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Code of Conduct

Effective September 1, 2010

Code of Conduct FAQ

It is a violation to commit the following acts on a VIA vehicle, VIA facility or VIA property:

1. Smoke or expel the residue of any tobacco product including chewing tobacco on a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle or at a VIA facility or on VIA property, except as allowed in designated areas.
2. Consume any alcoholic beverage or possess an open container of any alcoholic beverage on a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle or at a VIA facility or on VIA property.
3. Eating on a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle unless medically necessary.
4. Drinking beverages on a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle without using a spill-proof or screw-top container.
5. Engage in disruptive, disturbing behavior including: loud conversation, profanity, rude insults or operating any electronic device used for sound (radio, MP3 player, etc.) without an earphone(s).
6. 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 unless the animal is in training to assist a person with a disability, or unless the animal is secured in a container sufficient to contain the animal.
7. Carry or possess any illegal weapon.
8. Possess or transport any explosive, flammable liquid, combustible material or other dangerous substance such as gasoline, kerosene or propane.
9. Litter.
10. Vandalize any VIA bus or other VIA vehicle, VIA facility or VIA property by writing, marking, scribbling, defacing or causing destruction to the bus, vehicle, facility or property in any manner.
11. Beg, solicit or panhandle from another person.
12. Spitting, urinating, defecating or exposing one’s anus, breasts or genitals.
13. Illegally possess, use, distribute or sell any controlled substance.
14. Engage in any horseplay or fighting.
15. Ride a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle without evidence that the proper fare has been paid.
16. Unauthorized presence on a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle, VIA facility, or VIA property after hours of operation.
17. Unauthorized use of a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle, VIA facility or VIA property.
18. Interfering with the operation of a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle.

A person who violates one or more of these regulations may be warned and/or ordered to leave the VIA bus or other VIA vehicle, VIA facility, or VIA property immediately by a VIA Police Officer or a VIA Bus or Paratransit Supervisor. Situations where a person refuses to leave a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle, VIA facility or VIA property after being ordered to do so may be handled by VIA Police or other appropriate law enforcement agencies. In the case of a violation of Section 2.02 (a)(15), riding a VIA vehicle without evidence of having paid the proper fare, such situations may be handled in accordance with Texas Transportation Code, Section 451.0611.

This section does not seek to limit or conflict with any federal, state, or local law or ordinance; or to prevent any law enforcement agency or entity from taking any lawful action against any person on a VIA bus or other VIA vehicle, VIA facility, or VIA property.

If you have a question regarding VIA’s Code of Conduct please contact VIA Customer Service at 210-362-2020.