The
Dallas Area Rapid Transit authority (or
DART) is a transit agency based in
Dallas, TexasDallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest in the United States. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metropolitan area in the South and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States...
(
USAThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
). It operates
busA bus is a road vehicle designed to carry passengers. Buses can have a capacity as high as 300 passengers. The most common type of bus is the single-decker bus, with larger loads carried by double-decker buses and articulated buses, and smaller loads carried by midibuses and minibuses; coaches are...
es,
light railLight rail or light rail transit is a form of urban rail public transportation that generally has a lower capacity and lower speed than heavy rail and metro systems, but higher capacity and higher speed than traditional street-running tram systems...
, commuter rail, and
high-occupancy vehicle laneIn transportation engineering and transportation planning, a high-occupancy vehicle lane is a lane reserved for vehicles with a driver and one or more passengers...
s in Dallas and 12 of its suburbs. With the opening of the Green Line on December 6, 2010, DART became the largest light rail operator in the United States, with 72 miles (115.9 km) of track.
Precursor agencies
The
Dallas Transit System (DTS) was the publicly owned mass transit service operated by the City of
DallasDallas is the third-largest city in Texas and the ninth-largest in the United States. The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex is the largest metropolitan area in the South and fourth-largest metropolitan area in the United States...
,
TexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
(
USAThe United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
), from 1964 to 1988. DTS resulted from a consolidation of
various privately owned transit companies and streetcar linesThe following is a list of former privately-run transit companies that served Dallas. The first year is the year service began. The last is the year private service was halted.*1872-1884 Dallas City Railroad Company...
. Prior to DTS, the company was formerly known as the Dallas Railway and Terminal Company when Dallas had an extensive streetcar system that spanned from
Oak CliffOak Cliff is a community in Dallas, Texas, United States that was formerly a separate town located in Dallas County; Dallas annexed Oak Cliff in 1903...
to
north DallasNorth Dallas is an expensive area of numerous communities and neighborhoods in Dallas, Texas . The phrase "North Dallas" is also sometimes used to include any suburb or exurb north of Dallas proper within the metropolitan area. The majority of North Dallas is located in Dallas County while a small...
. The name was changed shortly after the last streetcar ran in January 1956. DART formally took over operations of the DTS in 1988.
In 2000, DART employees restored a 1966 DTS bus to its original state.
Creation of DART
DART was created on 13 August 1983 as a regional replacement for the DTS. Citizens of 15 area cities had voted to levy a 1%
sales taxA sales tax is a tax, usually paid by the consumer at the point of purchase, itemized separately from the base price, for certain goods and services. The tax amount is usually calculated by applying a percentage rate to the taxable price of a sale....
to join the system by the time it began transit services in 1984 (though formal acquisition of the Dallas Transit System wouldn't be complete until 1988).
In 1985, member cities
Carrollton-Climate:*On average, the warmest month is July.*The highest recorded temperature was 112°F in 1980.*The average coolest month is January.*The lowest recorded temperature was 1°F in 1989.*The most precipitation on average occurs in May....
and
Farmers BranchFarmers Branch is a city in Dallas County, Texas, United States. It is both an inner-ring suburb of Dallas and is part of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. The population was 27,508 at the 2000 census. A July 1, 2008 U.S...
held elections to pull out of DART, though the measures failed. But shifting suburban politics and a loss of confidence in DART management after voters declined to support DART's measure to incur long term debt in 1988 led to 7 more pullout votes, two of which (
Flower MoundFlower Mound is a town in Denton and Tarrant counties in the U.S. state of Texas, and a suburb of Fort Worth and Dallas. Its population was 50,702 at the U.S. Census Bureau's 2000 census, and 64,669 at the 2010 Census. The town derives its name from the prominent mound located in the southern...
and
Coppell-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 35,958 people, 12,211 households, and 9,781 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,418.5 people per square mile . There were 12,587 housing units at an average density of 846.6 per square mile...
) were successful. Just one suburb joined DART — the tiny community of
BuckinghamBuckingham is an area within Richardson, Texas, United States that was formerly a separate incorporated city. As of the 1990 census, the city had a total population of 102...
, which was later annexed by DART member city
RichardsonRichardson is a city in Dallas and Collin Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 99,223. In 2011 the population was estimated to be 107,684. Richardson is an affluent inner suburb of Dallas and home of the Telecom Corridor with a high...
.
DART Light Rail
The DART light rail system comprises 72 miles (115.9 km) between its three lines — the , the and the . According to NCTCOG transit statistics, DART's light rail system had a daily ridership of 76,629 average trips per weekday in August of 2011. The system utilizes light rail trains manufactured by
Kinki Sharyois an Osaka, Japan-based manufacturer of railroad vehicles. It is an affiliate company of Kintetsu Corporation.In business since 1920 and renamed The Kinki Sharyo Co., Ltd in 1945...
, with all trains being converted to "Super" LRVs which feature level boarding (especially convenient for strollers and wheelchairs) and higher passenger capacity.
Before the 1983 election, DART had a plan for 160 miles (257.5 km) of rail. After the election, the plan was pared down to 147 miles (236.6 km) miles when
DuncanvilleDuncanville is a city in Dallas County, Texas . Duncanville's population was 36,081 at the 2000 census, and estimated at 42,500 in 2008. Duncanville is a suburb of Dallas and is part of the Best Southwest area, which includes Duncanville, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, and Lancaster.-Geography:Duncanville is...
,
Grand PrairieGrand Prairie is a city in Dallas, Ellis, and Tarrant counties in the U.S. state of Texas and is a part of the Mid-Cities region in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Grand Prairie is a suburb of both Dallas and Fort Worth and had a population of 175,396 at the 2010 census.- History :The city of...
and
MesquiteMesquite is a city located within the Dallas/Ft.Worth area of Texas. As of the 2010 US Census, the population was 139,824.-History:The city was founded May 22, 1873, by a Texas & Pacific Railway engineer who purchased land along the Texas & Pacific line outside of Dallas...
, which would have had rail lines, didn't opt to join the agency. DART chose
light rail transitThe name Light Rail Transit is used to refer to several light rail systems, as an official name or otherwise:* Please see List of tram and light-rail transit systems.-See also:* Light Rapid Transit * Light railway* Light rail...
as its primary mode of rail transportation in 1984. The plan was pared down again to 93 miles (149.7 km) miles before the 1988 bond vote. After the vote, the agency again pared down the regional rail system to 84 miles (135.2 km) miles; 66 miles (106.2 km) light rail miles and 18 miles of commuter rail. In 2011 DART boasts 3 lines and the construction of another is underway. preliminary construction survey for another 63 mile
Cotton Belt Rail LineThe Cotton Belt Rail Line is a planned commuter rail line in Tarrant County, Dallas County, Collin County and Rockwall County, United States that will provide service from Dallas's northeast suburbs to Southwest Fort Worth with a major terminal at DFW Airport...
to Ft. Worth has begun.
The following lines are currently active: (Opened in 1996, completed in its current state in 2002) (Opened in 1996, completed in its current state in 2002, additions scheduled for completion in 2012 and 2018) (Opened in 2009, completed in its current state on Dec. 4, 2010)
The following line is under construction: (
IrvingIrving is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas within Dallas County. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city population was 216,290. Irving is within the Dallas–Plano–Irving metropolitan division of the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington metropolitan area, designated...
/
DFWDallas/Fort Worth International Airport is located between the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas, and is the busiest airport in the U.S. state of Texas...
Line; proposed opening 2012, DART board in September agreed to extend Orange Line to Terminal A in DFW Airport by 2014.)
On December 18, 2000, DART opened the first public subway station in the Southwestern United States. Cityplace station is served by the Red, Blue, and Orange Lines.
McKinney Avenue Transit Authority
DART also assists in the operation of the M-line Streetcar, with a joint operating subsidy given to the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority along with the
UptownUptown is a PID and neighborhood in Dallas, Texas. Uptown is adjacent-to and north-of downtown Dallas, and is bordered by US 75 on the east, N Haskell Avenue on the northeast, Katy Trail on the northwest, Bookhout Street and Cedar Springs Road on the west, N Akard Street on the southwest and Spur...
Improvement District.
DART Commuter Rail
The (TRE) commuter rail line connects downtown Dallas with downtown
Fort WorthFort Worth is the 16th-largest city in the United States of America and the fifth-largest city in the state of Texas. Located in North Central Texas, just southeast of the Texas Panhandle, the city is a cultural gateway into the American West and covers nearly in Tarrant, Parker, Denton, and...
. The TRE, created in 1996 by an interlocal agreement between DART and the Fort Worth Transit Authority, "
The TThe Fort Worth Transportation Authority is the operator of the bus system in Fort Worth, Texas and Richland Hills, Texas popularly known as The T...
", connected the cities' centers by rail for the first time since the 1930s, excluding
AmtrakThe National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak , is a government-owned corporation that was organized on May 1, 1971, to provide intercity passenger train service in the United States. "Amtrak" is a portmanteau of the words "America" and "track". It is headquartered at Union...
's
Texas EagleThe Texas Eagle is a 1306-mile passenger train route operated by Amtrak in the central and western United States. Trains run daily between Chicago, Illinois, and San Antonio, Texas, and continue to Los Angeles, California, 2728 miles total, three days a week...
.
The TRE commuter line has a daily ridership of 10,900
http://www.apta.com/research/stats/ridership/riderep/indexus.cfm and is the
fourteenth most-ridden commuter rail system in the country.
DART Bus Service
In 2006, DART operates 120 fixed-regular bus routes and several circular and shuttle routes. There are 32 local routes, which serve downtown Dallas. Some locals link the suburbs with downtown Dallas. There are 11 express routes which ferry passengers between two areas with limited or no stops in between. These utilize HOV lanes on freeways when possible. There are 29 suburban routes, which link the suburban neighborhoods of DART to transit centers. DART has 18 crosstown routes which run through Dallas and its suburbs, but not downtown. The final fixed route category are the 30 rail-feeder routes that start and/or end at rail stations.
Most trips in the DART system are carried by the bus system. In the 1st quarter of 2010, DART had 125,500 bus trips per average weekday out of a total of 194,700 trips.
DART numbers its bus routes according to the type of route:
- Local routes, serving downtown: 1-183
- Express routes, limited-stop service using larger vehicles with reclining seats: 200s
- "Suburban" routes, local routes originating at a transit center: 300s
- Crosstown routes, local routes connecting widely separated areas: 400s
- Rail feeder routes, local routes originating at a rail station: 500s
In addition to the above regular fixed routes, DART will also contract with its neighbors or businesses and run circulators, like the
Southern Methodist UniversitySouthern Methodist University is a private university in Dallas, Texas, United States. Founded in 1911 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, SMU operates campuses in Dallas, Plano, and Taos, New Mexico. SMU is owned by the South Central Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church...
or
NorthPark CenterNorthPark Center is an upscale shopping mall located in Dallas, Texas . The mall is located at the intersection of Loop 12 and US 75 . The center has over 235 stores and restaurants. NorthPark is the first shopping center featured on Vogue Magazine...
circulators or shuttles for
Texas InstrumentsTexas Instruments Inc. , widely known as TI, is an American company based in Dallas, Texas, United States, which develops and commercializes semiconductor and computer technology...
or UT Southwestern Medical Center. The circulator routes are given number in the 700 range, while the shuttles are listed in the 800s.
DART runs its bus system similar to the hub and spoke model that some airlines use. DART has several bus-only facilities, which include transit centers, transfer centers, transfer locations, and Park & Rides.
DART has 7 transit centers, which are:
- Addison Transit Center
Addison Transit Center is a bus-only station located along Quorum Drive and Addison Road in Addison, Texas . The station opened in 1999. This transit center will become a future rail station on the Cotton Belt as part of DART's 2030 Transit System Plan....
in Addison, a future rail station on the Cotton Belt in the 2030 plan
- J.B. Jackson Transit Center in Dallas
- Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center
Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center is a small bus-only station located on Duck Creek Dr. west of Broadway in Garland, Texas . It is owned and operated by Dallas Area Rapid Transit, whose buses mostly serve Lake Ray Hubbard as well as South Garland Transit Center and Downtown Garland Station-External...
in Garland
- North Irving Transit Center
North Irving Transit Center is a bus-only station located along Northwest Highway in Irving, Texas . It will be joined with the Irving Convention Center Station when the DART light rail line opens in December 2011. There have been rumors that the current transit center will then be sold. -...
in Irving, a future rail station on the forthcoming Orange Line
- Red Bird Transit Center
Red Bird Transit Center is a small bus-only station located on Highway 67 and Hampton Rd. in Dallas, Texas . It is owned and operated by Dallas Area Rapid Transit, whose buses mostly serve Dallas Executive Airport and Southwest Center Mall within this transit center.-External links:* -...
in Dallas
- South Garland Transit Center
South Garland Transit Center is a bus-only station located on the I-635 service road in southern Garland, Texas . It is owned and operated by Dallas Area Rapid Transit.-External links:* -...
in Garland
- Jack Hatchell Transit Center in Plano
There are 5 transfer locations/centers in the DART bus system, which are:
- Bernal/Singleton Transfer Location
Bernal/Singleton Transfer Location is a bus-only station located along Bernal Drive and Singleton Blvd. in Dallas, Texas . It will become a future rail station on the west rail line towards Grand Prairie as part of DART's 2030 Transit System Plan....
in Dallas, a possible future rail station on the west rail line toward Grand Prairie in DART's 2030 plan
- Cockrell Hill Transfer Location
Cockrell Hill Transfer Location is a bus-only station located along Jefferson Boulevard, west of Cockrell Hill Rd. in Dallas, Texas .Unlike many transit centers, Cockrell Hill Transfer Location does not provide parking, however it does provide indoor seating in an air conditioned facility available...
in Cockrell Hill
- East Transfer Center
CBD East Transfer Center is a bus-only station bounded by Olive, Live Oak, Pearl and Pacific, near Pearl Station in Dallas, Texas . It is one of two Downtown Dallas transfer centers owned by DART in the Central Business District....
in downtown Dallas
- Malcolm X Boulevard Transfer Location in south Dallas
- West Transfer Center
CBD West Transfer Center is a bus-only station bounded by Lamar, San Jacinto, Griffin and Pacific, near West End Station in Dallas, Texas . It is one of two Downtown Dallas transfer centers owned by DART in the Central Business District...
in downtown Dallas
Finally, DART has two Park and Ride locations:
- Glenn Heights Park and Ride
Glenn Heights Park & Ride is a small bus-only station located west of I-35E in Glenn Heights, Texas and is under ownership of Dallas Area Rapid Transit...
in Glenn Heights
- Rowlett Park and Ride
Rowlett Park & Ride is a bus-only station located on Industrial St. and Martin Dr in Rowlett, Texas . It will become a future DART light rail station by 2012....
in Rowlett, a future station on the Blue Line extension
- A third, the Northwest Plano Park and Ride is in the planning stages. It will be off the Dallas North Tollway
The Dallas North Tollway is a controlled-access toll road operated by the North Texas Tollway Authority , which runs from Interstate 35E near downtown Dallas, Texas , to U.S...
just north of Spring Creek Parkway in Plano
In addition, to make transfers easier, most rail stations act as hubs for DART buses.
Beginning in 2013, the DART would replace most of bus fleet with
NABINabi may refer to:* Prophets of Islam, humans who, in the Islamic faith, have been chosen as prophets by God**Nabi * Butterfly in the Korean language** Nabi , a 2001 South Korean film** The Korean language title of Mr...
40LFW buses running off
CNGCompressed natural gas is a fossil fuel substitute for gasoline , diesel, or propane/LPG. Although its combustion does produce greenhouse gases, it is a more environmentally clean alternative to those fuels, and it is much safer than other fuels in the event of a spill...
fuel. Voted unanimously, by state government to rapidly revise to a clean-air fleet over their existing diesel buses.
DART On-Call Service
Prior to the bus and rail changes on October 6, 2003; DART has launched their premium on-call shuttle service to replace many low-productive DART bus routes. It was first opened in some North Dallas and Plano neighborhoods and in late 2005 has expanded to Glenn Heights in Northern
Ellis CountyAs of the census of 2000, there were 111,360 people, 37,020 households, and 29,653 families residing in the county. The population density was 118 people per square mile . There were 39,071 housing units at an average density of 42 per square mile...
. DART On-Call currently operates on weekdays only, (except on holidays).
The On-Call service currently serves north central
PlanoPlano can refer to:*Plano cultures, the Late Paleo-Indian hunter-gatherer societies of the Great Plains of North America** Plano points, the chipped stone tools of the Plano culturesPlaces in the United States:...
, eastern Rowlett, Farmers Branch,
North DallasNorth Dallas is an expensive area of numerous communities and neighborhoods in Dallas, Texas . The phrase "North Dallas" is also sometimes used to include any suburb or exurb north of Dallas proper within the metropolitan area. The majority of North Dallas is located in Dallas County while a small...
, Lakewood, Richardson,
Lake HighlandsLake Highlands is an area in Dallas, Texas . It is located in the northeast portion of the city, and is sometimes considered to be a part of, or connected to, East Dallas and/or North Dallas...
, and Glenn Heights.
DART Flex Service
DART is introducing a new service into its system called a "Flex" service. It is much similar to DART On-Call, except it combines the advantages of a fixed bus route along with curbside pick-up. It uses a local fare on stops at fixed routes and/or a premium fare on curbside pick-ups and drop-offs within the Flex zone if time permits. Customers in those areas who desire a pick-up at a specific location may do so by calling DART 1 hour before their destination time or at stop.
The Flex service currently serves the following areas:
- East Plano (replaced routes , , and .)
- Garland/Rowlett (to replace route .)
- Pleasant Grove (to replace route .)
- South Irving (Clockwise/Counter-clockwise)
- South Plano (to replace busiest portions of Telecomm Corridor Flex Service during peak hours.)
- Telecomm Corridor (Bi-directional, Weekday rush hours only) (replaced portions of route )
= See proposed service changes for February 16, 2009.
DART Fares
| Service Type | |Fare |
|
DART Local Single Ride |
$1.75 |
|
DART Local Day Pass |
$4 |
|
|
DART Local 7 Day Pass |
$20 |
|
DART Local Monthly Pass |
$65 |
|
|
DART Annual Local Pass |
$650 |
|
|
DART System Single Ride |
$3 |
|
|
DART System Day Pass |
$7 |
|
|
DART System 7 Day Pass |
$35 |
|
DART System Monthly Pass |
$100 |
|
|
DART System Annual Pass |
$1,000 |
|
|
Regional Single Ride |
$5 |
|
|
Regional Day Pass |
$10 |
|
|
Regional 7 Day Pass |
$50 |
|
Regional Monthly Pass |
$120 |
|
|
Regional Annual Pass |
$1,200 |
|
|
Reduced*/High School Single Ride** |
$0.85 |
|
|
Reduced*/High School Day Pass** |
$2 |
|
|
Reduced*/High School Monthly Pass** |
$32 |
|
|
* Reduced Fares are applicable on bus and rail for Seniors and non-Paratransit persons with disabilities; Children, elementary through junior high school; Designated bus circulators
** Reduced High School Fare for students with valid photo ID from a school within the DART service area
Fares effective: 14 September 2009
DART member cities
In addition to the cities that voted to join DART at its creation, the legislation that created DART specifies that any city adjoining Dallas may join the agency. In addition, any city that adjoins a DART member city becomes eligible to join. Member cities fund DART with a 1%
sales taxA sales tax is a tax, usually paid by the consumer at the point of purchase, itemized separately from the base price, for certain goods and services. The tax amount is usually calculated by applying a percentage rate to the taxable price of a sale....
. This levy prevents some cities from joining, due to
TexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
laws that cap the total sales tax that may be charged.
In 2003, the
TexasTexas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
Legislature enacted new legislation enabling countywide transit districts in areas adjacent to major metropolitan areas (such as the
Denton County Transportation AuthorityThe Denton County Transportation Authority is the transit authority that operates in Denton County, Texas, USA, which is northwest of Dallas County...
), but DART's membership rules were not affected.
List of DART member cities
In addition to the city of Dallas, the following cities are also DART members:
- Addison
Addison is a city in Dallas County, Texas . The population was 14,166 at the 2000 census, and 15,737 according to a 2009 estimate. Addison is a northern suburb of Dallas...
- Addison planned a vote to withdraw from DART but cancelled the measure in January 1990.
- Carrollton
-Climate:*On average, the warmest month is July.*The highest recorded temperature was 112°F in 1980.*The average coolest month is January.*The lowest recorded temperature was 1°F in 1989.*The most precipitation on average occurs in May....
- Carrollton voted to remain a DART member in January 1985 by a 69-31 percent margin, again voted in August 1989 to remain a member, and yet again voted to remain a member in August 1996 by a 77-23 percent margin.
- Cockrell Hill
Cockrell Hill is a city in Dallas County, Texas, United States. The population was 4,443 at the 2000 census. It is completely surrounded by the city of Dallas.-Geography:Cockrell Hill is located at ....
- Farmers Branch
Farmers Branch is a city in Dallas County, Texas, United States. It is both an inner-ring suburb of Dallas and is part of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. The population was 27,508 at the 2000 census. A July 1, 2008 U.S...
- Farmers Branch voted to remain a DART member in January 1985 by a 61-39 percent margin, and again voted in November 1989 to remain a member.
- Garland
-Climate:* The average warmest month is July.* The highest recorded temperature was in 2000.* On average, the coolest month is January.* The lowest recorded temperature was in 1989.* The maximum average precipitation occurs in May....
- Garland voted to remain a DART member in November 1989 and again in January 1996 (the latter by a 2-1 margin).
- Glenn Heights
Glenn Heights is a city in Dallas and Ellis Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 7,224 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Glenn Heights is located at ....
- Glenn Heights is the only suburb in the southern section of the Dallas area that is a DART member (although Cockrell Hill is also in the southern section, it is technically an enclave of Dallas).
- Highland Park
Highland Park is a town in central Dallas County, Texas, United States. The population was 8,842 at the 2000 census. Located between the Dallas North Tollway and U.S. Route 75 , four miles north of downtown Dallas....
- Irving
Irving is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas within Dallas County. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city population was 216,290. Irving is within the Dallas–Plano–Irving metropolitan division of the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington metropolitan area, designated...
- Irving voted to remain a DART member in August 1989, and again voted to remain a member in August 1996 by a 57-43 percent margin.
- Plano
Plano is a city in the state of Texas, located mostly within Collin County. The city's population was 259,841 at the 2010 census, making it the ninth-largest city in Texas and the 71st most populous city in the United States. Plano is located within the metropolitan area commonly referred to as...
- Plano voted to remain a DART member in August 1989, and again voted to remain a member in August 1996 by a 77-23 percent margin.
- Richardson
Richardson is a city in Dallas and Collin Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 99,223. In 2011 the population was estimated to be 107,684. Richardson is an affluent inner suburb of Dallas and home of the Telecom Corridor with a high...
- Richardson annexed the former city of Buckingham
Buckingham is an area within Richardson, Texas, United States that was formerly a separate incorporated city. As of the 1990 census, the city had a total population of 102...
in 1996; Buckingham was (and, as of 2008, remains) the only city to join DART subsequent to the 1983 charter election. Also, Buckingham planned a withdrawal vote but cancelled it in July 1989.
- Rowlett voted to remain a DART member in August 1989, and again voted to remain a member in August 1996 by a 67-33 percent margin.
- University Park
University Park is a city in Dallas County, Texas, United States, and a inner suburb of Dallas. The population was 23,324 at the 2000 census. The city is home to Southern Methodist University. Like its neighbor, Highland Park, it is a city partially surrounded by the municipality of Dallas...
All the suburbs listed joined DART as charter members in 1983 (except for Buckingham, no other cities have joined DART subsequent to 1983, and two cities later withdrew as shown below). Glenn Heights is the only suburb which, had it not joined DART in 1983, would be ineligible for membership today, as it does not border either Dallas or another DART member city.
Original cities that declined DART
The cities of
DuncanvilleDuncanville is a city in Dallas County, Texas . Duncanville's population was 36,081 at the 2000 census, and estimated at 42,500 in 2008. Duncanville is a suburb of Dallas and is part of the Best Southwest area, which includes Duncanville, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, and Lancaster.-Geography:Duncanville is...
,
Grand PrairieGrand Prairie is a city in Dallas, Ellis, and Tarrant counties in the U.S. state of Texas and is a part of the Mid-Cities region in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Grand Prairie is a suburb of both Dallas and Fort Worth and had a population of 175,396 at the 2010 census.- History :The city of...
,
LancasterLancaster is a city in Dallas County, Texas, United States. The population was 25,894 at the 2000 census.Lancaster is a suburb of Dallas, Texas and is part of the Best Southwest area, which includes Lancaster, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, and Duncanville. Most of the city is in Dallas County. But a...
,
MesquiteMesquite is a city located within the Dallas/Ft.Worth area of Texas. As of the 2010 US Census, the population was 139,824.-History:The city was founded May 22, 1873, by a Texas & Pacific Railway engineer who purchased land along the Texas & Pacific line outside of Dallas...
,
The ColonyThe city is bordered on the west by Lewisville Lake and Lewisville, Texas, on the north and east by Frisco, Texas and on the south by Carrollton, Texas and Plano, Texas...
, and
WilmerWilmer is a city in Dallas County, Texas, United States. The population was 3,393 at the 2000 census. A July 1, 2008 U.S. Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 3,576...
had a proposal to join DART on the ballot in 1983, but voters declined to join. The Colony was the only suburb in the northern portion of Dallas which declined to join DART, and is still eligible to join, as it borders Carrollton, a DART member. (The Colony is also eligible to join DCTA, as it is located in Denton County.) Wilmer is no longer eligible to join DART, as it is not bordered by a DART member city.
Former DART member cities
The cities of
Coppell-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 35,958 people, 12,211 households, and 9,781 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,418.5 people per square mile . There were 12,587 housing units at an average density of 846.6 per square mile...
and
Flower MoundFlower Mound is a town in Denton and Tarrant counties in the U.S. state of Texas, and a suburb of Fort Worth and Dallas. Its population was 50,702 at the U.S. Census Bureau's 2000 census, and 64,669 at the 2010 Census. The town derives its name from the prominent mound located in the southern...
were original members of DART. However, after voters in the DART service area rejected a 1988 ballot measure plan which would have allowed DART to take on long-term debt, the cities placed measures on the 1989 ballot to withdraw from DART, and the voters approved the measures.
Coppell remains eligible to rejoin DART, as it borders three DART member cities (Dallas, Irving, and Carrollton).
Flower Mound is no longer eligible to rejoin DART as it does not border a DART member city. Flower Mound voters were asked to join DCTA in 2003 but rejected that measure as well.
Eligible cities that are not members of DART
These cities are eligible to join DART as they are adjacent to either Dallas or another DART member city, but have not chosen to levy the required 1% sales tax required for membership and regular service. However, DART can establish service to non-member cities under certain conditions. In addition to the
Trinity Railway ExpressThe Trinity Railway Express is a commuter rail line in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex. It was established by an interlocal agreement between Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority . Each transit authority owns a 50% stake in the joint rail project and...
interlocal agreements, DART serves destinations like
Eastfield CollegeEastfield College is a community college of the Dallas County Community College District , located in Mesquite, Texas . The school was founded in 1970 and features an enrollment of over 10,000 students....
, which is within the city limits of non-DART member
MesquiteMesquite is a city located within the Dallas/Ft.Worth area of Texas. As of the 2010 US Census, the population was 139,824.-History:The city was founded May 22, 1873, by a Texas & Pacific Railway engineer who purchased land along the Texas & Pacific line outside of Dallas...
.
| Eligible City |
Bordering DART Member City/Cities |
Notes |
| Allen Allen is a city in Collin County, Texas, United States, a northern suburb of Dallas. As of the 2010 census the city had a total population of 84,246.-Geography:According to the City of Allen, the city has a total area of...
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Plano |
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Balch SpringsBalch Springs is a city in Dallas County, Texas, United States. It is both a suburb of Dallas and is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The population was 19,375 at the 2000 census. A July 1, 2008 U.S. Census Bureau estimate placed the population at 20,003.-Geography:Balch Springs is located at...
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Dallas |
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| Cedar Hill Cedar Hill is a city in Dallas and Ellis Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. It is located approximately sixteen miles southwest of downtown Dallas and is situated along the eastern shore of Joe Pool Lake and Cedar Hill State Park. The population was 32,093 at the 2000 census...
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Dallas, Glenn Heights |
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| Coppell -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 35,958 people, 12,211 households, and 9,781 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,418.5 people per square mile . There were 12,587 housing units at an average density of 846.6 per square mile...
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Carrollton, Dallas, Irving |
1983 charter member, withdrew in 1989 |
DeSotoDeSoto is a city in Dallas County, Texas . Over the past eleven years since the 2000 U.S. Census Report, the City of DeSoto has grown in population from 37,646 to 49,047....
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Dallas, Glenn Heights |
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| Duncanville Duncanville is a city in Dallas County, Texas . Duncanville's population was 36,081 at the 2000 census, and estimated at 42,500 in 2008. Duncanville is a suburb of Dallas and is part of the Best Southwest area, which includes Duncanville, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, and Lancaster.-Geography:Duncanville is...
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Dallas |
declined membership in original 1983 ballot |
| Euless Euless, known as "Tree City USA," is a city in Tarrant County, Texas, United States, and a suburb of Fort Worth. Euless is part of the Mid-Cities between Dallas and Fort Worth...
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Irving |
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FriscoFrisco is an affluent city in Collin and Denton Counties in the U.S. state of Texas and a rapidly growing suburb of Dallas. As of the 2010 Census, 116,989 people were living in Frisco up from 33,714 in the previous census. Frisco was the fastest growing city in the United States in 2009, and also...
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Plano |
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Grand PrairieGrand Prairie is a city in Dallas, Ellis, and Tarrant counties in the U.S. state of Texas and is a part of the Mid-Cities region in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. Grand Prairie is a suburb of both Dallas and Fort Worth and had a population of 175,396 at the 2010 census.- History :The city of...
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Dallas, Irving |
declined membership in original 1983 ballot |
| Grapevine Grapevine is a city in northeast Tarrant County, Texas, United States located within the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. As of the 2010 census the city population was 46,334. The city's moniker is derived from the native grapes prevalent in the area. In recent years several wineries have...
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Irving |
a November 2006 ballot measure to approve a sales tax to fund commuter rail service operated by the Fort Worth Transportation Authority The Fort Worth Transportation Authority is the operator of the bus system in Fort Worth, Texas and Richland Hills, Texas popularly known as The T...
passed by a 3-1 margin |
| Heath Heath is a city in Rockwall and Kaufman Counties, Texas, United States. The population was 4,149 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.-Geography:Heath is located at ....
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Dallas, Rowlett |
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| Hutchins Hutchins is a city in Dallas County, Texas, United States. The population was 2,805 at the 2000 census.Union Pacific's Dallas Intermodal Terminal is located partly in the city of Hutchins and partly in the city of Wilmer . The shipping facility, was built by AUI Contractors LP, Prime Rail Interests...
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Dallas |
a May 1992 ballot measure to join DART was rejected by 50 votes |
LancasterLancaster is a city in Dallas County, Texas, United States. The population was 25,894 at the 2000 census.Lancaster is a suburb of Dallas, Texas and is part of the Best Southwest area, which includes Lancaster, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, and Duncanville. Most of the city is in Dallas County. But a...
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Dallas, Glenn Heights |
declined membership in original 1983 ballot |
LewisvilleLewisville is a city in Denton County in the U.S. state of Texas. The 2010 United States Census placed the population at 95,290 within . The city also includes of Lewisville Lake....
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Carrollton |
in 2003, Lewisville voters approved membership in the Denton County Transportation Authority The Denton County Transportation Authority is the transit authority that operates in Denton County, Texas, USA, which is northwest of Dallas County...
, which levies a 1/2 cent sales tax |
McKinneyMcKinney is a city in and the county seat of Collin County, Texas, United States, and the second in population to Plano. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city's 2010 population was 131,117 The Census Bureau listed McKinney as the nation's fastest growing city from 2000 to 2003 and again in...
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Plano |
McKinney's border with Plano takes place at the corner of Texas State Highway 121 and Farm to Market Road 2478, at one of the few places in the DFW Metroplex where four cities meet |
| Mesquite Mesquite is a city located within the Dallas/Ft.Worth area of Texas. As of the 2010 US Census, the population was 139,824.-History:The city was founded May 22, 1873, by a Texas & Pacific Railway engineer who purchased land along the Texas & Pacific line outside of Dallas...
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Dallas, Garland |
declined membership in original 1983 ballot |
| Murphy Murphy is a city in Collin County, Texas, United States and a suburb of Dallas, located to the north east of the city. The 2010 census reported Murphy's population as 17,708.-About:...
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Plano, Richardson |
a May 1992 ballot measure to join DART was rejected by a 2-1 margin |
| Oak Leaf Oak Leaf is a city in Ellis County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,209 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Oak Leaf is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land....
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Glenn Heights |
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| Ovilla Ovilla is a city in Dallas and Ellis Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. The population was 3,405 at the 2000 census. The two L's are pronounced as a double L .-Original settlement:...
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Glenn Heights |
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| Parker Parker is a city in Collin County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,379 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Parker is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land...
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Plano |
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| Red Oak -External links:* * * * * *...
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Glenn Heights |
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| Rockwall Rockwall is a city in Rockwall County, Texas, United States, and a suburb of Dallas. It is part of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. The population was 37,490 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Rockwall County. Rockwall County is the second wealthiest county in the state of Texas in terms...
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Dallas, Rowlett |
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| Sachse Sachse is a city in Collin and Dallas Counties in the U.S. state of Texas. It is a northeastern suburb of Dallas. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 9,751, but as of 2004, the population was estimated at 16,200....
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Garland, Richardson, Rowlett |
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SeagovilleSeagoville is a city in Dallas County, Texas, United States, and a suburb of Dallas. A small portion of Seagoville extends into Kaufman County. The population was 10,823 as of the 2000 census. The city is located along U.S. Highway 175 and the Southern Pacific Railroad ten miles from Downtown...
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Dallas |
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| Sunnyvale Sunnyvale is a town in Dallas County, Texas, United States and a wealthy, affluent suburb of Dallas. It is the easternmost city completely within Dallas County...
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Dallas, Garland |
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The ColonyThe city is bordered on the west by Lewisville Lake and Lewisville, Texas, on the north and east by Frisco, Texas and on the south by Carrollton, Texas and Plano, Texas...
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Carrollton, Plano |
declined membership in original 1983 ballot |
Executive directors
- Maurice Carter 1982-1984
- George Bonna (Interim) 1984-1985
- Ted Tedasco 1985-1986
- John Hoeft (Interim) 1986
- Charles Anderson 1986-1992
- Tony Venturato (Interim) 1992
- Jack Evans 1992
- Victor Burke (Interim) 1993
- Roger Snoble 1993-2001
- Gary Thomas 2001–present
Criticism of DART
Some people have raised criticisms of the agency.
One common criticism is that the expense of the system is not worth the results. For example, the Dallas Business Journal has noted that despite "$1 billion in taxpayer spending aimed at reducing traffic congestion", the number of people using DART transit to get to work dropped from 40,000 per day in 1990 to 36,900 per day in 2000. Supporters of DART defend such expenses by pointing to statistics showing not just increasing ridership of DART light rail but measurable increases in rents and revenues from nearby commercial properties. Critics of DART argue that these increased rents and revenues are simply a natural result of the government taking money from a wide area and channeling it into concentrated locations, namely the train stations. They believe that the argument that DART has created wealth with its projects is a classic example of the "broken window" fallacy. On the other hand, supporters will point out that transit stations allow cities to take a different and more dense approach to development, an approach that is difficult without the stations. Rail proponents argue that denser developments allow for increased tax revenue to the cities. Critics point out that any increase in property tax revenue is a fraction of the cost to be in DART and that the city governments spend millions to subsidize these developments to get them built, so the increased tax revenue argument is moot.
Critics often point to the fact that DART (like nearly all transit agencies) does not cover its operating expenses with farebox and advertising revenues. DART relies on sales tax revenues to make up the difference; from 2002 to 2004, sales tax collections averaged $354 million per year. In 2004 sales tax revenues exceeded operating expenses by $63 million, allowing the agency to apply the excess towards construction of new capital facilities, including rail extensions. While critics argue that DART's planned expansions will likely only increase the size of its annual operating loss, DART proponents respond that the operating cost per passenger mile is at least significantly lower for light rail than for traditional bus service. In 2010, DART stated their need to scrap much of its 2030 plan because of huge deficits and lower revenue, citing a $100 million dollar per mile cost to build light rail.
However, supporters point out that during 2008 when energy prices skyrocketed, DART rail ridership increased considerably. Furthermore, DART light rail system is seen as a major asset for the Dallas metro area in attracting out of state businesses to relocate to Dallas and its suburbs.
Another criticism of DART is that some areas whose residents pay the DART sales tax do not receive much from DART in return. As the Dallas Morning News has reported,
Carrollton-Climate:*On average, the warmest month is July.*The highest recorded temperature was 112°F in 1980.*The average coolest month is January.*The lowest recorded temperature was 1°F in 1989.*The most precipitation on average occurs in May....
,
Farmers BranchFarmers Branch is a city in Dallas County, Texas, United States. It is both an inner-ring suburb of Dallas and is part of the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex. The population was 27,508 at the 2000 census. A July 1, 2008 U.S...
, and
Rowlett-External links:*...
have "only bus and paratransit service to show for decades of DART membership" and hundreds of millions of dollars contributed to the agency. However, almost 30 years after joining DART (and after surviving seven separate withdrawal proposals between the three cities), both Carrollton and Farmers Branch are now served by light rail (Green Line) beginning December 2010, and Rowlett is expected to be served in 2012.
DART's total average ridership for the 1st quarter of 2010 was 194,700 average trips per day. DART's 1st quarter of 1998 had 211,000 average trips per day. More people were using DART in 1998 than in 2010. It should be noted that since the introduction of Green line in December of 2010, light rail ridership has increased considerably. According to NCTCOG regional transit statistics, light rail average weekday ridership in August of 2011 was 76,629 compared to 56,608 in August of 2010, an increase of 20,000. It is anticipated that ridership will accelerate further aided by a more connected light rail system when the Orange line to DFW airport is completed.
Financial scandal
In December 2007, DART revealed that it was facing a $1 billion shortfall in funds earmarked for the Blue Line rail service to Rowlett and Orange Line service to Irving, and DFW Airport. In January 2008, DART announced that it would divert monies from rail lines being built in Dallas. When Dallas officials protested, DART president and executive director Gary Thomas—who had known about the shortfall for at least eight months—announced that the agency would borrow more money instead.
In late January 2008, DART Board chair Lynn Flint Shaw, who was also treasurer of Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert's "Friends of Tom Leppert" fund-raising committee, resigned from her DART post. In February, she surrendered to the police on charges of forgery. On March 10, Shaw and her husband, political analyst Rufus Shaw, were found dead in their home in what turned out to be a murder suicide.
See also
External links