Riding Knox County Transit
Here, you’ll find everything you need to know about booking your ride, what to expect as a passenger, and the standards that guide our service.
How to Book Your Ride
To request or cancel a ride, you can email us or call 740-392-7433. Our phone lines are open Monday through Friday from 5:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. and Saturday from 5:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Be prepared to provide the rider’s name, date of birth, pick up/drop-off details, and any special accommodation needs.
For in-county transportation, we recommend requesting your ride at least one day in advance, while out-of-county transportation typically requires one week’s notice. Same-day ride requests may be accommodated, but availability is not guaranteed.
Important
Riders should be ready to board during the 30-minute pickup window provided by our Transit Specialists. Drivers will wait up to 5 minutes within the pickup window. Failure to board the bus within five minutes of its arrival may result in a no-show.
Cancellations
If you need to cancel a ride, please do so at least 60 minutes before your scheduled pickup time to avoid a no-show. After three no-shows, riders may face temporary suspension of services. For more details on our no-show policy and appeals process, please contact us.
Our Standards
Delivering a safe, clean, and reliable travel experience is our top priority. We’ve implemented a robust cleaning schedule to keep our buses fresh and inviting, along with a preventative maintenance program backed by careful weekly logs to ensure every vehicle is in top condition. Our drivers undergo comprehensive training to meet rigorous safety and service standards, so you can ride with confidence—knowing we’re committed to quality at every turn.
Rules for Riding with Knox County Transit
To ensure a positive experience for everyone, we ask all riders to follow these guidelines below. Please note that safety meetings are every third Thursday from 11-12. We are closed and phones are off.
Behavior
- Respectful Conduct: Profanity, threatening behavior, and objectionable activity are prohibited. Riders who create disturbances or unsafe conditions may be dropped off at the nearest public area, and law enforcement will be contacted if necessary.
- Surveillance: For everyone’s safety, all Knox County Transit vehicles are equipped with video and audio surveillance, which may be reviewed for investigations.
Seatbelts and Child Safety
- Seatbelt Use: We strongly recommend that all passengers wear seatbelts at all times. If you choose not to, notify the driver so they can document it.
- Children’s Safety: Children must always wear seatbelts and sit in the rear of vehicles with airbags. Children under 8 years old or weighing less than 40 must use an approved child safety seat. All minors under 13 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.
Prohibited Items and Activities
- Food and Drinks: Food is not allowed on Knox County Transit vehicles. Drinks are permitted only if in a properly lidded container.
- Tobacco and Vaping: The use of tobacco products or vaping is not allowed in or around Knox County Transit vehicles.
- Cell Phones: Please set phones to vibrate and use earbuds to avoid disturbing others.
Health and Safety
- Bloodborne Pathogens: Cuts and wounds should be properly covered to minimize exposure risks for drivers. View our full policy.
- Safe Driveways: Driveways must be clear and accessible for buses. Drivers will not enter areas where they cannot safely exit.
- Under a Level 2 snow emergency we operate only in the City of Mount Vernon limits. No services available during a Level 3 snow emergency.
Bags and Personal Items
- Carry-Ons: Riders must manage their belongings, which must fit within their seat area. Bags are not allowed in the walkway or on seats needed by other riders.
- Safety: Items must be secured to avoid rolling or sliding, which could create hazards for the driver or other passengers.
Dress Code
- Riders must wear appropriate clothing that fully covers extremities while seated on the bus.
By following these rules, we can ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient ride for everyone.
Assistance and Accessibility of Knox County Transit
We’re committed to ensuring a safe, comfortable, and accessible experience for all our riders. Whether you’re boarding with a mobility device or require additional assistance, we’re here to help you get where you need to go.
Accessible Services and Policies
- ADA-Accessible Fleet: All of our vehicles are fully ADA-compliant, equipped with lifts that accommodate up to 1,000 pounds, with a deck size of 52 inches deep by 34 inches wide.
- Driver Training: Every driver completes Passenger Assistance Training, as required by ODOT, to ensure a safe and supportive travel experience.
- Lifts are available by request.
Passenger Assistants and Bags
- Passenger Assistants Ride Free: If you need additional help, consider bringing an assistant. They can assist with groceries, extra bags, or other needs while riding with you for free.
- Bag Policy: All bags must fit within your seating area and remain under your control to avoid creating hazards. If you have multiple bags, a passenger assistant can help manage them.
Bags and Personal Items
- Carry-Ons: Riders must manage their belongings, which must fit within their seat area. Bags are not allowed in the walkway or on seats needed by other riders.
- Safety: Items must be secured to avoid rolling or sliding, which could create hazards for the driver or other passengers.
Assistance Guidelines
- Door-to-Door Service: Drivers can escort you from your door to the bus and back but cannot enter your residence, lock your door, or physically carry you.
- Mobility Device Support: Drivers can assist with pushing a wheelchair, loading it onto the bus, and safely securing it. Wheelchairs must be secured or we cannot perform the ride.
- Portable Oxygen Supplies: Riders can travel with respirators and portable oxygen tanks. Drivers can secure the tanks but are not permitted to adjust or operate them.
- Service Animals: Animals may ride as long as they are under the control of the rider, in the seating area of the rider and not a threat to anyone on the bus. Animal biohazards should be cleaned up and contained by the rider.
Bus Lift Features
Our buses are equipped with state-of-the-art lifts to accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. The lift’s safety sensors ensure a secure loading process, but if a device exceeds the size or weight limits, we won’t be able to load it onto the vehicle. Drivers are trained to safely secure mobility devices once on board.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
- Medical Emergencies: Drivers are not medical professionals and cannot provide emergency care. If needed, they will call 911 for assistance. For emergency medical transportation, contact 911 directly.
- For maximum efficiency we may pick up multiple clients before dropping off. All clients will be dropped off before the appointment time given to the Transit Specialist.
- Clean and Safe Travel: Passengers must have appropriate clothing and ensure cuts or wounds are covered to minimize exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Knox County Transit is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to all individuals. If you have specific needs or require reasonable modifications to our policies, please contact us to discuss how we can best support you.
VIEW ADA/TITLE VI COMPLAINT FORM
ADA COMPLAINTS/TITLE VI
Knox County Transit operates in compliance with Title VI and the Americans with Disabilities Act. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, disability, or any other protected class. If you feel you have been discriminated against, please fill out the Title VI/ ADA complaint form. If your rides have been suspended and you would like to appeal the decision, please refer to the Suspension Appeals process.
Knox County Transit operates without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Any person who believes she or he has been aggrieved by any unlawful discriminatory practice under Title VI or for more information on the civil rights program, or the procedures to file a complaint, contact the Bethany Celmar, Director, at 740-392-7433 option 2 or visit our administrative office at 25 Columbus Road, Mount Vernon, OH 43050.
Complaints may be filed directly with the FTA with the Office of Civil Rights, Attention: Title VI Program Coordinator, East Building, 5th Floor-TCR, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE Washington, DC, 20590.
Appeal paperwork is available on the Knox County Transit website.
PUBLIC TRANSIT
Knox County Transit complies with applicable Civil Rights Laws including the ADA and Title VI
General Information & Riders Guide
Alternative formats available upon request.
TTY 800-750-0750