By Sriya Reddy
DART has extended its mask mandate on all its services, including buses, trains and paratransit vehicles for an additional 15 days through May 3 as a preventative measure against the coronavirus.
The announcement comes after the Transportation Security Administration extended its mask requirement across all transportation networks nationwide based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This includes airplanes and public transit.
Previously the mandate was until April 18. However, CDC recommends the extension to further study the BA.2 omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Dallas County had recorded 479,597 confirmed coronavirus cases during the pandemic as of Wednesday. The county’s risk level has been at yellow since mid-March.
Noncompliance with the mask requirement, unless exempted, is a violation of federal law and could result in the denial of boarding or removal. Fines could be issued between $500 and $3,000 for repeated offenders. DART has face masks and hand sanitizers on its vehicles for passengers.
Passengers can report those not wearing masks to DART customer service by calling 214 979-1111 or using the DART Say Something app. More information on DART’s health safety policies can be found at dart.org/health.
