How to Ride FST

Whether you are visiting Fort Smith, Arkansas for the first time or making lifestyle changes to your daily routine, use this guide to get started on your car-free trips around the area.

Riding the bus is easy, once you know how. Just follow these eleven easy steps!

Tips for Riders

1. Seat belts are required on buses with padded seating. Passengers traveling in mobility devices must also wear lap belts.
2. Non-Alcoholic beverages are allowed on the bus but all drinks must have a lid.
3. Eating is not allowed in any FST vehicle.
4. It would be helpful to carry the ride guide with you when using the system.
5. Be ready to board when the bus arrives and have your fare in hand.
6. Children seven (7) years of age or younger must be accompanied by a passenger twelve (12) years of age or older.
7. Reduced Fare Cards must be presented to the driver to receive the benefit of reduced fare.
8. Drivers will provide reasonable assistance when boarding & deboarding.
9. Please contact the transit office should you need special assistance.
10. Service Animals are permitted. Comfort animals must be in a carrier.
11. Portable oxygen, respirators, and concentrators are permitted.

These rules are in place as our promise to keep you safe! See the complete Passenger Rules & Regulations.

Fares

Daytime Service

• Fixed Route (Monday - Saturday): 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
  (Last transfer 5:00 PM)
• Shuttle: 7:00 a.m. – 3:00p.m.

*Jenny Lind and Shuttle route do not operate on Saturdays.

Dispatch and/or Fixed Route Assistance

• Monday - Friday: 5:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday: 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

In-Transit Services

Bike Racks

All FST Buses are equipped with bike racks.

In conjunction with the City of Fort Smith Bikeway Plan, Fixed Route Buses are equipped with bike racks on the front exterior of all buses. Bike racks hold up to two standard, two-wheel, non-motorized bicycles. Please check schedules for specific route information.

Whether going to work, school, or play, you and your bike can ride the bus. Regular fares apply for each passenger. Your bike rides for free!

Cyclists are responsible for loading and unloading their bicycles. FST assumes no responsibility for any damages to bicycles as a result of improper securement for travel.

It is recommended that bikers at the age of 12 years or below be accompanied and assisted by an adult.

Please call 783-6464 and our staff will be happy to assist you and answer any questions you may have.

How to use the bike rack:

1. Remove all loose items from the bike. If the bike rack is empty, squeeze the handle to release the latch and fold down the rack. It weighs less than 30 pounds and is easy to raise and lower.
2. Only load your bike from the curbside or in front of the bus.
3. Lift your bike into the available wheel slot. If your bike is the only one, please use the slot farthest from the bus.
4. Raise and secure the support arm over the front tire of your bike. Note that the support arm must be positioned so the hook rests on the highest point on the tire. If you wish, you can then secure your bike with your personal lock.
5. You may then board the bus and pay your fare. (There is no additional cost for a bicycle). Inform the driver you will be unloading your bike when you signal for your stop. Lower the support arm, lift your bike out and fold up the rack if it is empty and step away from the bus with your bike.

Free Wi-Fi

Enjoy your ride with FST's Free Wi-Fi!

Fort Smith Transit now offers free Wi-Fi in all buses and paratransit vehicles. Each vehicle will have a sign posted near the front of the bus with the Wi-Fi name and password. We encourage you to take advantage of our Wi-Fi for general web browsing, email, and social media. Unfortunately, we do not support high-bandwidth actions such as streaming video/music or downloading large files.

Ride Guides (Printable)

FST RIDE GUIDE

FST RIDE GUIDE Spanish

FST RIDE GUIDE Vietnamese