Category Archives: COVID-19

Federal Face Mask Requirement for Public Transit Extended through January 18, 2022

Posted on August 23, 2021 by | Leave a comment

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued a Security Directive extending the face mask requirement for all transportation networks, including public transportation, while onboard or indoors through January 18, 2022 to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will continue to require a CDC approved face mask be worn over the mouth and nose by passengers and operators at all times while on DART vehicles including buses, trains and paratransit vehicles, Trinity Railway Express trains, in buildings and onboard the Dallas Streetcar.

Mask wearing is one of several proven measures that can reduce the transmission of COVID-19, including physical distancing, appropriate ventilation, vaccinations and timely testing.

Refusing to wear a mask, unless exempted or excluded under the CDC guidelines, is a violation of federal law and failure to comply will result in denial of boarding or removal, and passengers may be subject to federal penalties, including a fine ranging from $250 for the first offense up to $1,500 for repeat offenders.

Face masks and hand sanitizer dispensers are installed on all buses, light rail vehicles, TRE vehicles and Dallas streetcars, and will continue to be available to all passengers.

If a DART passenger is concerned with someone not wearing a mask, they can contact DART Customer Service at (214) 979-1111, or use the “DART Say Something” app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play for free.

Staying Safe While Riding DART

DART remains committed to doing everything possible to keep both our patrons and employees safe through this pandemic. DART remains in close contact with local, state, and national health authorities, including the Texas Department of State Health Services and the CDC. DART encourages passengers who feel sick or are experiencing symptoms to stay home and avoid public places.

Cleaning and Protection

DART continues to undertake aggressive agency-wide cleaning and safety protocols on buses, light rail, paratransit vehicles and properties. In addition to thorough nightly cleanings, DART buses and trains are also cleaned on a rotating basis with hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning solutions to sanitize and disinfect each vehicle.

Social Distancing

DART recommends maintaining a six-foot distance between both fellow riders and your DART operator, leaving an open seat between yourself and other riders when available, avoiding large groups and staying home if you feel sick or are experiencing symptoms.

To enforce social distancing practices and protect customer and employee well-being, all transit center waiting areas have been temporarily closed. DART riders can still use the outdoor areas for boarding buses and light rail vehicles.

You can find more information about how DART is working to keep our passengers safe at www.dart.org/health.

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Posted in COVID-19, DART

DART offers new booking website for ParaTransit customers

Posted on June 19, 2021 by | Leave a comment

DART started offering up to 4 free rides to and from vaccination sites on March 22. Please let the reservations agent know you are booking a trip to get your vaccine so your ride will be free. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide service to drive-thru sites at this time.

ABOUT PARATRANSIT SERVICES

Paratransit is a shared-ride service operated with modern accessible vehicles and taxi cabs. Riders who are unable to access vans by using steps can use the wheelchair lifts or ramps. On the large accessible vans, boarding chairs are available upon request.

DART also offers free travel training through our Mobility Ambassador Program to persons with disabilities who are capable of riding accessible fixed-route bus and rail services.

Have questions about Paratransit Services? Review our Guide to Paratransit Services to find answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you need additional information, please call 214-828-6736. Paratransit Customer Relations representatives are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

DART PARATRANSIT SERVICE AREA

Certified paratransit riders are welcome to schedule trips to begin and end anywhere in the following cities:

• Addison• Garland• Rowlett
• Carrollton• Glenn Heights• Plano
• Cockrell Hill• Highland Park• University Park
• Dallas• Irving 
• Farmers Branch• Richardson 

Paratransit service also is provided between the DART Service Areas and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

NEW PARATRANSIT BOOKING WEBSITE

You now can schedule, view and cancel trips 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at DART.org/RidePara.

Once you schedule, we’ll provide you with a 20-minute pick up window. You can track your vehicle’s location in real time without having to call Where’s my Ride. Our booking website is open to all DART certified paratransit riders.

First you will need to create an online account using your DART Paratransit ID to register. If you experience issues creating your account, please call 214-828-6736 for assistance logging into the booking website. Paratransit Customer Relations representatives are available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Don’t have internet access? Call 214-515-7272 to schedule a trip. New automated features allow you to cancel a trip, get updated trip information including estimated arrival times, and more.

Due to these new tools, DART will discontinue our automated X-Press Booking (XPB) system.

To learn more, click HERE.

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Posted in COVID-19, DART

Face Masks Still Required Onboard DART Vehicles; Recommended in Outdoor Areas

Posted on June 19, 2021 by | Leave a comment

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently revised its face mask policy, allowing public transit passengers to forego masks in outdoor areas. The face mask requirement for all transportation networks, including public transportation, remains in effect while onboard or indoors through September 13, 2021.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will continue to require a CDC approved face mask be worn over the mouth and nose by passengers and operators at all times while on DART vehicles including buses, trains and paratransit vehicles, Trinity Railway Express trains, in buildings and onboard the Dallas Streetcar.

Refusing to wear a mask, unless exempted or excluded under the CDC guidelines, is a violation of federal law and failure to comply will result in denial of boarding or removal, and passengers may be subject to federal penalties.

Face masks and hand sanitizer dispensers are installed on all buses, light rail vehicles and Dallas streetcars and will continue to be available to all passengers.

If a DART passenger is concerned with someone not wearing a mask, they can contact DART Customer Service at (214) 979-1111, or use the “DART Say Something” app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play for free.

Staying Safe While Riding DART

DART remains committed to doing everything possible to keep both our patrons and employees safe through this pandemic. DART remains in close contact with local, state, and national health authorities, including the Texas Department of State Health Services and the CDC. DART encourages passengers who feel sick or are experiencing symptoms to stay home and avoid public places.

Cleaning and Protection

DART continues to undertake aggressive agency-wide cleaning and safety protocols on buses, light rail, paratransit vehicles and properties. In addition to thorough nightly cleanings, DART buses and trains are also cleaned on a rotating basis with hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning solutions to sanitize and disinfect each vehicle.

Social Distancing

DART recommends maintaining a six-foot distance between both fellow riders and your DART operator, leaving an open seat between yourself and other riders when available, avoiding large groups and staying home if you feel sick or are experiencing symptoms.

To enforce social distancing practices and protect customer and employee well-being, all transit center waiting areas have been temporarily closed. DART riders can still use the outdoor areas for boarding buses and light rail vehicles.

You can find more information about how DART is working to keep our passengers safe at www.dart.org/health.

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Posted in COVID-19, DART

Federal Face Mask Requirement Extended Through September 13

Posted on May 16, 2021 by | Leave a comment

The Transportation Security Administration has extended the face mask requirement for all transportation networks, including public transportation, through September 13, 2021.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will continue to require a CDC approved face mask be worn over the mouth and nose by passengers and operators at all times while on DART vehicles or properties including buses, trains and paratransit vehicles, Trinity Railway Express trains, at DART stations, on platforms, in buildings and on-board the Dallas Streetcar.

Refusing to wear a mask, unless exempted or excluded under the CDC guidelines, is a violation of federal law and failure to comply will result in denial of boarding or removal, and passengers may be subject to federal penalties.

Face masks and hand sanitizer dispensers are installed on all buses, light rail vehicles and Dallas streetcars and will continue to be available to all passengers.

If a DART passenger is concerned with someone not wearing a mask, they can contact DART Customer Service at (214) 979-1111, or use the “DART Say Something” app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play for free.

Staying Safe While Riding DART

DART remains committed to doing everything possible to keep both our patrons and employees safe through this pandemic. DART remains in close contact with local, state, and national health authorities, including the Texas Department of State Health Services and the CDC. DART encourages passengers who feel sick or are experiencing symptoms to stay home and avoid public places.

Cleaning and Protection

DART continues to undertake aggressive agency-wide cleaning and safety protocols on buses, light rail, paratransit vehicles and properties. In addition to thorough nightly cleanings, DART buses and trains are also cleaned on a rotating basis with hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning solutions to sanitize and disinfect each vehicle.

Social Distancing

DART recommends maintaining a six-foot distance between both fellow riders and your DART operator, leaving an open seat between yourself and other riders when available, avoiding large groups and staying home if you feel sick or are experiencing symptoms.

To enforce social distancing practices and protect customer and employee well-being, all transit center waiting areas have been temporarily closed. DART riders can still use the outdoor areas for boarding buses and light rail vehicles.

You can find more information about how DART is working to keep our passengers safe at www.dart.org/health.

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Posted in COVID-19, DART, Transportation News

VERIFY: Yes, FEMA will pay funeral expenses for people who died from COVID-19

Posted on April 14, 2021 by | Leave a comment

By Matt Gregory

Hundreds of thousands of American families have been forced to grieve through the pandemic. Does the government have plans to step in to help with funeral costs?

QUESTION:

Is FEMA paying funeral expenses for people who died from COVID-19?

ANSWER:

There is a plan to pay for funerals and reimburse funerals that already took place.

“FEMA, through their individual assistance program has the ability to pay for funeral expenses,” Elizabeth Zimmerman, the former FEMA associate administrator for the Office of Response and Recovery, said.

According to Zimmerman, FEMA can pay for funerals after a president declares a disaster.

“Typically, funeral expenses are covered on a cost-share basis,” she said. “So, FEMA would pay 75%, and the states would be responsible for 25%.”

RELATED: FEMA will help cover some funeral costs for COVID victims. Here’s what you need to apply

Former President Trump already declared the pandemic a disaster in 2020. But it wasn’t until this week, Congress gave FEMA $2 billion to pay for funerals.

“This new policy, and the authorities that Congress gave to FEMA, in order to pay 100% of the cost for the funeral expenses,” she said.

Read more from WUSA9…

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Posted in COVID Relief, COVID-19

142 Houstonians tested positive for COVID-19 after getting vaccine

Posted on April 14, 2021 by | Leave a comment

The Houston Health Department says dozens of people have tested positive for COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated.

That means they were infected with the virus more than two weeks after getting either two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Doctors refer to those cases as breakthrough infections or vaccine failures. 

Dr. David Persse with the Houston Health Department says breakthrough infections happen with all vaccines but there’s no cause for alarm.

“It’s not a surprise at all that we would see a small number of people test positive after being vaccinated. Our back of the napkin math would have been a little higher than this,” said Dr. Persse.

Read more from KHOU…

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Posted in COVID-19

List Of Sites In Tarrant County To Register For COVID-19 Vaccine

Posted on March 24, 2021 by | Leave a comment

With the State of Texas now mandating that COVID-19 vaccines be open to all adults, Tarrant County is hosting events to help register residents. 

Anyone can also register online here. 

Here’s a list of registration events: 

  • March 25: Tarrant County College South Campus: 5301 Campus Dr., Fort Worth, Tx. 76119 (3-7 p.m.) 
  • March 31: Tarrant County Charles F. Griffin Subcourthouse: 3500 Miller Ave., Fort Worth, Tx. 76119 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) 
  • April 10: Texas Wesleyan University: 1201 Wesleyan St., Fort Worth, Tx. 76105 (11 a.m.- 2 p.m.) 
  • April 12: Samaria Baptist Church: 4000 E. Berry St., Fort Worth, Tx. 76105 (3 -7 p.m.) 
  • April 15, 17: Tarrant County College Trinity River Campus East: 245 E. Belknap St., Fort Worth, Tx. 76102 (3-7 p.m. April 15 and 11 a.m.-3 pm. on April 17.) 
  • April 19: Como First Missionary Baptist Church: 5228 Goodman Ave., Fort Worth, Tx. 76107 (3-7 p.m.) 
  • April 24: Los Pastores Panaderia: 3812 E. Rosedale St., Fort Worth, Tx. 76105 (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) 
  • April 26: Great Commission Baptist Church: 7700 McCart Ave., Fort Worth, Tx., 76133 (3-7 p.m.) 
  • May 3: Baker Chapel AME: 1050 E. Humbolt St., Fort Worth, Tx. 76104 (3-7 p.m.) 
  • May 8: Fiesta Supermarket: 4245 E. Berry St., Fort Worth, Tx. 76105 (time pending) 
  • May 10: First St. John Cathedral: 2401 E. Berry St., Fort Worth, Tx. 76105 (3-7 p.m.) 
  • May 15: El Rancho Supermercado: 4812 South Freeway, Fort Worth, Tx. 76115 (time pending)

Source: CBSDFW via News Break

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Posted in COVID-19, Tarrant County

Every Adult in Texas Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccine Beginning March 29

Posted on March 23, 2021 by | Leave a comment

The State of Texas is opening up the coronavirus vaccine to all adults before the end of March, officials just announced.

All adults will be eligible to get the vaccine starting next Monday — that’s March 29th.

Some age groups will still be prioritized, however.

“DSHS has directed vaccine providers to prioritize people 80 years old or older when scheduling appointments and accommodate anyone in that age group who presents for vaccination, whether or not they have an appointment, by immediately moving them to the front of the line. “

Get more details in the state’s official release below and check back for updates.

***

DSHS directs providers to continue to prioritize older adults

All adults will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas beginning Monday, March 29. The Texas Department of State Health Services expects vaccine supplies to increase next week, and providers in multiple parts of the state have made great strides in vaccinating people in the current priority groups. The state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel recommended opening vaccination to everyone who falls under the current Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations to protect as many Texans as possible.

“We are closing in on 10 million doses administered in Texas, and we want to keep up the momentum as the vaccine supply increases,” said Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and the chair of the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel. “As eligibility opens up, we are asking providers to continue to prioritize people who are the most at risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death – such as older adults.”

DSHS has directed vaccine providers to prioritize people 80 years old or older when scheduling appointments and accommodate anyone in that age group who presents for vaccination, whether or not they have an appointment, by immediately moving them to the front of the line. That will ensure vaccination of anyone 80 or older with as small a burden on themselves as possible.

Also next week, DSHS will launch a website to allow people to register for a shot through some public health providers. The public will be able to enroll in the Texas Public Health Vaccine Scheduler to identify upcoming vaccine clinics hosted by DSHS or a participating local health department and be notified when new clinics and appointments become available. People can continue to find additional providers though the DSHS Vaccine Information page at dshs.texas.gov/covidvaccine. 

Online registration will be the best option for most people. For those for whom that is not an option, DSHS will launch a toll-free number to provide assistance making an appointment with a participating provider or locating another provider that has vaccine available.

To date, Texas has administered more than 9.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, equating to more than 6 million people with at least one dose and more than 3 million fully vaccinated. Most vaccines are authorized for people 18 years old and older; the FDA has authorized the Pfizer vaccine for use in people 16 and older.

Source: KHOU Houston

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Posted in COVID-19, Health and Wellness, Public Health

Tarrant County will continue to require masks on county property

Posted on March 10, 2021 by | Leave a comment

On Tuesday March 9, the Tarrant County commissioners agreed to continue to require face coverings in county buildings.

This order applies to the county’s administration buildings, courts, jails and offices. County employees and visitors will be required to wear a face covering, despite Governor Abbott’s lifting of the state’s mask mandate, which is effective today, March 10.

For the commissioners, keeping masks mandatory is a way to continue to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Before Abbott lifted the statewide mandate, the court gave County Judge Glen Whitley the power to extend the county’s order until at least May 25, as it believed the threat of COVID-19 was active and mask wearing was the best way to control it. 

County administrator G.K. Maenius said that while the county can’t fine or jail people for not wearing a mask, if a large number of people enter county buildings without masks, commissioners would look at how they can better enforce mask-wearing.

Read more from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram…

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Posted in COVID-19, Tarrant County

DART Continues to Enforce Federal Face Mask Requirement on Public Transit

Posted on March 4, 2021 by | Leave a comment

For the safety of our passengers and employees, DART will continue to enforce federal guidelines and require a CDC approved face mask be worn over the mouth and nose by passengers and operators at all times while on DART vehicles or properties including buses, trains and paratransit vehicles, Trinity Railway Express trains, at DART stations, on platforms, in buildings and on-board the Dallas Streetcar.

Refusing to wear a mask, unless exempted or excluded under the CDC guidelines, is a violation of federal law and failure to comply will result in denial of boarding or removal, and passengers may be subject to federal penalties.

Face masks and hand sanitizer dispensers are installed on all buses, light rail vehicles and Dallas streetcars and will continue to be available to all passengers. If a DART passenger is concerned with someone not wearing a mask, they can contact DART Customer Service at (214) 979-1111, or use the “DART Say Something” app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play for free.

Staying Safe While Riding DART

DART remains committed to doing everything possible to keep both our patrons and employees safe through this pandemic. DART remains in close contact with local, state and national health authorities, including the Texas Department of State Health Services and the CDC. DART encourages passengers who feel sick or are experiencing symptoms to stay home and avoid public places.

Face Masks and Hand Sanitizer

DART requires a CDC approved face mask be worn over the mouth and nose by passengers and operators at all times while riding DART buses, trains and paratransit vehicles, Trinity Railway Express trains, at DART stations, on platforms, in buildings and on-board the Dallas Streetcar. Face masks and hand sanitizer dispensers are installed on all buses, light rail vehicles and Dallas streetcars for use by passengers.

Cleaning and Protection

DART continues to undertake aggressive agency-wide cleaning and safety protocols on buses, light rail, paratransit vehicles and properties. In addition to thorough nightly cleanings, DART vehicles receive additional cleanings at the eight terminus stations throughout the day. Red and Blue Line trains are cleaned every 60 minutes. Orange and Green Line trains are cleaned every 90 minutes. DART buses and trains are also cleaned on a rotating basis with hydrogen peroxide-based cleaning solutions to sanitize and disinfect each vehicle.

Almost 85% of the DART bus fleet is currently equipped with an air purification and disinfection technology system (either ultraviolet or ionic) to kill viruses as air is recirculated throughout the bus.

DART Operator Safety Shields

DART has installed respiratory droplet shields throughout the bus fleet to help protect operators and passengers. Designed by DART Engineering, in collaboration with Fleet Maintenance & Bus Operations teams, these operator safety shields are made of high-impact plexiglass and are installed between the operator and passengers to enhance social distancing.

Social Distancing

DART recommends maintaining a six-foot distance between both fellow riders and your DART operator, leaving an open seat between yourself and other riders when available, avoiding large groups and staying home if you feel sick or are experiencing symptoms.

To enforce social distancing practices and protect customer and employee well-being, all transit center waiting areas have been temporarily closed. DART riders can still use the outdoor areas for boarding buses and light rail vehicles.

You can find more information about how DART is working to keep our passengers safe at www.dart.org/health.

Leave a comment

Posted in COVID-19, DART, Health and Wellness, Transportation News