[Welcome to the LRTA Website] LRTA Logo

 

 
T
his page contains answers to common questions handled by our support staff, along with some tips and tricks that we have found useful and presented here as questions.

 


   

How 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.

Back to Top

   

How Do I Pay My Fare..?

When you first board the bus,  place the fare into the fare box.  Although paying the fare with exact change is encouraged you may insert an amount that is more than the required fare.  The farebox nor the driver can issue change.

Cash Fares

City/Local/Shuttle - Regular...................................................................$1.00

City/Local/Shuttle - Reduced................................................................$0.50

Suburban-Regular (Additional)..............................................................$0.50

Suburban-Reduced (Additional.............................................................$0.25

 

Pass Fares

Passport (System Wide).......................................................................$35.00

Student Pass (Monthly)........................................................................$20.00

Semester Pass......................................................................................$80.00

GoldPass (Reduced)............................................................................$20.00

Express Pass (Monthly).......................................................................$20.00

Tokens (In City Only) (Minimum Purchase - 12)..................................$0.85

Transfers

Free Transfers must be requested when paying your fare and are only accepted at the Kennedy Bus Transfer Center.

Transfers will not be given to LRTA Express Pass Holders.

Note:  Additional Suburban Fares may also apply.

Fare Categories

Regular: Persons from 13 to 59 years of age.

Reduced: Senior Citizen - 60 years or older with I.D.

                                           Disabled - With Statewide Transportation access Pass or Medicare Card.

                                           Children - 6 to 12 years of age.

Children 5 and Under Ride Free.

Back to Top

   

Where To Buy Passes?

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

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

Greater Lowell Ticket Sales - 101 Thorndike St., Lowell, MA 01852

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

Lahey Clinic - Burlington, MA 

Lowell Transit Management, Inc. - 100 Hale St., Lowell, MA  01851

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

Lowell Transit Management, Inc.
 Attn.:  Lauren Giordano
100 Hale St.
Lowell, MA. 01851
Telephone: (978) 452-6161 ext. 210
 

 
 

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. Additional fare will be needed when traveling across Town Lines.  They are not valid on the return trip.

Back to Top

Bike Policy..?

Bicycles are allowed on buses however there are some rules that apply and they are as follows:

  1. Bicycles will only be allowed on buses if space is available.
  2. Bicycles must be secured at all times
  3. Passengers with bicycles will be responsible to secure the bicycle to the wheelchair restraint system.
  4. A maximum of two (2) bicycles may be transported at one time.
  5. 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.
  6. All passengers under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult in order to board the bus with a bicycle.
  7. If the wheelchair restraint system is needed to accommodate a passenger who is disabled, the bicyclist must remove the bicycle and disembark the bus.  In the event that this should occur, the LRTA will make every effort to accommodate the bicyclist and if necessary reimburse the fare paid.
Back to Top

How To Get Off The Bus..?

When you see that the bus is nearing you 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 want to let 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.


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 Simple Rules

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.

Back to Top

 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.

 


When Can I Ride..?

The LRTA operates Monday through Saturday.  Service is not provided on Sundays or the following holidays:  New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Patriots' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans' Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas DAy.

Please take the time to read the following Bus Service Customer Guide as it will familiarize you with the LRTA and make your traveling easier.


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.  Driver will operate the lift and will assist in positioning your wheelchair in close proximity to this entrance.

Service animals are allowed on all LRTA buses.


 

For any further questions please call our dispatch office at:

(978) 452-6161


Home