Bus Policy & Safety

How to Plan a Trip

Davidson County Transportation System offers both Deviated Route Service as well as Paratransit services.

Deviated Route Services

Deviated Route Services mean that we can go up to 1/4 mile off of the bus route for any passenger, please call to make a request or to check if your location is within deviation range at 336-883-7278. Pick up requests must be made at least an hour in advance.

Paratransit Services

Paratransit services include (but are not limited to):

  • Transportation for employment
  • Transportation to DCCC
  • Trips to Medical Appointments

Additional Transportation Requests

If you are wanting to schedule a trip to visit your doctor and you have medicaid, please call: Medicaid Transportation at 336-242-2272. If you are 60 years or older, please call: Senior Transportation at 336-242-2947. For any other transportation questions or requests please call the call center at 336-883-7278.

How To Ride

Waiting for the Bus

  • Arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early.
  • Make sure to stand at the bus stop sign.
  • Do not approach the bus until it has come to a complete stop.
  • Track your bus using the Track Your Bus.

Entering DCTS Vehicles

  • Stand back to allow riders to exit the bus before you board.
  • Priority Seating for persons with disabilities has been designated. Other passengers are asked to allow senior citizens and persons with disabilities to sit in this area, even if it means that other passengers are required to change seats or to stand.

Safety & Rules

  • Video surveillance cameras are in use on every DCTS bus for your safety.
  • Do not take up more than one seat.
  • Take your seat as soon as possible and do not change seats unless necessary.
  • Mobility devices used by passengers must be secured in the Priority Seating area while on the bus.
  • Children passengers must weigh 40 pounds to ride without a 5-point car seat.
  • No eating or drinking on DCTS buses.
  • No smoking/vaping or alcoholic beverages allowed on DCTS buses. Anyone under the influence of drugs or alcohol may be denied transportation.
  • No cursing or foul language. Do not harass or disturb driver or other riders (includes words, actions or odors).
  • Weapons are prohibited on DCTS buses.
  • No littering.
  • No loud music.
  • Respect transit property and respect other passengers’ privacy.
  • Use the DCTS bus for transportation purposes only.
  • You must secure all of your belongings.

Anyone in violation of the rules listed above may be asked to leave the bus.

Lost & Found

If you think you left something on a DCTS vehicle, please call 336-883-7278.

Children & Minors

  • Clients with children are responsible for their care and conduct. The DCTS driver will direct all requests to the parent or guardian should the transportation of the child become a safety issue.
  • DCTS does not transport children under the age of 14 without the accompaniment of an adult.
  • Passengers needing child car seats, must provide their own equipment.
  • Children under 16 – the NC Child Passenger Safety Law requires children less than age 16 to be properly restrained in an age, weight, and height appropriate restraint. Please view more information below.
    • The law requires that any child restraint must be used correctly according to the manufacturers instructions. The law does not specify which type of car seat can be used at any age or weight, only that the seat is used properly in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and meets all Federal Safety Standards in place when the seat was manufactured. Every car seat and booster seat has a different set of requirements for use that may include age, height, and weight requirements.
    • When a child reaches age 8 (regardless of weight) OR reaches 80 pounds (regardless of age), a properly fitted seat belt may be used instead of a child restraint / booster to restrain the child. However, keep in mind that the seatbelt may not fit properly even if the child is 8 years old or weighs 80 pounds. The law does require that children stay in a child restraint or booster seat until the seat belt fits properly on its own. Booster seats can only be used with lap and shoulder seat belts. Booster seats can never be used with a lap belt only. A child who weighs at least 40 pounds can legally be restrained using only a properly fitted lap belt if there is no lap and shoulder belt available for use with a booster seat.

More Information

Visit the North Carolina Department of Transportation website for more information.

Give us a call at 336-883-7278 if you have any questions.