Ask DART: What I Need to Know

A DART Green Line train stops at Farmers Branch Station. A DART Green Line train stops at Farmers Branch Station.
Posted on Sep 15, 2020 by DART Daily

Ask DART

Question:
I haven’t used DART since the pandemic began. What do I need to know when I ride DART again for the first time since March?

Answer:
As you and other North Texans begin to return to the office or life outside of your homes, you may be feeling excited, but also a little nervous.

Here’s what you need to know:

Cleaning protocols

While you’ve been away, we’ve made some changes to how you ride, especially when it comes to cleaning protocols. DART continues to work closely with local, state and national health authorities, including the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to receive the latest guidance on cleaning and disinfecting.

All vehicles receive cleanings throughout the day using products identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as successful in killing the coronavirus, as well as influenza, rhinovirus, norovirus, salmonella, staphylococcus and E. coli. Learn more about our cleaning efforts in the “Ask DART: Cleaning Protocols” article.

Face coverings are required

Everyone must wear a face covering on board buses and trains. Disposable face masks are available on all buses, light rail vehicles and the Dallas Streetcar if you forget to bring one. We also strongly recommend riders use face coverings at rail stations, transit centers and busy bus stops. The main purpose of face coverings is to protect other people in case you’re sick but don’t realize it, because you can transmit the coronavirus even if you have no symptoms. So please be sure to wear a mask – it’s for your safety and others.

Reduced service

Most buses and trains are running less frequently than they did before, so give yourself extra time. Visit DART.org/mod to learn more about DART’s modified weekday schedule that remains in effect until further notice.

The best way to keep informed on service alerts and other DART-related news and information is to register for My DART Updates. Once registered, you will receive text and/or email messages about specific rail lines and bus routes, along with other DART information. Sign up at DART.org/email.

DART Customer Service is also available seven days a week for routes, schedules, trip planning assistance and other DART questions. Call DART Customer Service at 214-979-1111.

Social distancing

When possible, please stay at least 6 feet apart from other riders on buses, trains and at stations and stops. To encourage social distancing, we’re limiting the number of people who can be on board buses and trains at one time. On trains, DART is limiting passenger capacity to 47 people per vehicle. On 40-foot buses, DART is limiting passenger capacity to 20 people, and on 31-foot buses, passenger capacity is limited to 17 riders. Passenger capacity is six riders on ARBOC buses.

Contactless payment

To avoid having to use a ticket vending machine or fare box right now, we encourage you to buy your DART passes with one of our contactless fare payment options – either the GoPass app or a GoPass Tap card. These are the safest and best ways to purchase a pass so that you can avoid contact with surfaces that others may have touched. You can download the latest version of the app for free from the App Store or Google Play. To learn how to obtain a GoPass Tap card, visit GoPass.org.

Hand sanitizer

We have installed hand sanitizer dispensers on all buses and trains. Please make sure your hands are clean by frequently washing them with soap and water, when you can, for at least 20 seconds, or by using hand sanitizer when soap and water aren’t available.

Vehicle quarantine

If there is a concern that someone who may have COVID-19 has been on board a bus or train, the vehicle is removed from service and thoroughly disinfected. If you see an unhygienic surface or a situation that needs attention, contact DART by using the DART Say Something app or by calling DART Customer Service at 214-979-1111.

If you’re ready to ride again, we’re here for you. And if you’re not, we’ll be ready for you when you are. Learn more at DART.org/Ask.

#AskDART

Categories : Ask DART Community Knowledge
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