Coronavirus News

Masks are now mandatory for all Dallas Area Rapid Transit passengers

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Photo courtesy of DART

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) riders must now wear masks.

According to a release, DART passengers will be required to wear a mask or face covering while on DART vehicles or properties in response to the increased spread of COVID-19.

The new rule is in accordance with Gov. Greg Abbott's Executive Order which begins July 3 at 12 noon.

Face coverings over both the mouth and nose will be required when riding the following:

DART buses
trains
paratransit vehicles
Trinity Railway Express trains
at DART stations
on DART platforms
in DART buildings
on board the Dallas Streetcar

According to a spokesperson, masks were previously only "recommended" on DART but not required. "DART is located in five counties and not all had a mask requirement," the spokesperson says.

Now that it's state-wide, ba-da-bing ba-da-boom.

DART joins DFW Airport, which made masks mandatory on property on July 2.

DART’s other initiatives, which can be found at dart.org/health, include enhanced cleaning protocols for all vehicles, stations and buildings; and enforced social distancing and reduced passenger capacity on vehicles. They've slapped up posters reminding riders about wearing face coverings and socially distancing.

The agency has also provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for employees and and installed respiratory droplet Plexiglass shields between operators and passengers.

The new requirement remains in place for all DART properties until further notice.

science transportation health

Weed News

Texas Rep. Jessica González of Dallas files bill to legalize marijuana

Redheaded Blackbelt

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Texas Rep. Jessica González of Dallas has filed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana in Texas. House Bill 1208 would legalize the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, and sale of cannabis.

The bill would allow adults 21 and older to use, possess, and transport up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana for personal use. Adults could also keep up to 10 ounces of cannabis in their residence, as long as it is stored in a secure location.

Smoking or consuming cannabis while in a public place or in a car on a public road would not be allowed.

Gonzalez filed the bill in mid-November, one in a suite of bills that also included expanding insurance coverage for in vitro fertilization for LGBTQ couples; and requiring landlords to disclose all fees before a rental lease is signed.

Her bill was filed prior to an initiative launched by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on December 4 to ban THC products in Texas entirely.

In addition to legalizing recreational use, the bill also makes provisions for its production and sale including requiring that the packaging be child-resistent and clearly labeled, so that it's not confused for candy.

Businesses looking to grow, transport, test, or sell cannabis would need to be licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. A 10 percent tax would be imposed on the sale of all cannabis and cannabis products. Some of the profits would go towards funding public schools.

If passed, the bill would take effect on September 1, 2025.

Medical cannabis is currently legal in Texas under the Texas Compassionate Use Program, which allows low-THC cannabis to be prescribed for conditions such as epilepsy, MS, autism, cancer, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Some cities have also approved decriminalization for the possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, including Austin, Bastrop, Dallas, Denton, Elgin, Killeen, and Lockhart.

politics marijuana