Saggy trousers banned on Texas buses
Saggy trousers may be fashionable among urban youth but they won't be allowed on some buses in the state of Texas.
"Pull 'em up or find another ride," reads signs on city buses in Ft. Worth.
The signs went up after the Ft. Worth Transportation Authority, known as "The T," implemented a new policy that prohibits any passenger from boarding a bus with saggy trousers that expose the person's underwear.
"Riders don't want to see a person dressed like that on a public bus," Joan Hunter, communications manager for The T, told Reuters. "Our customers think it's disrespectful."
The saggy trousers look has been around for more than a decade, tracing its roots to prison attire because inmates are not issued belts. It spread to the rap and hip-hop music community, and from there became a popular symbol of freedom and cultural awareness for many young people.
Hunter said the saggy trousers policy is an extension of the dress code that The T has had for years, which has long required shirts and shoes.
"A lot of different people ride the bus," she said. "And many of them told us it's not a good idea to have your pants below your buttocks."
She said the decision on whether a potential rider's pants are inappropriate is up to the discretion of the bus driver.
The first day the policy was in place about 50 people were removed for improper trousers, Hunter said, adding the overall reaction has been positive.
Following this rule is actually easier than following any other clothing policy we have," she said. "All you need to do is pull your pants up before you get onto the bus. You don't have to go home and get a shirt or get a pair of shoes. Then, after you get off the bus, you can dress however you want."
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