Riding the MTU is easy when you follow these steps:

1. What To Do First

Pick up the phone and call MTU's Transit Route and Schedule Information Service. Have a pen and paper handy to write down the information to be provided. Tell MTU where you are, where you want to go, and what time you want to be there. Our staff will tell you where to catch the bus, what time it is scheduled to arrive, and what time you should arrive at your destination. In short, we will plan your trip for you. Call (608) 789-7350, Monday - Friday 6:00AM - 5:00PM, and Saturdays from 8:00AM - 12:00PM.

2. The Bus Stop

It is very important that you wait for the bus at the bus stop. MTU drivers are instructed to serve only the bus stops. MTU bus stops are indicated by distinctive signs throughout the city. The bus stop signs are blue and white and include the MTU logo.

3. How To Identify Your Bus

As the bus approaches, make sure it is the correct bus before you board. Each bus has a route number and destination sign displayed over the windshield. These signs also indicate when a coach is out of service or en route to the garage.

4. Fares And Transferring

In La Crosse, we are very fortunate because fares are low and monthly passes make it even more convenient. Please have your fare ready when boarding. When your one-way trip requires the use of more than one bus, you will need to ask your driver for a transfer. A transfer entitles a passenger to transfer to another route in order to get to a destination. Once at your transfer point, step along quickly; the driver of your connecting bus can only wait three minutes past his scheduled departure time. To wait longer would throw his bus "out of sync" with the other routes.

5. Please Observe The Following Policies

In order that everyone using the MTU enjoys a comfortable ride, please observe the following policies:

Do:

• Have fare ready when boarding
• Ask your driver for assistance
• Take a seat if one is available and remain seated while the bus is moving
• Move to rear of bus and hold on to hand rail if it is necessary to stand
• Give your seat to the elderly or physically handicapped, if they are standing
• Wear proper clothing and shoes
• Remove infants from strollers and secure strollers

Do Not:

• Smoke, eat or drink
• Play a radio or tape player unless you use an earphone
• Use loud or offensive language
• Horseplay
• Bring animals, other than service animals such as seeing-eye dogs, aboard the bus
• Put feet on seats
• Throw trash on seats or floor
• Engage in unnecessary conversation with driver
• Try to stop/board coach after it's pulled away from curb or between bus stops
• NEVER WALK IN FRONT OF A BUS!

6. Getting Off the Bus

When you are within one block of your stop, signal the operator by pushing the yellow bell tape between the windows, or pulling the bell cord above the windows. Wait for the bus to stop before standing, and please watch your step when stepping down from the bus.

7. Using Bikes on MTU

MTU has a great way to keep you, and the environment, in shape--bike 'n' ride. With a bike rack on every MTU bus, you can make bike riding part of your regular commute.

The bike racks are quick and easy to use. Each rack can accommodate two bicycles. There is no additional charge to use the racks, and an instructional brochure is available from the bus driver or you can view it online. For more information about taking your bike on the bus, please call the MTU Office at (608) 789-7350.