Customer Rules & Regulations

To ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers, Delta Area Transit Authority (DATA) has established the following rules. Violations may result in temporary or permanent suspension of service. These rules are subject to change. DATA reserves the right to ban any rider who violates these regulations or engages in actions that endanger passengers or disrupt transit operations.

General Rules

✔ Follow driver instructions at all times.
✔ Respect fellow passengers—no disruptive, violent, or illegal conduct.
✔ No profanity or vulgarity (ADA-protected speech excluded).
✔ Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited, except for medical necessity.
✔ Keep noise levels low—use headphones for music. No loud talking or screaming.

✔ Refrain from placing your feet on the seats or seat backs, or lying down on the seats.
✔ No alcohol, drugs, or medical marijuana.
✔ No inappropriate displays of affection or sexual activity.
✔ Maintain hygiene—strong odors or substances disturbing others are not allowed.
✔ No hazardous materials (flammables, glass, explosives, etc.).
✔ No violations of local, state, or federal laws.

These rules apply on all DATA vehicles, facilities, and properties.

If a rider violates one of the Customer Rules & Regulations, endangers others, or disrupts transit operations, Delta Area Transit Authority (DATA) may temporarily or permanently suspend service. 

A ban may be issued if a rider:

• Endangers passengers.
• Disrupts transit operations.
• Violates the Customer Rules & Regulations.

Case Review & Decision Process

The Director/Committee will evaluate each case individually to determine whether a ban is necessary. Factors considered may include:

• The rider’s explanation and history of prior incidents
• Severity, duration, and risk level of the behavior
• Any prior attempts to resolve the issue
• Police involvement and potential for injury
• Prior bans for similar or different offenses
• Medically documented disabilities contributing to the behavior
• Any other relevant circumstances

The weight of each factor may vary based on the situation.

Warning & Ban Procedures

After reviewing the case, the Director/Committee will decide whether to issue a written warning or a ban from public transportation services. These actions are not punitive but are necessary to ensure passenger safety and maintain service order. All decisions must be fully documented to justify the action taken.

Notification of Ban

If a rider is temporarily or permanently banned, they will receive written notice via first-class mail or hand delivery, including:

• The reason for the ban
• The duration of the ban
• Contact information for appealing the decision

For immediate bans, verbal notice will be given at the time of enforcement, followed by written notice as soon as possible.

Appeal Process

Riders may request a hearing within 30 days of receiving a ban notice. The hearing will be conducted by a Delta Area Transit official or board, separate from the original decision-makers. During the hearing, the rider (or representative) may:

• Present their case
• Submit relevant documents or mitigating information
• Have legal representation

The Director/Committee will also present their justification for the ban. The hearing’s decision is final and binding.

These procedures also apply if a passenger engages in disruptive or threatening behavior on a Delta Area Transit vehicle or property.