General

• Fairfax Connector staff are not permitted to touch or handle micro-mobility devices. Bus operators shall not operate the bike rack or assist customers in loading a bike on the rack. Bus operators may store the rack if it is left down after use.

Bikes, folding bikes, electric-assist bikes, shared bikes (docked, dockless)

• Cyclists shall remove all baggage, backpacks, pouches, baskets, or similar storage items from bicycles before placing bicycles in the bicycle racks on the exterior of buses. All bicycles allowed on the exterior of buses must be clean, free of excess grease and dirt, and not have sharp projections. Bike racks are available on a first come, first serve basis. The following conditions apply for bikes transported on Fairfax Connector buses:
  • Bikes and electric-assist bikes must be stores on the bike rack on the front of the bus. Bikes are limited in weight to 50 pounds per bike.
  • Fat-tire bikes are not permitted if the wheels and tires do not fit within the wheel slots on the bike rack.
  • Bikes and electric-assist bikes are not allowed inside the bus for any reason.
  • Shared bikes (docked or dockless) are not permitted in the bus or on the bike rack.
  • Bikes with an internal combustion engine are not permitted in the bus or on the bike rack.

Folding Bikes

• Folding bikes that cannot be stored on the bike rack must be fully folded and meet the “all other micro-mobility devices” conditions to be carried on the bus.

Other micro-mobility devices

• All other micro-mobility devices are permitted inside the vehicle under the following conditions:
  • Micro-mobility devices are allowed on the bus based on space availability determined solely by the operator of the bus.
  • Micro-mobility devices shall not be stored on the bike rack.
  • Micro-mobility devices cannot block the isle.
  • Micro-mobility devices must be turned off.
  • Micro-mobility devices cannot be charged on the bus.
  • Micro-mobility devices cannot have an internal combustion engine.
  • Micro-mobility devices cannot take up ADA- accommodation area on the vehicle when it is needed by a passenger with a disability.
  • Only one micro-mobility device per passenger.
  • All scooters must be folded on the bus, so it does not interfere with other passengers.
  • Rental scooters are not permitted.

ADA other power-driven mobility devices (OPDMDs)

• Persons with disabilities may use any device listed above or other as an OPDMD. Passengers with disabilities who must remain seated on their mobility device, must be secured in the wheelchair securement area. The bus operator must secure the mobility device if the passenger is to remain seated on the OPDMD while the bus is in motion.
• Fairfax connector does not allow OPDMDs that meet one or more of the following criteria:
  • OPDMD does not fit in wheelchair securement area.
  • OPDMD does not fit through the door of the bus.
  • Passenger and OPDMD combined weight is more than 600 pounds.
  • OPDMD is operated by an internal combustion engine.
     

• Wait for the bus at any bus stop along your route. Make sure you are on the side of the street with traffic going in the direction you want to travel.
• Get to your bus stop about five minutes before the bus is expected to arrive.
• Some bus stops have benches or shelters. While you're waiting, make sure you stand or sit where the bus driver can see you.
• Some bus stops are served by more than one route. As the bus approaches, check the route number and destination located on the sign above the windshield.
• When you see your bus, give the driver a wave to let them know you want to board. You will need to pay your fare at the time you board the bus.
• If you are traveling with your bike, please place it on the bike rack, and board the bus.
• All Fairfax Connector buses are wheelchair accessible.
• Move carefully to your seat after boarding. Public transportation drivers are not required to wait until passengers are seated before they move the bus - passengers should hold on firmly when not seated.

If you use more than one bus to reach your destination, use a SmarTrip card to receive a free bus-to-bus transfer within a two-hour period and a $2.00 discount on your fare if boarding from a Metro train. No transfers are provided with cash fare payment.

• All buses in the Fairfax Connector fleet are accessible.
• All buses kneel or lower to make it easier to get on and off the bus.
• All buses have accessibility signs, including the International Symbol of Accessibility and kneeling bus signage.
• Priority seating for people with disabilities and senior citizens is located in the seats directly behind the bus operator.
• All buses either have a low floor ramp or are lift-equipped.
• The ramps on low floor buses can be manually operated if the hydraulic system fails, for 100% reliability.
• Two wheelchair securement areas are located near the front of each bus and include tie downs and lap belts for safety.