Always arrive at your bus stop early. Not everyone's watch has the same time, and the bus driver may have a slightly different time than you do! Posted on all Sonoma County Transit bus stop signs are route numbers and direction of travel (e.g. east, west) for buses servicing that particular stop.

It's always a good idea to Flag the bus. Our bus driver needs to know if you want to board our bus. During non-daylight hours, it is advisable to carry a flashlight so the driver can see you flagging the bus.

Please have exact fare ready when you board the bus. Bus drivers do not carry change. Click here to read more about Fares or Passes. If you are eligible for a discounted fare because you are a student, senior citizen, or a person with disabilities you must always show the bus driver a valid identification which verifies your eligibility. To find out if you are eligible for Discount Fares, click here.

Need more than one bus to get to your destination? Then you'll need a transfer.

When the bus is approaching your destination, let the driver know by ringing the bell. Ring the bell by pressing the yellow strip located between the windows. The driver will let you off at the next stop. Most Sonoma County Transit buses have a STOP REQUESTED sign located in the front of the bus. This sign lights up when the "next stop" has been requested. You don't need to ring the bell again if someone else has already requested the next stop.

1. Arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes early.

2. When you see the bus coming, “flag” (wave your hand) to signal the driver to stop the bus.

3. When paying a cash fare, please have the exact amount ready. Drivers do not carry cash for making change. If you’re using a bus pass, have it ready upon boarding. Proper ID is required when paying a reduced student, senior/disabled, or Medicare card holder fare.

4. When the bus stops, wait for passengers to debark and then board through the front doors of the bus.

5. All buses are accessible to persons with disabilities. Request that the bus be lowered or the wheelchair lift be deployed if you are unable to negotiate steps.

6. Sit down and enjoy the ride. Help make bus travel pleasant for everyone by riding smart.

• No smoking on the bus.
• No eating or drinking on the bus.
• Service animals may accompany persons with disabilities.   Owner is responsible for the actions of the service animal while on board the bus.
• All radios, cassettes, and compact disk players must be used with earphones. Volume must be at a level that is not disruptive to others on the bus.
• Please keep front seats available for persons with disabilities or senior citizens.
• Bus schedules can change. Watch for “change” notices posted onboard buses. For updated schedule and route information, ask your driver for a “Summary of Service Changes” brochure.

7. As the bus approaches your stop, push the yellow signal tape located along the interior of the bus. This alerts the driver to stop at the next bus stop.  

8. Exit through either the front or rear door. If you have your bicycle on the front rack, inform the driver before debarking.

Title VI Program
Sonoma County Transit
Title VI Policy Statement

Sonoma County Transit (SCT) treats its customers with respect and integrity:

SCT in accordance with the United States Department of Transportation Title Vi Regulations (49 CFR part 21) operates its programs without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sexual preference, marital status, age, medical condition, or disability in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, California Civil Code section 51(b), or other applicable law.

SCT’s Title VI Policy Statement:

Title VI is a section of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 requiring that “No person in the United States shall on the grounds of race, color or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” SCT grants all citizens’ equal access to all its transportation services under Title VI of the Civil Act and it is also the intent of SCT, that all citizens are aware of their rights to such access.

Complaint Process:

Filing a Title VI Complaint?

Persons who believe they have received discriminatory treatment or practice under Title VI may file a complaint with Sonoma County Transit. For information on filing a complaint, contact SCT’s Customer Service Department. Complaints must be in writing and must be filed no later than 180 calendar days of the alleged discriminatory incident. The preferred method is to file your complaint in writing using this Title VI Complaint Form and send it to:

Sonoma County Transit
355 W. Robles Ave.
Santa Rosa, CA 95407
Attn: Title VI Coordinator

Verbal complaints will be accepted and transcribed by the Title VI Coordinator. To make a verbal complaint, call 1-800-345-7433 and ask for the Title VI Coordinator. You also have the right to file your complaint with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), a federal or state agency, or a federal or state court.

Should a complaint be filed with SCT and an external entity simultaneously, the external complaint may supersede the complaint to SCT and the internal complaint procedures will be suspended pending the external entity’s findings.

Investigations

Within15 working days of receipt of the formal complaint, the Title VI Coordinator will notify the complainant and begin an investigation (unless the complaint is filed with an external entity first or simultaneously). The investigation will address complaints filed against transit service offered by SCT and will include discussion(s) of the complaint with all affected parties to determine the problem. The complainant may be represented by an attorney or other representative of his/her own choosing and may bring witnesses and present testimony and evidence in the course of the investigation. The investigation will be conducted and completed within 60 days of the receipt of the formal complaint. The complainant will receive a letter stating the final decision of the Transit Manager by the end of the 60-day time limit. The complainant shall be notified of his/her right to appeal the decision. Appeals may be made to the Department of Transportation.

Holiday Schedule