What We’re Looking Forward to in 2021

January 6, 2021

At the beginning of each year, we at DCTA – like many of you – reflect on the previous year and look ahead to chart a path forward that will lead us to a successful year. This year is no different for us as we aim to achieve various milestones due to hard work and our passion for adding value to the many communities we serve.

Despite the obstacles COVID-19 has thrown our way, we’re standing strong and pushing forward! Check out some of the key things we’re looking forward to this year that will greatly benefit our riders, stakeholders and partners:

Keeping Safety a Top Priority

At DCTA, our top priorities are keeping our passengers and employees healthy and ensure a safe commute for our riders. With the current COVID-19 risks, we will continue to enhance our safety precautions to protect our passengers and staff.

Key safety protocols DCTA will keep in place and build upon in the upcoming year include:

• All buses and trains receiving additional cleanings using a medical-grade disinfecting cleaner, as well as a daily spray down using a broad-spectrum disinfectant that is effective against a range of microorganisms for an extended period. 
• Face covering required when riding DCTA and visiting any of the agency’s facilities.
• Additional cleaning (using medical-grade disinfectant) being placed on high-touch areas such as door handles, crew rooms, countertops, driver consoles and steering wheels.
• Hand sanitizer stations installed on all DCTA bus vehicles that riders can use to practice safe hand hygiene.

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To learn more about all of our COVID-19 safety efforts and protocol, visit RideDCTA.net/health.

Working with Partners to Move our Communities Forward

At DCTA, we’re thankful for our local, regional and federal partners for their commitment to providing aid and supplies, strategic guidance and support during these difficult times to keep our communities pressing forward on the road to recovery.

Last summer, local nonprofit organizations received a helping hand thanks to Denton County, United Way of Denton County and DCTA. All three organizations worked together to provide and distribute critical personal protective equipment (PPE) to Denton County nonprofits to help keep their employees, volunteers and clients safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. An estimated 225,000 surgical masks were provided to approximately 50 nonprofit organizations across Denton County, along with gloves and hand sanitizer that was donated by Mary Kay as needed. DCTA delivered the surgical masks to local nonprofits to help them as assisted Denton County residents.

This year, we hope to continue to partner with local organizations to provide much-needed aid and assistance to Denton County and surrounding communities as we deal with the pandemic.

Enhancing How People Get Around

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, mobility has evolved and the public industry’s philosophy of how to provide innovative transit solutions has followed suit. At DCTA, we will continue our “broker of innovative mobility services” approach to meet the ever-changing behaviors of our riders.

Fixed-route options are still important to us to keep when it’s cost-effective and logical for our riders and communities. However, moving forward with our Mobility as a Service (MaaS) business model is key. This includes a variety of customized, mobility options our communities can use and take advantage of which can include ride sharing, taxis, bike share, microtransit and more. This mobility trend will only continue to increase even post-COVID-19, and we plan to stay at the forefront of innovative mobility solutions to continually reimagine our system and best serve our riders.

We can’t say thank you enough to all of you who continue to support us. Last year was filled with highs and lows, but we look forward to what 2021 has to offer and hope you join us for the ride! What are you most hopeful for this year? Tell us in the comment section below.

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