Denton County Transit Authority requires riders to wear masks

A new mask requirement went into effect July 1 for all Denton County Transit Authority riders to help contain the spread of the coronavirus.

The new requirement, which will be enforced both on the A-train and bus system, will remain in place until the end of the pandemic, according to a DCTA news release. The agency stated that it reserves the right to deny service to passengers who do not cover their mouths and nose.

“We appreciate those who have already done their part to protect themselves and others while riding DCTA,” CEO Raymond Suarez said in the release. “Now, we ask that all passengers comply with our new face-covering requirement to help prevent the spread of illness.”

The DCTA requirement came one day after Denton County commissioners reiterated their stance on the use of masks. While the commissioners said they believe they do not have the legal authority or resources to enforce a countywide order, they made it clear they would be in favor of any municipality that issued its own order.

The city of Denton issued an order last week requiring patrons visiting businesses and nonprofits to wear facial coverings.

DCTA provides public transportation in Flower Mound, Highland Village and Denton and is a part of Collin County Transit. It provides some on-demand services in Frisco, McKinney, Allen and parts of Plano. It also provides links to the greater metroplex via an exchange point between the A-train and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail system at Trinity Mills Station in Carrollton.

According to the DART website, all riders are encouraged to wear masks. A Dallas County order issued June 19 made masks mandatory in most of the DART service area.

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to reflect that the Denton County Transit Authority reserves the right to deny service to those who do not wear a face covering.