How to Ride

DCTA makes riding mass transit easy and convenient. Follow these five easy steps to get you on your way.

Step One – Plan Your Trip.
Use DCTA's Trip Planner tool to determine the best method of transportation for your specific trip or go to our Schedules & Maps to identify schedule times and specific route numbers, and determine if you will need to make any transfers. Look at all fare options to determine which one is the best for you. Getting to our train stations or bus stops is easy. Park your car or secure your bike at any of our A-train stations. You can also travel on the train or bus with your bike. And for your convenience, all of our A-train stations have connecting bus routes.

Step Two – Purchase Your Fare.
If you plan to ride the bus, you can buy your ticket using the GoPass℠ mobile app; purchase your ticket with exact cash through the electronic fare box located inside the bus; purchase online or buy your ticket at a DCTA ticket outlet.

If you plan to ride the A-train, you can buy your ticket using the GoPass℠ mobile app; purchase your ticket online; or purchase your ticket at a ticket vending machine located at our A-train stations.

Step Three – Identify Your Train or Bus.
Arrive at least five minutes before your scheduled departure time. Have your ticket or fare ready before boarding and always check the route number or destination sign displayed on the front of the vehicle to ensure the vehicle is going to your desired destination.

Step Four – Boarding and Exiting.
Before boarding, wait until the bus or A-train comes to a complete stop. Allow others to get off the vehicle. When boarding watch your step, find a seat and enjoy the ride.

When exiting the bus, signal the bus operator about one block from your stop by pulling the “stop request cord” above the seats along the bus windows.

Always wait for the bus or A-train to come to a complete stop before boarding; then, gather all of your personal items, be courteous of others, and watch your step.

Step Five – Arrive at your destination.
If you need to transfer to another route or service to get to your final destination, make sure you coordinate the entire length of your trip at the start for a seamless travel experience. If not, congratulations – you’ve made it to your destination.

While riding DCTA vehicles, please make note of these simple transit etiquette tips:

• Offer seats to those who may need a seat
• Refrain from eating or drinking on DCTA vehicles unless your drink is in a closed, spill-proof container
• Turn off cellphone ringers and if you have to talk on the phone, speak at a low volume
• Avoid profanity or disruptive behavior
• Use headphones when playing music or watching a video
• Absolutely no smoking or chewing tobacco of any form, which includes electronic cigarettes or vaporizers
• Be mindful not to block the aisle and exits

DCTA has established conduct guidelines to help ensure the safety, security, comfort and convenience of all those who use DCTA vehicles and facilities. Customers not in adherence with these guidelines may be asked to leave the vehicle or facility immediately. 

If you need to request reasonable modifications or accommodations, please contact DCTA Customer Service at 940.243.0077 or send an email to info@dcta.net.

• Shirts and shoes are required
• No food or drink is allowed on DCTA vehicles unless in closed, spill-proof containers
• No unauthorized use of a DCTA facility or property for non-transportation related purposes
• No unauthorized presence on a DCTA vehicle, facility, or property after hours of operation
• Service animals are allowed on DCTA vehicles.  Non-service animals are also allowed, but must be in a pet carrier specifically designed to transport animals. The carrier may not be opened on the bus, must be leak-proof and well ventilated, and be small enough to fit on the owner's lap or on the floor space in the immediate area of the owner without blocking the aisle
• No profanity, disruptive, or threatening behavior
• Use headphones when playing music
• Turn off cell phone ringers and speak at a low volume Smoking or chewing tobacco in any form, including electronic cigarettes or vaporizers, is not allowed on DCTA platforms, at DCTA bus stops, or inside DCTA vehicles or facilities
• DCTA does not allow unlawfully carried handguns, weapons, or any other items intended for use as a weapon in or on any DCTA facility or vehicle
• Explosives, car batteries, flammable liquids, or other materials considered hazardous by the U.S. Department of Transportation are not allowed in or on any DCTA facility or vehicle, except as authorized by DCTA
• Any unusual packages or suspicious activity should be reported to authorities or DCTA personnel immediately