River Valley Metro is required to follow the US DOT ADA regulations. Per these regulations a service animal includes any guide dog, signal dog or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability; it is not limited to dogs as in the US Department of Justice definition and excludes no breeds of dog or other animal. Service animals are permitted to ride River Valley Metro buses. Emotional Support Animals “Comfort Animals” are not service animals within in the context of the US DOT ADA regulations and are not permitted on the bus unless they are in a carrier.
Service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered while on the bus or at the transfer stations, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the person’s disability prevents use of these devices. In such cases, the person must maintain control of the animal via voice, signal or other effective means.
A service animal may be denied service if deemed to pose a direct threat to the health or safety of drivers or other riders, create a seriously disruptive atmosphere, are otherwise not under the rider’s control, or the type of animal cannot safely be transported.
All other animals may ride the bus if they are in a carrier. A leash is not considered a carrier.
