MTS will implement new rules by March 2012
after a public outreach campaign
San Diego, CA –The Metropolitan Transit System Board of Directors today approved rules and procedures for transporting carts, strollers and cargo aboard MTS buses and trolleys. MTS plans to implement the new rules in March of 2012 after a public outreach campaign.
The rules and regulations limit the size of cargo carts, the number of carry-on bags, the placement of cargo and the number of carts and/or strollers at any one time.
The new policy complies with the California Code of Regulations that stipulate that “Drivers and motor carriers shall not permit any greater quantity of freight, express or baggage in vehicles than can be safely and conveniently carried without causing discomfort or unreasonable annoyance to passengers. In no event shall aisles, doors, steps or emergency exits be blocked.”
“After an extensive study we determined that passengers are oftentimes carrying cargo that creates unsafe conditions on-board our vehicles and that they utilize space that should be reserved for our passengers who use wheelchairs,” said Paul Jablonski, Chief Executive Officer of MTS. “This policy creates a balance that allows passengers to carry an acceptable amount of personal belongings without infringing on the safety of other passengers.”
The new rules and regulations are posted at www.sdmts.com/CargoRules.asp. Key among the rules:
Carts cannot be greater than 30-inches high, 18-inches wide and 18-inches deep;
Riders are limited to items that can be carried in a single trip when boarding;
Passengers must stay with and hold their belongings, and
Aisles and areas adjacent to doors must be kept clear of all cargo at all times
To better accommodate people with carts and strollers, MTS will expand a pilot program to provide these passengers an exclusive space.
MTS provided more than 84 million trips on its network of services which include more than 80 bus routes and 53 miles of light rail in San Diego County. For information on fares, routes, and schedules, or to plan a trip, visit www.sdmts.com.
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