Rules, Regulations and Rider Tips

Prohibited On TheBus

Baggage Rules

Baggage that can be stored under a passenger's seat or on a passenger's lap, that will not protrude to another seat or otherwise interfere with other passengers, will be admitted at no charge. Baggage that will not be admitted on board shall include any large, bulky, dangerous or offensive article that may cause harm or discomfort to any passenger. No baggage may be stored in the aisle or on the seats.  Sec. 28-2.4, R.O. 1978 (1983 Ed.)
Description of Article Maximum No. Maximum Size
Medium-sized brief case, duffle bag, or small metal bag caddy on wheels 1 per person 22" x 14" x 9"
Grocery bags a passenger can carry in arms    
Small backpack/day pack without metal frame  
Mini lawn chair without legs 2 per person  
Metal framed child carrier (passenger must remove while traveling on bus) 1 per person  
Collapsible baby stroller (any variety, folded, with baby removed) 1 per person  
Band instrument such as guitar, trombone, etc. 1 per person Reasonably sized
Beach mat not covered with sand or other debris    
Skateboard carried or held on lap (not to be used on board) 1 per person  
Soft boogie board without skeg or fin, dried and washed clean of sand and other debris 1 per person 48" in length
Golf club or detachable fishing pole properly covered or in container with no sharp edges 3 per person 48" in length
Small pet in enclosed container that conforms to the baggage policy size.    
Sports equipment such as tennis racket, baseball bat, etc.    

Animals

  • Service Animals are permitted.
  • Small animals in a cage or carrier that can be placed under the seat or on the passenger’s lap without inconvenience to other passengers.

Food and Drink is Prohibited

City ordinance prohibits consuming any form of food or beverage or carrying or possessing any food or beverage in a container other than a container that is tightly closed, covered or packaged so as to minimize the possibility of accidental spillage when the container is shaken or dropped.

NO SMOKING

  • No Smoking in Buses ROH 41-21.2 (l)(including e-cigarettes)
  • No Smoking at Bus Stops ROH 41-21.2 (n) Smoking is prohibited within 20 feet of a bus stop/shelter and within the buses.

Audio Devices: Radio, MP3 Players, Walkie-Talkie Devices, Cellular Phones, etc.

The use of any audio devices aboard buses is prohibited unless the passenger utilizes an earphone system for silent operation.

Cellular telephones must be placed on vibrate mode or with the ringer turned off while in the bus.

Safety Tips

  • Be alert at all times for sudden or quick stops.
  • Hold on to something. When standing, always hold on to stanchions, handbars or seatbars.
  • Sit when possible. Seating is more readily available during non-rush hours between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
  • Don't change seats after bus starts moving.
  • When outside of the bus, stay clear. Always use the crosswalk with caution after the bus leaves bus stop.
  • Never sit on the ground at the bus stop to wait.
  • Do not sit in the stairwell.

Riding Tips

  • When standing move to the rear of the bus.
  • Step up to the curb at the bus stop if you wish to be picked up.
  • Wear light-colored clothing at night for better visibility.
  • Honor courtesy seating at front seats of the bus for seniors and disabled.
  • Passengers are asked to report any graffiti or vandalism promptly to the bus operator. Please do not litter.

The Law

  • It is illegal to board the bus from the rear exit door unless directed to do so by the bus operator.
  • It is a misdemeanor to fail or refuse to pay applicable fares or present a counterfeit bus pass and/or invalid bus transfer.
  • The Hawaii State Legislature has amended the penal code to provide that assaults or terroristic threatening of a bus driver will be considered a Class C felony rather than a misdemeanor.
  • Do not carry any flammable, explosive, corrosive or highly toxic liquids or gases on board TheBus.

[§711-1112] Interference with the operator of a public transit vehicle.

  1. A person commits the offense of interference with the operator of a public transit vehicle if the person interferes with the operation of a public transit vehicle or lessens the ability of the operator to operate the public transit vehicle by:
    1. Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly causing bodily injury to the operator of the public transit vehicle or
    2. Threatening, by word or conduct, to cause bodily injury to the operator of the public transit vehicle with the intent to terrorize, or in reckless disregard of the risk of terrorizing the operator of the public transit vehicle.
  2. For the purposes of this section, “public transit vehicle” is a public paratransit vehicle providing service to the disabled, any transit vehicle used for the transportation of passengers in return for legally charged fees or fares, any school bus, or any taxi.
  3. Interference with the operator of a public transit vehicle is a class C felony.

[L 1996, c 87. §3]