Posted: March 11, 2020
With continued spread of COVID-19, commonly referred to as novel coronavirus, across the United States, including several cases in Iowa, DART is taking proactive steps to help maintain the health and safety of its employees and passengers.
Please note that the best course of action for our riders is to:
- Wash your hands frequently, following the CDC guidelines;
- Avoid touching your face, especially your nose, mouth and eyes;
- Cover your coughs and sneezes; and
- Stay home if you are sick.
DART has formed an internal task force to manage its response. Staff is in close communication with public health and emergency management officials and is actively monitoring how other transit agencies around the country are responding.
While no cases of coronavirus have been declared in Polk County as of March 11, 2020, DART is proactively increasing how frequently each bus is sanitized as well as educating operators and riders on how they can protect themselves during this time.
What is DART's process for cleaning its buses?
Effective this week, DART is using a special CDC-recommended antiviral agent that effectively disinfects large areas. All paratransit vehicles will be sprayed daily and fixed route buses will be sprayed twice a week. Should a case of Coronavirus be identified in central Iowa, we will increase the rate of disinfecting.
In addition, each day a DART bus is used, it undergoes routine maintenance and cleaning that night. This includes sweeping, dusting and mopping the bus with a sanitation solution as well as checking fuel and fluids. Any identified problem areas on a bus would also be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized during that nightly cleaning.
The outside of our buses are washed several times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
What happens if someone is sick on a bus?
In a case where someone gets sick on one of our buses, or when a biohazard event happens, we remove the bus from service immediately and thoroughly clean and sanitize the bus. If you feel that an area of the bus needs immediate attention, please notify the bus driver when they have the bus stopped to let a rider on or off the bus.
How often is DART Central Station cleaned?
All common spaces in DART Central Station, including public restrooms, waiting areas and high touch areas, including door handles, benches, floors, etc. are cleaned and sanitized throughout the day.
What’s the best resource for Coronavirus information?
There are several reputable resources where you can get tips to stay healthy and avoid the coronavirus, including:
- World Health Organization
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Iowa Department of Public Health
- Polk County Health Department