28 July, 2009
Some months ago, I e-mailed DART addressing the inconsistency of stated policy on footwear. I'd seen in some buses a sign, "Rules of the Road", one of which was "No shoes, no shirt -- no service". This rule was not to be found in the Code of Conduct and still isn't as of this writing. I had been questioned and almost denied service by a driver and wanted to have the policy made clear so I could commence questioning it. They replied (in bold):
Thank you for contacting Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) regarding DART's policy on footwear.
First, allow me to apologize for the delay in responding to you.
Our Transit Police staff has reviewed your concerns. Although the "NO SHOES, NO SHIRT, NO SERVICE" policy, is not mentioned in the DART Code of Conduct, it is included in over 90% of the customer's time tables under "Rules of the Road" (see attachments). Also, a link to the Rules of the Road has been added to the DART Bus section of the website http://www.dart.org/riding/dartbus.asp. Additionally, our Transportation staff has been advised to have this notice consistent on all vehicles.
The Transit Police set policy now? Last I checked this is a public, non-profit organisation. Enforcers are not legislators in any case. Not sure what the deal is here. Now, I have to ask, why is it not included in the Code of Conduct? The Code is, I assume, openly debated and voted upon, making afterthought rules like NSNSNS tossed into bus schedules and inconsistently placed signs look pretty damn arbitrary and unauthorised. To their word, the signs are now on every bus.
This is a passenger safety/liability issue, to avoid patrons from suffering injuries. Citations will be issued for violations.
Funny thing is, I ride the bus barefoot anyway, and am rarely questioned or denied. You'd think that if it were such a safety or liability concern, they'd have employees being more vigilant. When I am told I must have shoes on, I usually don't feel like fucking around, so I put on a pair of house slippers I carry in my bag. Now, suppose I were to board this bus littered with smashed bottles, smack needles, and piss these people at DART must be imagining. Would a pair of house slippers make any difference? Anything that could significantly injure me in bare feet will still do so with those on, yet they're accepted as footwear. What if I wore socks? Is that "footwear"? Flip-flops provide even less protection, or more danger, considering some people who wear them.
Also included in the same rule is a requirement to wear a shirt. What's that supposed to protect me from, now? I think at this point we're catering to sensibilities, really a silly thing to hope for on public transit.
Last but foremost, where do they get off issuing citations for this? I've never seen such a joke as a civilian organisation threatening to issue a citation for violation of a rule like this. What are they going to do when I ignore it? Take me to court? For what? I'd love to see them try. Should be fun.
DART is committed to providing a safe and reliable means of transportation. It is our goal to offer the highest quality service to our customers and the community in which we serve, and we appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns. If we may be of further assistance to you, please contact our Customer Care Center at (214) 749-3333. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., closed weekends and Holidays.
I think that if DART are interested in providing highest quality of service, they'll stop worrying about customers' footwear, or lack thereof, and focus a bit more on improving service range and frequency, and stopping all the drivers using their mobiles while operating the bus.
Please accept our most sincere apologies for any inconvenience experienced. We hope you will continue to allow us the opportunity to serve your transportation needs.
Except you don't care, do you, because I still run into drivers who want me to put shoes on when there's no good reason to. I've responded to DART, but I seriously doubt it'll get beyond "We're us and you're you and we don't honestly give a flying fuck about your $1.50 every week or so and we're going to go on making up what rules we like, so there."
Sincerely,
Ha.
Rodney Anderson
Customer Care Representative
I have responded on 17 July asking about some of these things, though in a somewhat less hostile manner. As it took some months (I don't remember how many) to get the first reply, I imagine it'll be a while for this one, if ever. In the meantime, I'll carry on attempting to ride DART barefoot, and we'll see what happens. Usually nothing.
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