AT DCTA - Your Safety is Music to our Ears
Riding DCTA is a fun experience, and we want to ensure that you navigate our system safely to get to your desired destination. Safety is a top priority for us… that’s why it’s music to our ears.
We strive to keep our employees properly trained on all safety measures, and our vehicles in compliance with federal rules and regulations, in order to maintain a safe environment for our employees and passengers.
At DCTA, it’s important for us to inform passengers about key safety policies and tips so you can avoid hazards and prevent incidents. Check out some fun tunes and tips to put into practice every time you ride DCTA!
Remember to download our digital safety flyer here for safety tips to take on the go.
You can also download our DCTA Safety Kids coloring pages for your kids to learn about safety while coloring!
Don't Stand, Don't Stand So, Don't Stand So Close To Me
We really like you, but for your safety, we need you to stand a safe distance from our train tracks. The following tips address appropriate behavior to follow when you’re on our A-train platforms, crossing the tracks or near our tracks.
- Be Safe On Our Platforms: Stand behind the yellow rumble strip along the edge of the A-train platform while waiting.
- Be Careful When Crossing the Tracks/Street: Only cross railroad tracks at designated crosswalks. Look both ways before crossing the street or tracks. Listen for signals when crossing the tracks.
- Don’t Play Near the Tracks: Never walk, ride or play on or near railroad tracks.
- Crossing Safety: Call DCTA Rail Dispatch at 682.703.8505 if your car becomes stalled or stuck on the tracks for any reason, or if the lights and gates are not operating properly. The dispatch number can easily be found on the blue sign attached to the signal pole located at each crossing. The crossings are identified by their unique TxDOT number, also conveniently located on the Railroad Mile Post.
Original song written by Sting.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T (Find Out What It Means To Me)
A little respect can go a long way. The following tips address appropriate behavior to follow when interacting with our drivers and passengers, following signage, and interfacing with our vehicles.
- Don’t Distract the Driver: Refrain from behavior that can distract the driver.
- Obey All Signage: Make sure to follow all vehicle, platform and crossing signage.
- Stay Out of the Aisles: Don’t obstruct aisles. Keep your hands and feet inside the seating area.
- Keep Your Distance: Practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of illness.
- Don't Touch a Moving Vehicle: Refrain from touching the exterior of our vehicles while it's in motion. Don't knock on doors or windows to attract the operator's attention.
- Practice Rider Etiquette: Don’t be “that” rider who annoys others. Follow DCTA’s rider code of conduct to ensure the safety, security, comfort and convenience of all those who use DCTA vehicles and facilities.
Original song written by Otis Redding.
Stay With Me
Staying put can be very wise in certain situations. The following tips address appropriate behavior to follow when riding the A-train or bus and when you’re near our vehicles:
- Remember to Stay Seated: Always wait for the vehicle to come to a complete stop before boarding and exiting. Remember to stay seated and out of the aisles while the vehicle is in motion. If you need to stand, make sure you have firm footing and are holding the railing securely.
- Signal the Driver: Always signal the driver by waving to them before stepping in front of the bus.
- Don’t Run After our Vehicles: Don’t run after a bus or A-train. If you miss your ride, use the Transit mobile app to find the next closest vehicle.
Original song written by Sam Smith, James Napier, William Phillips, with additional credits to Tom Petty and Jeff Lynne.
Ticket To Ride
DCTA fares and passes may be purchased online, at ticket vending machines (TVM) on A-train station platforms or at one of the ticket outlets listed here. Not all fare types are available at all locations. Below are helpful tips to keep in mind about fares:
- Have Your Fare Ready: Purchase your ticket in advance of boarding a vehicle.
- Don’t Try to Sneak a Ride: Failure to provide valid fare to DCTA fare enforcement and bus and rail operators could result in a fare citation.
Original song written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Suddenly I See
Don’t be afraid to call. The following tips address things you can do to ensure your safety while riding DCTA.
- If You See Something, Say Something: If you see something suspicious or other passengers behaving inappropriately, say something. You can tell a DCTA employee or call 9-1-1.
- Use Our Emergency Call Boxes: In case of an emergency, use the emergency call box on our A-train platforms.
Original song written by KT Tunstall.
Don't Go Breaking My Heart
We want to ensure all of our riders know how to safely use our system. The following tips address how to safely ride our system with a mobile device:
- How to Safely Board with a Mobile Device: If you need a ramp to board the bus, ask the driver for assistance. Stand away from the entrance while waiting for the automatic ramp to extend and lock.
- Riders in a Wheelchair - If you're using a wheelchair, please allow the operator to secure your device for you.
- Riders with Strollers - When traveling with a stroller, remove your child from the stroller and fold the stroller up after entering the vehicle.
- Offer Your Seat to Those Who Need One: Take a stand and offer up your seat for those who may need one.
Original song written by Ann Orson (Elton John) and Carte Blanche (Bernie Taupin).