupied as set out in the USDOT's regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991 (ADA).
PROHIBITED CONDUCT
In the interest of the health, safety, and welfare of its passengers and the employees, LBB reserves the right to suspend services to anyone exhibiting any of the following conduct:
CATEGORY A:
A person's violation of any one of the following acts may result in the immediate suspension of that person's rider privileges for up to a 3-day (72 hours) period. A verbal warning will be given not to engage in the conduct prior to issuance of a suspension.
1. Smoking other than in designated areas
2. Boarding an LBB vehicle with any animal other than a Service Animal, not housed in an enclosed carrying container that can fit on a seat or on a customer's lap. 
3. Boarding an LBB vehicle with any container, package, or article which cannot be safely placed in the person's lap or a seat in which would tend to block the aisle or make travel in the aisle or stairway difficult or unsafe.
4. Refusing to de-board from an LBB vehicle when requested to do so
5. Boarding an LBB vehicle without paying the established fare
6. Failure to present a valid identification card when requested to do so.
7. Climbing through a window or extending an arm, leg, or head out of the window of an LBB vehicle.
8. Obstructing the free movement of any person attempting to board within an LBB vehicle or on LBB property.
9. Playing a musical instrument or audio device (radio, CD, DVD, MP3, cellular phone) within an LBB vehicle unless such equipment is used with earphones so that the sound produced by such item is primarily confined to the person carrying the device producing the sound.
10. Talking on a cellular device (phone, blue-tooth, etc.) using loud, vulgar, or discriminating language that may cause other passengers or employees of LBB to become upset, offended or otherwise uneasy in regards to the conversation being held.
11. Littering, discarding, or depositing any rubbish, trash, debris, or offensive substances, within an LBB vehicle or on LBB property except in an appropriate trash receptacle.
12. Making excessive and unnecessary noise, running, engaging in any horseplay or using vulgarities.
13. Posting or removing any notice or advertisement unless authorized by an LBB official.
14. Except for mobility devices, the boarding, operating, riding or other use of any wheeled transportation device within an LBB vehicle or LBB facility.
15. Any person who loiters on an LBB vehicle or in an LBB facility beyond the time reasonably necessary to reach his/her destination or conduct necessary business. 
CATEGORY B:
A person's violation of any one of the following acts may result in the immediate suspension of that person's ridership privileges for up to 90 days (three-month period). No warning is required prior to the suspension of service.
  1. The commission of any act that could reasonably be deemed an assault against any person.
  2. Except for Security Guards, Peace Officers, or other persons lawfully permitted to carry a particular weapon, the bringing on board an LBB vehicle or on any LBB property any weapon.
  3. Boarding an LBB vehicle or bringing into an LBB facility, any inherently dangerous items. This includes but is not limited to weapons, explosives, caustic materials, and poisons. This provision excludes items that can be regularly purchased at a grocery store and are recognized as customary household items.
  4. Interfering with the operation or movement of an LBB vehicle.
  5. Impeding the use, tampering with, or otherwise obstructing the operation of any window, door, or other emergency exit.
  6. Damaging, writing upon, or otherwise defacing or altering any LBB vehicle or LBB facility.
  7. Throwing any object or substance at, into or from any LBB vehicle or LBB facility.
  8. Threatening any violent, tumultuous, physical or verbal behavior, including the use of words or conduct that are generally known to be used as racial slurs, words that belittle, or words and actions that are understood to likely provoke a violent response. This includes face-to-face interaction and incidents that occur via phone line.
  9. Any attempt to damage or disable the property of another person or entity.
  10. Failure of a person who has been excluded from an LBB vehicle or LBB facility for a 72-hour period to comply with the terms of the exclusion. A person who violates the initial exclusion shall be warned to promptly leave the area per the exclusion or he/she may be subject to a Category B violation and a greater exclusion period.
CATEGORY C:
Any person violating any one of the following acts may result in the immediate suspension of that person's ridership privileges for a minimum of six (6) months. No warning is required prior to suspension of service.
  1. Anyone who engages in a fight or who commits any act which would warrant a charge of "battery" under the law shall be enjoined from the use of an LBB vehicle or from entering into an LBB facility for a period of not less than six months or until the suspension of service is overturned as part of the appeal process.
  2. Anyone convicted of the charge of battery against any LBB persons while those persons are engaged in their employment or utilizing an LBB vehicle or on LBB property will be enjoined from the use of transportation services for a minimum of one year. A "no contest" plea to the charge or conviction on an alternative or fictitious charge will not affect the suspension of services provided in this section.
  3. Except as otherwise provided in Category C, engaging in any activity that is prohibited by any federal, state, county, or municipal law, or other conduct that would cause a reasonable person to be concerned for his/her safety or that of another person or that would be a disruption to the tranquility of the ride, infringes upon the mental or physical comfort and safety of others, or jeopardized safe operations.
EXCLUSION PROCEDURE
Anyone who commits a Category A offense may be suspended immediately from using an LBB vehicle or accessing LBB property by a responsible LBB official or his/her designee for not more than 72 hours from the time of the offense. If the violation occurs while on board an LBB vehicle, the individual may be asked to immediately leave the vehicle at the closest "reasonably safe" stop. Alternatively, the Driver may continue operating the coach as scheduled and ask for assistance from the LBB Director who may suspend the individual from using an LBB vehicle for up to 72 hours as provided above.
Any request by the LBB Director to extend the exclusion beyond 72 hours on the basis of a further offense, or failure to comply with an exclusion period up to 72 hours, must be made in the form of a recommendation to an LBB Transportation Supervisor/Manager or his/her designee only. Said person or persons shall review the particulars and shall advise the requestor within two working days of the receipt of the recommendation that the recommendation is accepted, modified, or rejected. Said decision is final and shall be entered in the appropriate records relating to said offender. Notice shall be provided as set below.
 SERVING THE NOTICE EXCLUSION
LBB will make reasonable efforts to verbally notify the individual that he/she is excluded for a period of up to three days (72 hours) and will provide written notice, if reasonably possible, for suspensions of longer than three days. The written notice will be sent to the individual's last known address and will include the specific basis for the exclusion, a description of the penalty, and provide information on the appeal process.
EXCLUSION APPEAL PROCESS
Any appeal of a suspension in excess of 72 hours shall first be submitted to the Transit Director at 114 Green Street, Licking, MO 65542. The appeal shall set forth the facts and basis for why the exclusion should be retracted or modified. The Transit Director may reinstate services prior to the maximum suspension if, in his/her sole discretion, the suspension is deemed excessive based upon the available evidence following an investigation or the offender has received and successfully completed anger management or other appropriate counseling offered by a reputable agency approved by the Transit Director and that certification of completion is submitted to the Transit Director. The Transit Director shall exercise good effort to decide a request for modification of a suspension within seven (7) days of the receipt of the written request for same. Notice of the decision shall be provided by personal communication and the mailing of notice, if sufficient information exists to provide said notice.
Where a written request to modify a suspension in excess of three (3) days has been denied by the Transit Director, an individual may appeal a suspension or exclusion from services by filing a written appeal stating all relevant facts and with supporting documents to the Director at 114 Green Street, Licking, MO 65542. Upon receipt of an appeal, the Director will, within 14 days, render a decision and mail the decision to the individual's representative or last known address by regular mail.

APPEAL TO A PANEL
If the individual is still not satisfied with the decision of the Director, that individual may file an appeal in writing and request a "panel review". The written appeal should be directed to Cynthia Wampner, 114 Green Street, Licking, MO 65542. Upon receipt of the written appeal, the Director will arrange for the appeal to be heard by an Appeal Panel consisting of; the Director, three LBB Board Members and one driver. A hearing on the issues shall be conducted within 14 days of the appeal. A written decision shall be made within 14 days of the hearing and will be mailed to the individual or hits/her representative by regular mail. The decision of the Appeal Panel is a finial administrative decision. 
REASONABLE MODIFICATION POLICY

Background

Effective July 13, 2015, transit providers are required under 49 CFR 37.5(i)(3) to make reasonable modifications in policies, practices, or procedures when the modifications are necessary to avoid discrimination on the basis of disability or to provide program accessibility to their services. The process to be used in considering requests for reasonable modifications is described in 49 CFR 37.169.

Basic process requirements that must be met are:
• Information on the reasonable modification process must be readily available to the public, and must be accessible
• Advance notice can be required, but flexibility is also needed to handle requests that are only practicable on the spot
• Individuals requesting modifications are not required to use the term “reasonable modification”

Procedure

Passengers can request reasonable modifications for all modes (fixed route, general public demand response, and ADA paratransit). Passengers making requests are not required to use the term “reasonable modification.”

Requests should be made at least the day before but flexibility is required for on the spot requests. The transit manager will review all requests and provide the determination. For on-the-spot requests, the driver should contact dispatch. Dispatch will contact the transit manager.

Documentation will be maintained regarding the request and the resulting action taken.

Background

The following statement will be posted on the website and the rider guide.

Passengers with disabilities may request modifications to current service procedures to access the service. To make a request, please call us at 573-674-3558. Please submit requests at least the day before the trip.
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