DART Paratransit is taking another step toward resuming normal operations - reinstating onboard ticket and cash fare collection next week.
When the coronavirus pandemic first hit in March, DART suspended all cash fares to help keep riders safe.
“And then in July we started to collect fares again - either through our DART Pass - our mobile fare payment app - or customers who didn’t choose to use the app or didn’t have a phone, could be billed for their trips on paratransit,” said Delaware Transit Corporation (DTC) spokesperson Julie Theyerl.
Theyerl says the move comes as use of paratransit continues to bounce back.
“When the pandemic first hit, our paratransit ridership was down close to 80%," said Theyerl. "Our core business at that time - our ridership - was mainly dialysis and work trips.”
Theyerl says DART is now ready to resume taking cash payments in person.
“Next Monday, we’re going back to doing the fare - the cash fare and ticket collection," said Theyerl. "But we really want to encourage customers to use DART Pass because it’s contactless fare payment and it’s very convenient.”
Theyerl reminds riders the DART Pass is available at the Apple Store and on Android’s Google Play - and notes the DART Transit app lets customers know when their ride will be arriving.
Theyerl adds that DART still limits the number of passengers allowed on each bus and riders must wear face coverings at all times. She notes that all DART buses continue to be thoroughly disinfected.
