Have you ever wondered who that Unitrans employee is helping you ride safely on the double decker buses?
That's a conductor!
Conductors ensure the safety of Unitrans double-deck buses and customers while assisting the driver in verifying & collecting fares and monitoring operations. Conductors will communicate with customers and the bus driver to make sure everyone makes it to their desired bus stops safely and as timely as possible. It's really important that you listen to their directions!
Why do conductors and drivers sometimes not let customers go to the top deck of the bus?
That's easy! The conductors are trying to get you to school and home as quickly as possible! The double decker buses are much slower than a single deck bus and the more people there are upstairs, the more likely that your trip will take longer and be delayed. On low ridership trips, the conductors, at their discretion, may not allow customers upstairs. If a bus starts to become full though (about 20 people standing downstairs), they will allow customers go upstairs. The conductor has your safety and schedule always in mind!
Why do conductors and drivers ask me for my pass/AggieCard/fare/etc.? Isn't Unitrans free?
Unitrans is not free and fare/pass is required to ride. Unitrans fares and passes (including the undergraduate AggieCard) pay for a vast majority of the Unitrans budget. Fare evasion and non-payment directly impacts our ability to serve our customers and improve service. Please be respectful and always have your pass or fare ready before boarding the bus. Not only does this ensure customers pay their fair share but with your pass/fare ready, the boarding process is faster for all customers!
How do I know who the conductor is?
The conductor will typically be standing in between the driver and the reserved wheelchair area near the front of the bus. The conductors will also typically be wearing a lanyard with "Unitrans Conductor" on it. Please listen to and follow their directions for your safety.
But who are they?
Conductors are UC Davis undergraduates just like most of our customers! The conductors have your safety and schedule in mind so please be kind! A thank you on your way out the door is always appreciated.