The 2002 code of conduct for bus patrons will be getting an update as Hot Springs Intracity Transit has proposed an updated code of conduct, which will flesh out the old code to include offenses that warrant suspension of bus privileges.
Kathleen Lambert, Transit Director of First Transit LLC, the company the city contracts to run the bus system, said that the passenger experience will be improved by making the code more comprehensive. The Transportation Advisory Committee will convene at noon on July 9 at the Transportation Depot to discuss the changes and to receive public comments.
The new code, however, can only be put into effect when the Hot Springs Board of Directors takes action according to Lambert.
“From the passenger’s perspective, we’re all trying to get to where we need to go without a lot of fuss,” said Lambert. “If people understand what their options are, we feel like it makes a better environment for all of our riders.”
Lambert said passenger and staff input shaped the proposed code, with much of the staff contributions relying on past interactions with passengers.
The new code lists three categories for offenses based on the severity of the offense committed, from the least egregious to the most serious.
The least egregious offenses, which include belligerent or disorderly conduct, result in a seven to thirty-day suspension of bus privileges.
Intermediate-level offenses, which include terroristic acts, interfering with the safe operation of the bus, or riding while under suspension, are grounds for a fourteen-day to six-month suspension.
Lastly, top-level offenses, which include physical altercations, using a weapon, or disembarking from a moving bus, trigger a minimum suspension of six months to a maximum penalty of permanent suspension of bus privileges.
A certified letter of suspension will be received by suspended riders, sent from the city clerk’s office. Each certified letter of suspension will contain a description of the offense and the length of the suspension. Documents that indicate the reinstatement of privileges, also sent by certified mail, must be presented to the transit director before offenders will be allowed to use the system again.
A fare schedule will also be included in the proposed code, which will remain the same as it’s been for 20 years, Lambert said. A monthly pass for adults is $41.25 and $22 for those 62 and older or disabled. A single fare is $1.25 for adults and minor passengers aged 7 to 18, 50 cents for disabled passengers and those aged 62 and older, and free for those aged 6 and younger.
According to Lambert, the system had a ridership of 175,000 last year and 15 passengers per hour on the three fixed routes running Monday through Friday from 6:100 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturdays from 10:10 AM to 6:00 PM. Two to three paratransit vehicles also run during the week, with one on Saturdays.
“That’s a good metric,” she said of the 15 passengers per hour. “That means our system is well used.”
