VIA Metropolitan Transit Police Department has set forth policies governing the conduct and demeanor of every member of the police department, both on- and off-duty, to promote efficiency, discipline, and good public relations.
It is a violation to commit the following acts on a VIA vehicle, VIA facility or VIA property:
- Smoke or expel the residue of any tobacco product including vapor (whether through an e-cigarette, vaporizing electronic delivery system or otherwise) and chewing tobacco.
- Consume any alcoholic beverage or possess an open container of any alcoholic beverage on a VIA bus, other VIA vehicle, VIA facility or VIA property.
- Eating on a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle unless medically necessary.
- Drinking beverages on a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle without using a spill-proof or screw-top container.
- Engage in disruptive, disturbing behavior such as loud conversation, profanity, rude insults or operating any electronic device used for sound without earphones (radio, MP3 player, etc.).
- Take any animal onto a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle unless the animal’s purpose is to assist a person with a disability; or if the animal is traveling in an enclosed pet carrier.
- Carry or possess any illegal weapon.
- Possess or transport any explosive, flammable liquid, combustible material or other dangerous substance.
- Vandalize any VIA bus, other VIA vehicle, VIA facility or VIA property.
- Beg, solicit or panhandle from another person.
- Spit, urinate, defecate or expose one’s anus, breasts or genitals.
- Illegally possess, use, distribute or sell any controlled substance.
- Engage in any horseplay or fighting.
- Transport a motorized scooter or similar device (non-mobility aid device) aboard any VIA vehicle.
- Ride a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle without evidence that the proper fare has been paid.
- Unauthorized presence on a VIA bus, other VIA vehicle, VIA facility, or VIA property.
- Unauthorized use of a VIA bus, other VIA vehicle, VIA facility or VIA property.
- Interfering with the operation of a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle to include but not limited to harassment, intimidation, distraction and/or interference with the VIA operator. VIA operators are public servants who help ensure passenger safety. Assaulting an operator is a crime that can be prosecuted as a felony.
A person who violates one or more of these regulations may be cautioned or asked to leave the VIA bus, other VIA vehicle, VIA facility, or VIA property immediately by a VIA Police Officer or a VIA Bus or Paratransit Supervisor.
The following items are potential safety hazards due to size or nature of contents and are prohibited on VIA vehicles:
- Bicycles – except folding bikes that do not block the aisle or doors and on Primo articulated buses with onboard bike racks
- Explosives, flammable liquids or materials (including welding tanks or any gas powered item
- Firearms – except for law enforcement officers and security guards
- Fishing poles
- Furniture
- Glass, sharp objects or instruments, unless properly packaged
- Leaking bags or packages that may cause a slip or fall
- Non-folding baby carriages
- Roller skates or rollerblades while being worn
- Vehicle batteries
- Items that may inconvenience or injure other patrons
Social Media Code of Conduct
VIA Metropolitan Transit utilizes various social media platforms to communicate with customers and to share daily information about the transit agency. We encourage customers to engage in conversation, but also to adhere to the Social Media Code of Conduct listed below.
- Facebook® – VIA’s Facebook® page feed is intended to keep our customers up-to-date on the latest news and information about VIA programs and services. VIA will also share service alerts here. Because of new Facebook algorithms, not all content may be visible. You can also get service information at VIAinfo.net, by following VIA on Twitter® or Instagram®, or by calling Customer Service at (210) 362-2020.
- Twitter® – VIA’s Twitter® feed is intended to keep our customers up-to-date on the latest news and information about VIA programs and services. VIA will also keep customers informed of service delays, bus detours, and other service information here. You can also get this information at VIAinfo.net, by following VIA on Facebook® or Instagram®, or by calling Customer Service at (210) 362-2020.
- Instagram® – VIA’s Instagram® feed is intended to keep our customers up to date on activities, events and initiatives at VIA. You can find service information and alerts at VIAinfo.net, by following VIA on Facebook® or Twitter®, or by calling Customer Service at (210) 362-2020.
Code of Conduct for Accessing or Using VIA’s Social Media Sites
All users of VIA’s social media sites: must uphold this code of conduct; must adhere to all applicable local, state and national laws and regulations; are responsible for all activities and content you post, upload, display or comment upon; and are prohibited from posting, uploading, displaying or commenting on, any content:
- containing or could be considered junk mail, spam, chain letters, pyramid schemes, marketing, commercial advertisement, or promotion of goods, sites or services.Inciting, advocating or expressing pornography, obscenity, vulgarity, profanity, hatred, bigotry, racism, violence or terrorism.
- threatening, stalking, defaming, defrauding, abusing, degrading, victimizing or intimidating any individual, group of individuals, entity or organization for any reason, including age, gender, gender identity, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, national origin, race or disease.
- promoting or encouraging suicide or self-harm.
- promoting or encouraging sexual advances, sexual harassment or sexual exploitation.
- containing misleading, confusing or infringing brand affiliation, trademark or copyright information, including business name or logo.
- unrelated to the post or posting the same comment under more than one thread.
- providing or creating links to external sites that are not affiliated with VIA or that violate this code of conduct.
- interfering or disrupting VIA’s social media sites or network connectivity, including transmitting, any worms, viruses, spyware, malware or any other code of a destructive or disruptive nature.
VIA is not responsible for the content of any user-created, posting, listing or message. The decision to view content or engage with others is yours. We encourage you to periodically review these guidelines to ensure your compliance.
VIA reserves the right to amend or change the code of conduct or any service at any time without notice; as well as remove any content that violates this code of conduct. VIA reserves the right to refuse access or usage to anyone for violation of, or noncompliance with, the code of conduct or based upon legitimate business reasons.
Still got questions?
We are here to help along the way. If you are still having trouble with your trip, feel free to call our customer service (210) 362-2020.
