DART fixed route operator tests positive for COVID-19

DART fixed route operator tests positive for COVID-19

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) was notified today that a fixed route operator tested positive for COVID-19, commonly referred to as coronavirus. This employee, who has not worked since last Wednesday, April 22, began experiencing symptoms last Thursday, April 23. The operator will continue to receive full pay while quarantining at home for 14 days.

All common areas in DART facilities have been sanitized and deep cleaned since this employee last worked. All DART buses are sanitized after each run to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, and DART has implemented numerous other measures to minimize interaction between bus operators and riders. In addition, beginning today all DART employees reporting to work are required to complete an in-person wellness screening at the start of their workday.

This is the second DART employee to test positive for COVID-19. Last Wednesday, April 22, DART shared that a maintenance employee tested positive for COVID-19. DART will continue to be transparent about the impacts of COVID-19 on its workforce by updating its website at https://www.ridedart.com/dart-employees-impacted-covid-19 with any new cases.

Until further notice, DART will continue the preventative measures it has put in place to keep riders and employees safe. Some of these measures include:

• Daily cleaning and sanitizing of all DART vehicles, and common spaces of DART’s facilities.
• Suspending fares and asking riders who can to get on and off buses using the back doors.
• Providing employees with protective materials, including sanitizer, gloves and masks.
• Recommending that all riders wear masks when on board a DART bus or when waiting for a bus at DART Central Station or at a bus stop with other riders.
• Limiting the number of people inside common areas at DART Central Station.
• Asking riders to only use DART for essential trips.
• Using extra buses during peak travel times to ensure riders can keep their distance from each other while on the bus.
• Asking riders and employees to practice safe social distancing whenever possible.

A full list of the preventative measures and temporary service changes DART has made as it continues to deal with COVID-19 can be found on our website.

The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is Iowa’s largest, and only, regional transit agency, providing service in and around Polk County. DART operates a family of transportation services, providing nearly 4.5 million annual rides that connect thousands of people every day to jobs, school, healthcare and other essential destinations. Twelve member governments make up DART’s service area, where the agency carries out its mission to enrich lives, connect communities and expand opportunities for central Iowans. For more information about DART services, schedules, route changes, or directions to the nearest DART stop, visit the website at ridedart.com, download the free MyDART app or call 515-283-8100.