We oppose DCTA’s “GoZone” plan, because it would hurt the agency’s workers and riders, and also the greater Denton community.

DCTA’s “GoZone” plan

• eliminates four of Denton’s city bus routes after only two weeks (Routes 1, 2, 4, and 6). Two more would be guaranteed to run for only another six months (Routes 3 and 7).
• replaces our safe, fixed-stop bus system with rides in minivans and pickups at undisclosed locations that have to be scheduled by app or telephone.
• pays millions of dollars out of county funds for this inferior service to Via Transportation, a multinational corporation with its headquarters in New York City.

Bad for Workers

Bus drivers have risked their lives during the COVID pandemic to provide us with vital transportation. DCTA’s “GoZone” plan says nothing about what will happen to these heroic workers when they lose their jobs during the layoffs that would certainly follow the elimination of the six bus routes.

Bad for Riders

Many bus riders do not have access to a telephone or cannot use an online app. DCTA’s “GoZone” plan would leave many of us without a safe way to travel to grocery stores, public buildings, and medical services – including the Denton VA Clinic on Colorado Boulevard (Route 2).

Bad for Denton

DCTA’s “GoZone” plan substitutes precarious “gig” jobs with undisclosed salaries and benefits for stable employment and a collectively negotiated contract. It also sends money that should be invested in our own community to a big company in New York. Neither the downgrading of our jobs nor the transfer of our public funds to a private corporation is good for the people of Denton.

We urge Denton City Council and Denton County Transportation Authority NOT to implement the proposed “GoZone” changes to its services.