How do I use public transit?
As you start to plan your trip, ask yourself:
- Where do I want to go (addresses, landmarks)?
- When do I want to travel (day, time)?
Public transportation runs on established routes and set schedules. Each route will follow a set schedule that might change according to the time of day. For instance, some buses may run more often during peak commuter hours in the morning and evening. In some instances, you may be required to transfer buses to another route. Travellers should familiarize themselves with the transit schedule online.
Once you have booked your seat, be at the bus stop a few minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. When you get on the bus, you can pay your $2 fare directly to the bus driver, show your pre-paid receipt or show your monthly pass.
All transit routes on Prince Edward Island are free for children and students k to 12.
Do I always have to book in advance or can I be waiting at a stop location without a reservation?
Yes. Booking in advanced is required for the rural transit program for all travellers. You must book a minimum of 3-hours before you wish to travel.
Recurring bookings are available. You can book up to two weeks in advance of your trip.
If I'm having issues with the online booking system, how else can I book?
If you are having trouble booking online and require assistance, please call 902-812-0808. Bookings by phone need to be done the business day prior (if I want to travel Monday, I need to call on Friday) to travel. Bookings by phone can be done between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
How much does it cost to use the bus?
- All fares: $2.00 per one-way trip
- Pre-school and children grades k to 12: Free
Cash only. Please have exact cash fare ready. Operators do not carry change.
Islanders can also pre-pay online or purchase a monthly pass.
Can I purchase a monthly pass for the bus?
The cost of a monthly transit pass is:
- $20 for adults;
- $10 for seniors; and
- $10 for post-secondary students.
All transit routes on Prince Edward Island are free for children and students k-12.
Monthly transit passes can be purchased at Shoppers Drug Mart and Murphy’s Pharmacy locations in the Charlottetown area; the T3/Maritime Bus Terminal; Holland College bookstore; town and city halls in Stratford, Cornwall and Charlottetown; and through the HotSpot mobile app. You may also purchase from your bus driver.
Am I able to take multiple buses to get to my destination as part of a single fare?
Yes. Riders can transfer from the rural transit route to any transit bus to get to their final stop. When you get on the bus, just ask your driver for a transfer ticket.
Can I bring food and drink on the bus?
To keep buses clean and safe, any food or drink you bring on board must be in a closed container that is spill-proof. Coffee and other beverages can be consumed on board provided the beverage is carried in a sturdy container with a lid that will prevent the liquid from spilling. Open alcohol is not permitted on the bus.
Take your garbage with you when you leave the bus. We appreciate your help in keeping the bus clean.
Do you operate on holidays?
Service is not provided on the following holidays:
- New Years Day
- Islander Day
- Good Friday
- Easter Sunday
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Can I have a Personal Attendant/Companion accompany me on the bus if I have accessibility issues?
For Islanders with reduced mobility who have walking difficulties and may require the use or assistance of a collapsible wheelchair, walker or other small assistance devices, drivers or staff will help you board the bus and find an appropriate seat. Please notify the driver or staff that you will require assistance upon arrival.
One Personal Attendant/Companion may accompany passengers with walking difficulties, visual or hearing impairments, or other disabilities deemed to require an assistant or those who cannot travel independently, free of charge. Personal attendant and the passenger requiring assistance are required to travel together for the duration of the trip.
Are your buses wheelchair accessible?
We welcome all passengers and will accommodate, to the best of our ability, those passengers who require assistance.
For Islanders with reduced mobility who have walking difficulties and may require the use or assistance of a collapsible wheelchair, walker or other small assistance devices, drivers or staff will help you board the bus and find an appropriate seat. Please notify the driver or staff that you will require assistance upon arrival.
Do your buses have wifi?
Yes, our buses are equipped with wifi.
Are pets allowed on the bus?
Only certified working dogs are allowed on our buses with their companion.
Can I bring a child stroller on the bus?
Yes, but it should be folded up for safety. Infants should be seated in an accompanying adults lap at all times.
Do infants require a special seat to come on the bus?
No, but infants should be seated in an accompanying adults lap at all times.
Are kids who accompany an adult required to pay?
All transit routes on Prince Edward Island are free for children and students k to 12.
Is there a place I can park my car to take the bus?
There are designated carpool parking lots across the province. Islanders who plan to leave their car along the bus route are encouraged to choose a stop at a designated carpool lot.
If you wish to leave your car at another location, make sure you have the permission of the property owner and that your vehicle is safely parked so as not to impede traffic.
Is smoking permitted on the bus?
Smoking is prohibited which includes the use of electronic simulated smoking materials, e-cigarettes, and smokeless cigarettes.
How will I know if buses are running in inclement weather (e.g. winter storm)?
Before heading out, be sure to check the T3 website and local radio stations for information.
Why is the service not provided in my community?
Our rural transit program is just beginning, and we will continue to improve and expand the service.
While it is not possible to stop in every community, we are working with transportation organizations in communities across the province to create a system whereby travellers can get from their home communities to a stop along the rural transit route. We plan to begin offering this type of service sometime in 2022.
How do I offer feedback or suggestions regarding the service?
As the Province of Prince Edward Island continues to improve and expand our Island-wide transit system we want to hear from Islanders. We are happy to answer any questions you may have, discuss any of your concerns and listen to any suggestions you have to improve our system. Please email islandtransit@gov.pe.ca.
