By Jaxie Pidgeon | Staff Writer
With the partial reopening of some businesses, you may start riding DART more often to get to work, medical appointments or shopping.
To feel safe while riding our buses and trains, DART has amplified its cleaning efforts and implemented social distancing measures to decrease the spread of the coronavirus.
In addition to what DART is doing internally, here are some things they suggest you do to stay healthy and safe.
Give yourself some space
If you are waiting at a bus stop, transit center or rail platform, try to keep at least 6 feet between you and other riders. On longer buses, you will enter the vehicle from the back door. On the trains, spread out and enter at less-crowded doors.
When you get on the vehicle, leave a row between you and other riders, and stagger on opposite sides of the aisle. If someone sits too close to you, wait until the next stop and safely move to a less-crowded area of the bus or rail vehicle.
Wear a face covering
DART strongly recommends that you wear a cloth face covering while you are traveling on the bus or train or waiting at a transit facility. The face covering can be as simple as a homemade mask, bandana or scarf over your nose and mouth, and it signals to other riders that you are serious about social distancing.
Take a seat
If you stand near the entrances, other riders must come very close to you to get on or off the vehicle. By sitting, you give others an open path to keep their distance.
Change the hours you travel
If your employer allows a flexible work schedule, leave earlier or arrive later so that you are riding when buses and trains are less busy. If you are running errands or going to appointment, try traveling during the midday period while others are at work.
Please note that DART is still operating on a modified weekday rail schedule, so all light rail services is operating on 20-minute frequency all day. Learn more at DART.org/mod.
Clean your hands as soon as you can
At the end of your trip, wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you in case you cannot reach a restroom quickly.
Try not to touch anything
If you use a napkin or tissue to touch buttons, poles or railings, throw out the tissue in a trash bin after you exit the bus or train. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Pay your fares with the GoPass® app or the GoPass® Tap card to avoid touching the ticket vending machines or bus farebox. You can add value to either account online or over the phone to further avoid in-person contact.
For more great tips and to learn more about DART’s cleaning practices, visit DART.org/health.
