Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is working to modernize its transit system to continue improving the customer experience.
According to Jasmyn Carter, DART’s Director of Public Relations, DART Transform is a modernization program that will focus on five core elements: vehicles, stations and passenger facilities, resiliency, a unified signaling system and operating facilities. By improving each of these measures across its transit network, DART aims to transform commutes and communities across North Texas.
“Many of our vehicles and facilities have reached their usage capacity, so it’s time to invest in our aging system to ensure our customers have a cleaner, safer, more reliable experience when they are commuting with us,” said DART CEO and president, Nadine Lee. “DART Transform aligns with our Point B vision, a road map that will move us from where we are now to where we want to be as an agency.”
DART reportedly surveyed its riders, stakeholders, and employees to identify ride improvements. Changes riders will see include:
- New buses and trains with upgraded lighting, system messaging, and convenience features
- Raised platforms at 23 stations to provide level boarding and improve access for those with limited mobility or who are travelling with children
- Renovations at the Cityplace/Uptown station
- Additional resiliency measures to guard the rail system against extreme weather events, and
- Improvements at stations and passenger and operations facilities
Over the last year, DART has reportedly installed 34,000 new vinyl seats on buses and trains, hired more security and fare enforcement officers, implemented an on-board cleaning team, and improved lighting around stations.
DART has also secured a contract to purchase new buses that will replace the oldest ones in its fleet and anticipates having them operating routes by spring 2026.
DART officials say the process to begin replacing light-rail vehicles (LRVs) will take a bit longer as DART is still in the planning and development phase. Once a final design is approved and manufacturing begins, riders can expect to see the new LRVs in operation by 2029.
For more information about DART Transform, visit https://transform.dart.org.
Source: Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
