Frequently Asked Questions

There is no fare to ride the bus. 

Gila River Transit is a deviated fixed route system. The driver will deviate, or divert from, the established route up to three quarters of a mile to provide enhanced access for passengers with disabilities. Passengers can be picked up or dropped off at any safe location.   Please see our Request a Special Stop Page for more details.

Yes, wheelchairs, scooters and other mobility devices can be taken onboard the bus. The front right corner of the bus lowers to the ground for easier entry/exit. Buses have a fold-out ramp and seating for up to two wheelchairs or scooters at a time. 

Racks on the front of the bus can hold up to two bicycles. To use, secure any loose items on the bike. Then, squeeze the handle to lower the rack and place the bike in the slot closest to the bus. Secure the bike by raising the support arm to the top of the bike’s front tire. 

Remember to tell the driver you need to get your bike as you are getting off the bus. Then, remove and lower the support arm and lift your bike out of the rack. Put the bike back to its upright position if no one else is using the rack.

Please see our Bicycles Page for more details.

To request a ride up to ¾ mile from a transit route, please call us at least two hours, and up to one day, in advance. Plan to be at your bus stop outside, where the driver can see you, five minutes before the scheduled departure time.  Please go to our special stop page for more details.

Most buses have 20 seats for passengers, and the larger bus used for the Sacaton Shuttle has 23 seats. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) funds Gila River Transit with Federal Transit Administration (FTA) 5311 Rural Transit Program funds. The Gila River Indian Community pays a local match to obtain the federal funds. We also use FTA 5311 Tribal Transit Formula funds. The percentage of match paid depends on the grant requirements.

Overhead and curbside signs on the bus display the route name. Route schedules are available on all buses and at district service centers, as well as on our home page here. Each rider guide has a map showing the route and a timetable with each of the time points. All time points show departure times. Plan to be at the bus stop five minutes before the scheduled departure time. For assistance, call the Dispatch Office at 520-562-6020.

No, passengers can flag down the bus anywhere along the route. Drivers will only stop at safe locations (lower speed roads, sufficient shoulder room, etc.). Drivers will not stop for passengers on the wrong side of the road. To flag down a bus, wave at the driver. Passengers should wait to board until the bus comes to a complete stop and the door opens.

Signal the driver to get off the bus by pulling the cord near the windows. The driver will stop at the next stop to allow passengers to de-board. Passengers, please  gather all belongings when exiting. 

Ask the driver when you get on the bus if you want a special stop. To ensure safety, do not cross in front of a bus to cross the street. First, wait for the bus to pull away from the curb.

Gila River Transit has rules and regulations to ensure that all passengers have a safe, comfortable ride. Passengers who break rules or don’t follow the driver’s instructions could be removed from the bus or denied bus service.  Drivers will enforce rules to ensure passenger safety. Rules are listed on the website here. Rules are also posted on all buses. 

Smoking, eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus. Bottled water is allowed.

Yes. Passengers must keep their personal items including packages, strollers and walkers secure at all time. The driver cannot assist with packages. Passengers should not bring more than they can carry aboard.

Yes, if older than six years of age. Children younger than six must be accompanied by an adult.

Service animals are allowed. No pets, please. Service animals must be kept under the control of the passenger at all times.

Gila River Transit does not operate on major holidays. Click here for a list of holidays. 

While Gila River Transit is not responsible for lost or stolen items, we will do our best to locate your lost item. To report a lost item, call us at 520-562-6020 and describe it, the route name, the time of day your item was lost and where you exited the bus.

Please call our Dispatch Office at 520-562-6020. Click here to submit an online comment through this website.