Ride The Red Rabbit!

Hall Area Transit is a public transportation system that has served the City of Gainesville and Hall County since 1983. Its mission is to provide efficient, effective and affordable public transportation that will allow riders to access jobs, retail shops, recreational facilities, medical/dental offices, social service agencies, government offices, and other important community sites.

Hall Area Transit is a key component in helping reduce traffic congestion and minimize air pollution. It also encourages new generations of Hall-countians to consider alternatives to driving in single occupancy vehicles. Public transportation supports our community in other ways too. It helps people that cannot drive; such as youth, seniors and persons with disabilities; to fully participate in and contribute to our vibrant community. Public transportation is a way for people to get connected and stay connected with others in the community.

Scheduled Bus Service

Red Rabbit – Hop Aboard Hall Area Transit’s scheduled bus service known as the Red Rabbit. Three bus routes, Red, Blue and Gold, have over 130 bus stops located along major roads in the City of Gainesville. General admission is $1.00 and $.50 for seniors age 60+, persons with disabilities (Medicare card accepted), students and children age 18 and under. When you need to change buses to reach your destination, the second half of your ride is always FREE. Just ask the first Bus Operator for your FREE BUS TRANSFER and you can use it to hop aboard another bus within 50 minutes of it being issued. Riders may use their transfers at the Pine / High Street Transfer Station or other bus stops where routes overlap.

Para-Transit – Riders with disabilities that cannot safely navigate the streets to access Red Rabbit bus stops can call Hall Area Transit and receive a ride directly to their desired destination. Persons wishing to use this service must complete a certification process to ensure that they meet ADA eligibility requirements.

Dial-A-Ride – Riders can call ahead 48+ hours to reserve curb-side van service that comes directly to you and takes you directly to where you want to go. The fare for this service starts at $2.00 and increases with each additional mile traveled.

Handicap Accessibility

The lift-equipped vehicles on Hall Area Transit vehicles meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Individuals who use mobility devices, such as a wheelchair or scooter, must conform to the “common wheelchair” dimensions as set forth under the Federal Register, vol. 56 No 173, 1991, Rules and Regulations. A “common wheelchair” is not larger than 30 inches wide and 48 inches long, and more than 600 pounds, when occupied.

The Bus Operator will assist individuals in safely boarding & exiting from the vehicles. Individuals with mobility impairments who need special assistance in navigating to and from the vehicle should have a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) ride with them. When the Bus Operator is notified, PCAs may ride for free.

Funding

Hall Area Transit receives funding from the Federal Transit Administration, the Georgia Departments of Transportation and Human Resources, the City of Gainesville, Hall County, and fares from riders.

Red Rabbit Travel & Safety Tips

1. Arrive 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to reach your stop. As buses may be delayed due to traffic, please be prepared to wait 5-10 minutes past the scheduled pick-up time.
2. Buses will board and leave riders at designated bus stops only so look for the Bus Stop Signs near you.
3. Signal the operator that you want to get off the bus by pulling the yellow signal cord. Give the Bus Operators enough notice so that they may stop smoothly.
4. Remain seated or grasping a hand hold until the bus comes to a complete stop. Operators must sometimes stop quickly.
5. Please reserve seating at the front of the bus for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. If the bus is full, please offer your seat to those who are unable to stand while the bus is moving.
6. Service dogs for the hearing and visually impaired are allowed on the bus. They are not pets and should not be approached or petted.
7. Eating, smoking and drinking are not allowed on vehicles.
8. Radios must be listened to through earphones only.
9. Please hold small children and fold strollers for the trip. Nothing can be left in the aisles.
10. Not all bus stops will be on the side of the street that you need. Please use care and exercise caution while crossing streets.
11. During inclement weather, the buses may not be able to keep their regular schedule. Please call 770-538-2601 for more information.

Hall Area Transit Officials reserve the right to refuse service or remove any rider who jeopardizes the comfort and / or safety of other persons.

More information