New Policy for Children 12 and Under on Niagara Transit Specialized Services
Starting December 1, 2024, Niagara Transit will implement a new policy focused on children aged 12 and under who use our specialized transit services.
This update is part of our commitment to enhancing safety and accessibility for all riders. Specific measures will support the needs of young travellers and ensure reliable, consistent service across the transit network.
What you need to know:
- Safety Requirements: Children 12 and under must ride with a parent, guardian, or support person. This is to ensure proper supervision, especially for children who may need additional assistance.
- Seat and Mobility Device Safety: Children who can sit up on their own are required to wear a seatbelt, in line with the Highway Traffic Act. Mobility devices must be safely secured per our guidelines.
- Stroller Use: Strollers must be securely positioned with aisles and exits kept clear. Ensure children are seated and secure during the ride.
Why This Policy is Important:
This policy follows the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Highway Traffic Act requirements, ensuring that all children, including those with disabilities, receive accessible and safe transit service.
Where to Learn More:
For full policy details, please see our Specialized Rider Guide.
If you have any questions or need further information, our customer service team is here to help. Call 1-833-678-5463 and select option 3.
Frequently Asked Questions
This new policy makes it safer for children who ride specialized transit. It follows Ontario laws to ensure all young riders have a safe travel experience.
These rules apply to all children who are 12 years old or younger, whether they are registered riders or riding with a family member who uses specialized transit.
Yes. A child who is 12 or younger must always have a parent, guardian, or other support person with them.
If an adult does not accompany a child, we won’t be able to proceed with their trip. To ensure everyone’s safety, each child aged 12 and under must have a parent, guardian, or support person with them while travelling.
No. For everyone’s safety, we must follow this policy consistently so no exceptions can be made. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a secure environment for all our riders.
For trips with children 12 and under, please remember that a trip must be booked for both the child and the adult travelling with them. When booking, make sure to select the correct rider type for each passenger—this helps us allocate the appropriate space in the vehicle. To ensure availability, we recommend booking as early as possible within our 14-day reservation window, especially if you need space for a stroller or mobility device.
This policy applies only to Niagara Transit’s Specialized Services. It does not affect other Niagara Transit services.
Our customer service team is here to help. If you have any questions, please call 1-833-678-5463 and select option 3.