Where Do I Wait For The Bus?

Please wait on the correct side of the road that the bus will be traveling as defined by the schedule. As the bus approaches simply wave to the bus driver who will then stop in a safe location so that you may board the bus.

Although the bus driver will stop for customers along the route,  please try to wait at designated bus stops for your convenience.

The number of each bus route and destination is displayed on a large sign above the windshield of each bus as well as above the top left of the entrance door.

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The LRTA operates Monday through Friday, while also offering limited route service on Saturday.  Service is not provided on Sundays or the following holidays:

New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Saturday service will apply to these holidays:

Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Patriots' Day, Columbus Day and Veterans' Day.

Is There Access For Persons with Disabilities?

It is important to note that all LRTA buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts and kneelers.  Each bus can carry up to two persons in wheelchairs at one time.  We may not be able to accommodate you if your wheelchair or scooter is longer then 48 inches or wider than 32 inches or if your total weight with your wheelchair exceeds 600 pounds.

Wheelchair passengers may enter the front or rear door depending on the type of bus. Our drivers will operate the lift and assist in positioning your wheelchair along with straps, seatbelts and shoulder harnesses.

Service animals are allowed on all LRTA buses.

How Do I Pay My Fare..?

When you first board the bus,  place the exact fare into the fare box.  The farebox nor the driver can issue change. If you need to make change, please visit our Kiosk at the Kennedy Bus Transfer Center. Please click here to see the bus fares.

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Where To Buy Passes?

All LRTA Monthly Passes can be purchased at the following locations:

Please note that we only accept cash, check or money order.

LRTA Transit Center- Kennedy Center 145 Thorndike St., Lowell, MA 01852

Passes can be purchased at the Bus Information Booth outside, or inside at our Ticket Vending Machine (TVM).

Lowell High School - Kirk St. Lowell, MA. 01852 (sold on the last day & first day of each month in both cafeterias to LHS students).

Passes may also be purchased by sending a check or money order to:

What Is A Transfer?

Depending on your final destination, you may need to travel on more than one bus.  As long as you are traveling inbound you may request a transfer from the bus driver.

In this case you need to pay your fare on the first bus you board and then ask the driver for a free transfer.

When boarding the next bus hand the transfer to the driver and then take a seat and travel to your destination. An additional fare will be needed when traveling across Town Lines.  They are not valid on the return trip.

Bike Policy -

Our entire bus fleet is equipped with bicycle racks.  Below is the procedure for using a bike rack. 

The passenger will be responsible for securing his/her bicycle to the bus in the following manner.

Please wait in a safe spot and inform the driver that you would like to use the bike rack.

Procedure for using the bike rack (bike rack also lists instructions for steps 1, 2 & 3):

Step 1: Release rack to lower position

Step 2: Pick bike up and place on rack with the front wheel on right side of bike rack (drivers side).  Rear wheel on the left.

Step 3:Pull yellow hook over tire to secure bike.

Bike is now secure to bike rack and you may now board bus.

If a vehicle does not have a bicycle rack, they may be allowed on buses; however there are some procedure that need to be followed:

Please wait in a safe spot and inform the driver that you would like to board the bus with a bike.

The operator will board your bike via the lift platform in the rear of the bus. 

The driver will secure your bike.

General Rules:

1. All passengers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult in order to board the bus with a bicycle.
2. Passengers are legally responsible for any damage to the bus and/or any injury or damage to other passengers or LRTA personnel that could result from the bicyclist negligence.

While On Board -

The following is a set of guidelines and etiquette that we ask of our customers to help ensure that we can provide you with safe and efficient service.

When boarding the bus please take a seat if one is available and remain seated while the bus is moving.

Federal law requires that the LRTA designate the front seats in the area of the entrance door for use by senior citizens and persons with disabilities if they desire.  We ask that you comply with this requirement.

Please listen to instructions that may be given by the bus driver.

Read informational passenger notices that may be posted on the bus.  Such passenger notices are posted behind the bus drivers seat. 

Proper attire to include shirts and shoes are required while traveling on all LRTA vehicles.  Ice skates, roller blades and roller skates are not permitted to be worn on the bus and if you are traveling with such items please ensure that they are secured preferably inside a bag or a backpack.

State law prohibits any child stroller, package or other items from blocking the aisle.  We ask that you comply with this requirement for customer safety.  Please keep your hands and head inside the bus and remain clear of the opening and closing of doors.

Some Basic Rules When Traveling With Us -

Please abide by these rules while on board an LRTA bus:

Don't smoke or chew tobacco

Don't eat or drink

Don't play a radio, CD player, or tape player

Don't use loud or offensive language

Don't be boisterous or push or scuffle

Don't put your feet on the seats, seat backs, or walls

Don't leave trash on the bus

Don't hang out the windows

Don't bring animals, except service animals, on the bus

Don't bring weapons or hazardous materials aboard

Don't bring bulky items which might interfere with the operation of the bus or with the movement or comfort of other passengers.

Drivers will ask customers who do not observe the rules to leave the bus.  Local police assistance will be obtained if required.

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How To Get Off The Bus

When you see that the bus is nearing your destination point, you should press the signal tape that runs vertically between the windows to let the bus driver know that this is where you would like to get off.  Please wait until the bus stops completely before leaving your seat.  Then proceed to either the front or rear exit being sure to use handrail when descending the exit stairs.

Lost & Found

If you have lost something on the bus, give us a call at 978 452-6161 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and  6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  You may either select option 1 (bus schedule and route information, or press extension 500.

The LRTA will retain all found items for a period of 30 days.

The LRTA is not responsible for lost or stolen articles.

For any further questions please call our dispatch office at:

(978) 452-6161

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