Rules

​No Show Procedure

Responding to customers who fail to cancel rides are not only costly, but cause delays and customer inconveniences in the overall daily transportation service schedule. The Benzie Bus will implement the following procedures when a “No Show” occurs with a given customer.

When the customer creates a “No Show” situation, it will be documented and they will be expected to pay for the previous “No Show” fare plus the current fare before service is reinstated. In a sense, they incur a double fare for a double trip.

​This procedure has been approved by the Benzie Transportation Authority Board of Directors on October 9, 2007

​Late Cancellation Procedure

BTA requires no less than one hour in advance for cancelling a ride. If a cancellation happens within less than one hour, it is treated like a no-show. It is expected to be paid the next time the passenger rides, plus the fare for the current ride. Out of county no shows will result in a double fare charge.

​Service Priority Procedure

Service Priority Procedure In an effort to provide the most efficient service for all of our passengers. The Benzie Bus will be using the following service priority procedure to establish the priority of passenger requests.​

• Priority One- Services established in advance, same passenger, same time and same origin.
• Priority Two- Services that are reserved 24 hours in advance of service needed.
• Priority Three- Services for passengers that call at least four hours in advance of service needed.
• Priority Four- Services for passengers who wait until the last minute to make their request.

It is the intent of the Benzie Bus to make sure that the needs of wheelchairs, Priority One and Priority Two rides be fully administered before addressing the needs of the Priority Three and Priority Four passengers.

Scheduling a Ride

Same day reservation requests need to be made at least 4 hours prior to the time requested. We request that you make your reservation 24 hours in advance to have the best opportunity to confirm a reservation. Many days we are booked to capacity, so make sure you call as early as possible for the best availability. By implementing the Flex routes we are saving vehicle maintenance, miles, fuel and time in an effort to be more cost effective and still provide quality transportation to the residents of Benzie County.

Priority seating

In the priority seating area near the door, you are required to move for seniors and people with disabilities.

No smoking or vaping

Smoking and vaping is prohibited on all Benzie Bus vehicles including buses and vans. The no-smoking rule is enforceable by warning, fine and/or exclusion.

Be safe

• Never cross in front of a bus unless it is stopped at a red light.
• Riding at night? Wear light-colored clothing and carry a reflector or flashlight.
• Always use the designated pedestrian crossings.
• No open intoxicant or flamable fluids are allowed on the bus.
• Always use the designated pedestrian crossings.
• If there is an emergency during your trip, tell the driver right away.

Pets

Service animals are permitted to ride on the Benzie Bus with proper documentation. Other pets may ride as long as they are crated. The crate must be small enough to be stored under the bus seat or on your lap.