DART plans to return to full bus service next week with the exception of the seasonal Beach Bus services in the resort areas.
Starting on Monday, June 1, DART will resume full-service levels including front door boardings and fare collection. Front door boardings and fare collection were suspended at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to slow the spread of the virus.
Delaware Transit Corporation Chief Executive Officer John Sisson says the health of customers and employees remains DART’s top priority, and social distancing will still be enforced on buses.
"We've been doing this for a while. We limit the capacity of the bus to about 40% of its normal capacity. We have placards on the seat trying to stagger every other seat so people aren't standing or sitting next to each other or directly behind each other," said Sisson. "So that's another reason we're putting more service out there. While we don't expect the ridership levels to be where they were before this pandemic hit, having more service out there allows the buses not to get full."
Sisson adds those social distancing restrictions are just one part of DART's efforts to keep customers and employees safe.
"Making sure our drivers are protected - that's why we had rear door boarding for a while. We have the masks [requirement] in place. We've been cleaning the buses every night wiping down all the high contact areas. We actually go through a cycle every couple weeks where we have a spray that goes to the bus and kills any bacteria - good bacteria, bad bacteria - that gets in the air conditioning system."
Face coverings or masks are required for everyone.
Children 12 and under and individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition are not required to wear a face covering.
DART is also recommending the use of contactless, cashless fare payments using the DART Pass mobile payment app by offering further discounts on daily, 7-day, and 30-day passes on the app.
For those not using the app, DARTCard and Pass Sales will resume at the Wilmington Transit Center, Amtrak Station, DART Administration Buildings in Wilmington and Dover, 718 N. Market Street in Wilmington, Rehoboth Park & Ride, and Lewes Transit Center.
