Sault Ste. Marie Transit Services provides a reliable and comfortable public transport service. We continually monitor the needs of our passengers and review our service delivery on a regular basis to create a positive experience for our riders.
If you have questions or concerns, phone 705-759-5438 or email transit@cityssm.on.ca
General Information
General Tips
- Arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early and have your fare ready.
- Leave the front priority seating for passengers unable to stand in a moving bus.
- Move to the rear of the bus and keep the front aisle clear.
- Exit using the rear doors.
Transferring
Unless you have a monthly bus pass, you will need to ask for a transfer if where you want to go requires more than one bus. Transfers are free once fare is paid on the first bus.
Conditions for Transfers
- Transfers will only be issued, upon request, at the time fares are paid.
- Transfers will not be issued at the terminal.
- Transfers are to be used only for one trip from origin to destination within the 120-minute time limit.
- Once a transfer is used a new one will not be issued. A cash fare will be required, or the use of your UMO card or mobile app.
- Transfers are to be used only by the passenger to whom they have been issued.
- In case of dispute, passengers are requested to pay the fare and contact the Transit Office.
Evening Preferred Stop Program
This is a customer service available to passengers who use the bus after dark.
For added passenger safety, if you wish to be dropped off at a location other than a regular bus stop after the street lights go on or after 9:00 pm whichever is earlier, simply speak to the operator a block or two before you wish to get off and we’ll let you off as close as possible to your request.
To meet your request the operator must be able to stop safely. For additional safety and security preferred stop users are requested to exit via the front door.
Bus Announcement System
The bus announcement system is now fully automated. An automated computer announces individual stops and transfer points along the route.
Easier Access
All buses are equipped with features that make them easier to use such as:
- Buses that lower to the curb so boarding is easier.
- Easy-to-reach stop request buttons and yellow pull cords.
- Additional lighting inside and out.
Lost and Found
For any articles left on the buses, call our Customer Service desk at 705-759-5438 during office hours. Items can be claimed at the main office. Anything not claimed after 30 days will be disposed of. Valuables are held for 90 days.
Bicycles on Buses
Bicycles can be brought onto buses as long as there is room. Sometimes during peak times of the day there are many riders on the bus (early morning as well as mid-afternoon to early evening) creating a lack of space for a bicycle. When bringing a bicycle on the bus, it must be brought to the back out of the way of other passengers.
Bike Racks
A growing number of our newer buses are equipped with bike racks on the front. With these easy-to-use racks, cyclists have the option to take their bikes to and from work, appointments, essential services, recreational options or anywhere Sault Transit will take them.
Use of the bike rack is included with your regular fare. Non-motorized, two-wheel bikes can be loaded onto the racks.
Please note: bus drivers are not able to assist with securing bicycles, but can provide verbal instructions if you experience difficulty.
Quick Tips
Have your bike ready to load as the bus approaches. Remove all bicycle accessories and loose items, including panniers, water bottles and child carriers.
Let the driver know that you will be using the bike rack before stepping in front of the bus with your bike.
Don’t forget to let the driver know that you have unloaded your bike and that you are a safe distance from the bus.
How it Works
- Release the bike rack by squeezing the rack handle upwards to unfold the bike rack into the loading position.
- Lift your bike into the rack, loading it into the outside slot first, if vacant. Fit each wheel into its labelled (front and rear) slot.
- Secure the bike rack wheel lock on your bike. Please note, bicycle locks and chains are not to be used to secure your bike.
- Use the front door to exit the bus, indicating to the driver that you will be removing your bike.
- Remove your bike from the rack and then fold the rack back into its upright position (if there are no other bikes stored on the rack).
Customer’s Responsibility
It is the customer’s responsibility to load and unload the bike on the bike rack. It is the customer’s responsibility to ensure that their bicycle is secured properly before the bus leaves the stop.
Sault Ste. Marie Transit and its operators will not assume any liability for any damage caused by or to a bicycle, however caused.
Any lost or stolen bicycles or their contents are not the responsibility of Transit Services. The owner of the bicycle is responsible for any lost or stolen bicycle or its contents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bike fit in the rack?
Conventional bikes with a single seat and two wheels will fit in the bike rack. Both wheels must be positioned within the wheel slots, and the support arm/hook must fit over the top of the bike wheels. The bike racks can accommodate a weight limit of 55 pounds per bike, and each bike wheel rim must be a minimum of 16”.
What about specialized bikes and accessories?
Motorized bicycles, electric-powered bicycles and bicycles equipped with child carriers and trailers are not permitted in the bike racks or inside Sault Ste. Marie Transit.
Who can use the bike rack?
Everyone can use the bike racks, but children 12 years of age or under must be accompanied by an adult.
What if the bike racks are full?
If the two racks are both full, you will be required to wait for the next bus or continue your trip on your bicycle.
What if my bike is damaged when using the bike rack?
Each passenger is responsible for safely loading, securing, and unloading their own bike. Sault Ste. Marie Transit is not responsible for any damage to any bike that may occur during transport.
How much does it cost?
Your bike rides for free, as long as you’ve paid your regular fare. One bicycle per passenger please.