Bikes on Buses (BOB) Training & Guidelines
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) offers an exciting alternative compatible with today's active lifestyle that allows you to take your bike with you to work, school, shopping or wherever you may go!
Please read the information below carefully. A requirement of being able to use this great service is a full understanding of how to load and unload your bike BEFORE you try it. Below you will find a variety of easy-to-use tools to help you learn everything you can about BOB before you use it.
Our Bikes on Buses service is offered at no cost, and no permit is required.
Training Video & Brochure
View a training video illustrating how to load and unload your bicycle from the bus rack, as well as, a BOB program overview video.
Getting Started
- You are responsible for loading and unloading of your bicycle.
- If you are a new rider or are not familiar with the bike loading instruction, please request a brochure from the driver and wait for the next bus. This will give you time to read and better understand the instructions. For safety reasons, drivers are not allowed to assist you with bike loading and unloading.
- Racks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If the rack is full, you will need to wait for the next bus. Bikes are not allowed on the inside of JTA buses.
- Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by and an adult when loading and/or unloading bikes.
- Only single seat, two-wheeled bicycles are permitted on JTA buses. Motor-powered bikes are not allowed.
- All bikes with a wheel size of 16" or larger fit easily and securely on the rack.
Preloading
- Please make sure you are off your bike when waiting at the bus stop so our operators can recognize you as a passenger.
- After the bus has come to a complete stop, tell the operator that you're going to use the bike rack. Always return to curbside after loading your bike.
- Remove all loose items from bike, as well as any items the operator deems an obstruction to his or her visibility (e.g. long poles, flags, baby seats, milk crates, etc.).
- If possible please load bikes with extra large handle in the front rack.
- If the bike rack is inoperable or broken, please notify the bus operator and wait for the next bus.
Loading
- Lower the rack If another bike is in position, the rack will already be lowered.
- Place bike in rack wheel slot. If possible, place in the back rack. Each wheel slot is clearly labeled for front and back tires.
- Swing the bike support arm up. After you place your bike in the rack. The support arm faces down when not in use. Caution: resting the support arm on your fender or frame could damage your bike.
- A Spring will pull the support arm back and hold your bike securely. Do not lock your bike to the rack.
- You're ready to ride return to curbside and board the bus.
Unloading
- As the bus approaches your stop, inform the bus operator that you will be unloading your bike. This will ensure that the operator waits until you are clear of the bus before leaving the stop. Use the front door of the bus to exit.
- To release your bike, simply pull the support arm away from the wheel, drop it down to the rack and lift your bike from the wheel slot.
- If you are the last person to unload your bike, please return the rack to its upright position.
- Return to the curb with your bike when moving away from the bus. Wait until the bus pulls away and traffic clears before proceeding.
Free One-on-One Training
Because JTA recognizes that some people are more comfortable with personal instruction, we offer a FREE, hands-on training on how to properly load and unload your bike. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Gail Aupont at (904) 630-3154, Monday-Friday between 8am to 4pm.