HIRTA provides valuable service to our communities. This remains especially true in the winter. Bad weather and poor road conditions can cause stress and anxiety to some drivers. The more people who take public transportation in the winter, the less vehicles on the road making winter driving as safe as possible. Besides, who wants to scrape ice off a car and then sit in the cold when you can just board a warm bus?

The safety and welfare of our communities is a top priority year-round. Winter is a time to be especially cautious. Walking safely like a penguin will help prevent slips and falls when walking on snow or ice. Here are some winter safety tips:

• Use special care when entering, and exiting vehicles, climbing or descending stairs, entering or leaving buildings.
• Wear appropriate footwear with slip-resistant soles.
• Move slowly.
• Remove snow & water from shoes when entering buildings.
• Use a 3-point contact when entering and exiting vehicles.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets and extend your arms to maintain balance.
• Walk on cleared, designated walkways as much as possible. And look when you walk! Don't text while walking.
• Take short steps or shuffle for stability
• Try to keep your center of gravity over your support leg.
• Point your feet out slightly a like a penguin to increase your center of gravity.
• Dress warmly! The bus might run later than usual if road conditions are poor.
• If you are outside waiting for the bus, please stand away from the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop as buses can slide sideways in slippery conditions.
• Be flexible with your times as road conditions might cause delays.
• Our drivers have no control over the weather. Please be respectful to them as they are trying their best to keep you and themselves safe.

HIRTA operates our regular service during cold and icy weather, but some emergencies can cause us to cancel service. For weather-related cancellations, make sure to follow us on social media @RideHIRTA and monitor our website.

To schedule your ride, call us at 1 (877) 686-0029 or email us at erides@ridehirta.com.