Passenger Code of Conduct

Code Adoption & Authority

The Passenger Code of Conduct, adopted by the WATA Board of Directors on March 16, 2016, governs behavior on all property, facilities, or equipment owned, leased or controlled by WATA.

We appreciate your help in abiding by these rules and thank you for doing your part to help ensure the safety and comfort of those who use our services.

Passenger Code of Conduct

• No eating, drinking, carrying of unsealed containers of drink, or use of tobacco products
• No damaging or vandalizing of Williamsburg Area Transit Authority (WATA) bus or property in any manner
• No littering
• No extending or throwing anything out of the windows or doors of the bus
• No loud or obnoxious behavior that disrupts other passengers or the Bus Operator, including but Not limited to:
  
  • Playing or operating any electronic device unless the sound can only be heard through earphones and is totally inaudible to all other passengers
  • Use of profanity, foul or offensive language

• No interfering with the safe operation of the bus
• No standing in front of the white or yellow line marked on the floor in the front while the bus is in motion or after being asked to step behind the line by the Bus Operator
• No spitting, urinating, or defecating in or upon any WATA property
• No controlled substances, flammable liquids, or combustible materials
• All bags and other carry-on items must:
  
  • Be brought on board in 1 trip
  • Must be held securely
  • May not be placed in a seat
  • May not block the aisles or doors at any time
• All wheelchair passengers must have their wheelchairs secured
• Strollers and walkers must be folded, properly stowed, and must not block the aisle at any time
• No lying down on seats, benches, vehicles, or areas where shelters and/or benches are provided for passengers waiting to board
• No entering the bus through the rear door unless authorized to do so by the Bus Operator or another WATA employee
• No pets or animals are allowed on the bus except service animals trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability
  
  • WATA does not consider comfort and companion animals to be service animals
• No carrying, possessing, or having within immediate access any unpermitted weapon

Penalties of Code Violation

Any person in violation of the Code of Conduct is subject to ejection from any WATA transit vehicle or facility and restriction from future service. If more serious penalties are warranted, WATA may contact the local authorities. 

How to Report a Concern

If you observe a problem on the bus, please alert your bus operator. You may also report your concern to WATA by email or by calling 757-220-5493. When reporting concerns, please be prepared to give:

• Date
• Time
• Bus line or the stop name and location
• A description of the problem