Media Relations Contact:
Morgan Lyons

April 7, 2000

Transit Education Program Rides to Irving

DART Safely Program Increases Bus, Rail Safety Awareness

What can you do to make riding DART safer and more fun for you or your children?

Find out on Saturday, April 8 at the South Irving Rail Station/Transit Center (Rock Island and O'Connor roads) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., when DART and the city of Irving host the DART Safety Camp. Don't miss out on the chance to get free food and play games, in addition to receiving beneficial safety information.

The DART Safety Camp provides parents and children an excellent opportunity to learn safety together. Since children model themselves after adults, it's important for grown-ups to demonstrate appropriate safety behavior when riding DART.

A Trinity Railway Express train and three DART buses will serve as backdrops for the safety presentations by DART representatives. Participants will receive special safety posters and trading cards featuring local sports celebrities. There also will be games and face painting for children, and the Irving Police Department will there with its robot, low-rider car and McGruff, the Crime Dog.

"The main focus of the DART Safety Camp is to educate the public and make the environment a fun one for children," said DART Community Affairs Manager Lawrence Meshack. "Transit education is everyone's responsibility, and this is a great opportunity for children, parents and the community to come together."

Since DART began building a rail system, the agency has been committed to raising the level of safety awareness throughout the DART Service Area. The DART Safety Camp is just one aspect of the overall DART Transit Education Program. DART representatives also educate elementary, middle school, high school students and teachers, Parent Teacher Associations and senior citizens organizations about the importance of transit safety.

Approximately 2,500 to 4,000 students a month are taught how to ride DART safely through free bus and rail clinics. Each program is tailored to the needs of the school and students.

To find out more about the DART Safety Camp, additional safety education programs or to schedule a safety presentation, call 214-749-2543.

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