Safety

The safety and well-being of our passengers is our top priority. To ensure a smooth, enjoyable transit experience, review these safety policies.

A student riding a JAX bus

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General Safety Guide

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Cooperation is Essential

Part of what makes our bus routes a safer alternative for our passengers are our safety and security policies. We encourage all passengers before they travel to review and abide by this general safety guide.

We kindly ask for your cooperation in ensuring a safe and secure environment for all passengers:

Respect the Privacy of Others: Aviod behaviors that may compromise the privacy of fellow passengers.

Report Any Concerns: If you notice any suspicious activity or have concerns for your safety, please inform the driver or JAX staff immediately.

Awareness and Preparation

Checklist: Before leaving for your bus stop, make sure you have your fare, and any belongings important for your journey.

Remain Vigilant while Boarding: Keep your eyes and ears open, especially when boarding and disembarking. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Wait for the Bus to Resume Travel Before Crossing: Take a moment after disembarking to allow the bus to resume travel before crossing the street. The bus driver or oncoming traffic may have difficulty seeing you. Whenever possible, use a crosswalk.

Bus Etiquette

Golden Rule: Treat fellow passengers and transit staff with kindness and respect.

Noise Levels: Keep conversations and phone calls at a considerate volume.

Caution Children at Play: Play near bus stops or while in transit can cause accidents; please mind children to ensure their safety. If possible, hold your child’s hand as the bus approaches.

Protect Your Belongings

Guard Your Gear: Keep all belongings close and secure. Before boarding or disembarking the bus, take a moment to confirm that all belongings are in your possession.

Be Discreet: Be discreet about belongings and valuables. We encourage passengers to keep any loose items in containers and valuables on their person at all times.

Mind Your Step

Watch Your Step: Hold onto handrails when standing and watch your step when boarding or disembarking.

Stay Balanced: Be prepared for sudden stops or turns. Make use of handrails and seat belts to prevent jostling.

Yellow Means Caution: For your safety, please do not stand past the yellow lines at the front of your JAX bus, and do not stand in the step well of the exit doors while the bus is in motion.

Sanitation and Public Health

Mask Policy: JAX does not require masks while in transit or waiting at bus stops. If choosing to wear a mask, ensure that it is clean and worn properly while aboard the bus.

Hand Hygiene: To reduce the likelihood of spreading illness, we encourage the use of hand sanitizer or washing your hands before and after your ride.

Know Your Route

Review Routes: Familiarize yourself with your route and stops in advance. It’s like plotting your adventure on a treasure map!

Stay Informed: Pay attention to announcements and signage for important information about your journey.

Concealed Firearms

Concealed firearms are not permitted on JAX buses.

In accordance with the Concealed Carry laws in the State of Illinois a licensee may not carry a firearm on “any bus, train, or form of transportation paid for in whole or in part with public funds, and any building, real property, and parking area under the control or a public transportation facility paid for in whole or in part with public funds”.

Visit ILGA.gov for additional details on concealed carry laws within the State of Illinois.

Students enjoying the JAX Saluki route

Inclement Weather and Suspending Busing Services

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JAX bus routes remain in operation during rain, snow, and other inclement weather. The climate in Southern Illinois and Jackson County can be unpredictable, so the JAX safety team continually monitors conditions for sudden changes or hazards.

In the event our safety teams determine it to be unsafe to travel, bus service may be temporarily suspended. JAX communicates with local news channels, radio stations, and social media to keep our riders informed.

To stay updated, join the JAX social media fan club or visit our Service Alerts page.

While we will strive to provide as much notice as possible there may be times, such as during a severe storm or tornado watch, in which an immediate suspension of service will be necessary. In these events JAX will resume regular service as soon as it is safe to do so.

    Evacuation

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    In the unlikely event that an evacuation is required, remain calm and listen for announcements or instructions from the JAX transit professional.

    If you are instructed to exit the vehicle, locate the nearest accessible exit and survey your surroundings for any hazards, such as fire, smoke, and debris. Leave behind any heavy or bulky items, so that you and those around you may exit quickly.

    Once clear of the vehicle, move to an area designated by your JAX professional, emergency responder, or to an area that is upwind of any smoke or debris.

    Students dismounting a JAX bus

    Video Surveillance

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    We want to ensure that your journey with us is not only comfortable and enjoyable but also safe and secure. That’s why JAX’s buses are equipped with video surveillance systems to enhance your safety and provide peace of mind.

    What Does This Mean for You?

    1. Enhanced Security: Our video surveillance systems monitor key areas of the bus to deter and detect any potential security threats.
    2. Protection Against Incidents: In the unlikely event of an incident or emergency, video footage can provide valuable evidence for investigations.
    3. Your Privacy Matters: Rest assured that the footage is securely stored and accessed only as needed for safety and security purposes.
    4. Quality: Our video surveillance system is monitored by JAX operations. We routinely review to ensure our team is always kind, courteous, and safely transporting our passengers from point A to B.

    How Does It Work?

    • Cameras are strategically placed throughout the bus to capture video and audio footage of the interior and exterior.
    • The footage is continuously recorded and stored on secure servers.
    • Access to the footage is restricted to authorized personnel for safety and security purposes only.
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