All in. All the Stops.
When it comes to the health and safety of our riders and employees, DART is all in, all along the way. We are doing our part and encourage riders to do their part to keep everyone safe.
Earlier this year, DART received national certification for its health and safety protocols through the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) Safety & Health Commitments Program. As part of this program, DART has committed to following official guidance, protecting each other, making informed decisions and putting our employees and riders health first.
We’re experts in transit, not pandemics, so DART is committed to working with the experts in public health and doing what is needed to keep transit safe. Citylab, The Atlantic and Mass Transit Magazine all agree that if we do our part and your do your part, public transit is safe.
To date, there has been no direct correlation between the use of urban public transit and the transmission of COVID-19 according to APTA’s Global Research and Best Practices study, so we know our safety measures are working!
When you are ready to ride DART, we are here, and we are all in. Before you ride, be sure to check DART’s current route schedules and download the MyDART app for a touchless way to pay your bus fare!
DART’s Doing Our Part
DART is committed to the health and safety of our community, which is why DART has best practices, policies and preventative measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. DART is doing our part:
- Requiring masks to be worn on board all buses and at DART Central Station;
- the installation of temporary plastic barriers between the fareboxes and the operator’s seat on all buses;
- providing hand sanitizer and paper masks for riders on the bus;
- daily cleaning and sanitizing of all DART vehicles and facilities with regular disinfecting of high-touch areas throughout the day;
- providing PPE for all employees;
- requiring employees to complete a wellbeing check before work each day, which includes a temperature check;
- operating extra buses on busy routes during peak travel times to prevent overcrowding on buses.
You’re Doing Your Part
As the region continues to deal with the spread of COVID-19, DART asks riders to do their part to help keep everyone safe. You can do your part by:
- Wearing a mask;
- Remaining six feet away from others whenever possible;
- Using hand sanitizer before and after you board the bus;
- Avoid touching your face; and
- Do not ride DART if you feel sick.
In addition to the above steps, you can also use touchless payment through the MyDART app! Download the app, purchase a mobile pass and scan upon boarding. All of DART fares are available as a mobile pass.
We appreciate your cooperation as we continue to provide service for central Iowans. Riders with questions or comments about the changes DART has made in response to COVID-19, or any of DART’s services or procedures should contact DART Customer service by stopping by the window at DART Central Station, by calling 515-283-8100, or by emailing dart@ridedart.com.
Best resources for coronavirus information
There are several reputable resources where you can get tips to stay healthy and avoid the coronavirus, including:
- Polk County Health Department
- Iowa Department of Public Health
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization
