Caddo Parish Commission considers new conduct rules for SporTran riders

The proposal focuses on four primary areas: disorderly conduct, animal transportation, firearm regulations and transit facility parking.

Under the section addressing disorderly conduct, the commission outlined 20 specific prohibited behaviors.

Those behaviors include:

• No open containers of alcohol
• No smoking or vaping
• No throwing objects from a bus
• No threatening language toward passengers or transit operators
• No blocking aisles with cargo or listening to something without headphones

The drafted ordinance also outlines policies for animals on transit vehicles. Only service animals on a leash or pets in completely enclosed carrying cases would be allowed. Violators of the animal policy would face a fine of up to $100.

Regarding firearms, the parish would allow possession on SporTran property and vehicles, provided the individual is legally permitted to carry the weapon under state and federal law. However, transit officials would maintain the right to remove any passenger carrying a firearm in violation of specific state statutes.

Finally, the proposed rules set guidelines for parking and boarding at SporTran facilities. Drivers would be prohibited from blocking fire lanes, pedestrian walkways or designated bus lanes. Fines for parking violations would range between $125 and $500.

A violation of the rules would be classified as a misdemeanor carrying a potential $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail.

Commissioners noted that the rules are being considered because SporTran’s on-demand and fixed-route services frequently operate outside city limits and into unincorporated parts of Caddo Parish.