Big Changes for DART, Trinity Metro's Novel New Approach, and More

News & Updates

July 11, 2025 Issue

DART Seeks Public Input on Proposed Service Changes

keranews.org

Changes could be coming to Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s services as the agency tries to cut down its budget.

DART will hold a public hearing Tuesday to discuss potentially reducing frequency on some rail lines, discontinuing some bus routes and raising fares for paratransit. It comes as the agency prepares to launch a a General Mobility Program, which returns 5% of its local funding to eligible member cities.

During a virtual meeting last week ahead of Tuesday’s hearing, DART community relations representative Dawn Dorman told attendees changes will be necessary to accommodate the program as well as new service requests from member cities.

“Through engagement with our cities on their strategic mobility initiatives, we have received requests for new services that are not currently funded,” Dorman said.

As part of the 5% reduction, DART would eliminate nine bus routes in Dallas, Plano, Addison and Irving, as well as some on-demand GoLink zones, and reduce frequency on most other bus routes.

Fort Worth's Trinity Metro Hatches Novel New Way to Ride Trains

fortworth.culturmap.com

Fort Worth transit agency Trinity Metro, serving Fort Worth and Tarrant County, has dreamed up a fun and creative way to enjoy its trains during summer 2025.

Called Storytime Trains, it's an engaging summer activity for families and kids, consisting of a round-trip ride on Trinity Metro TEXRail that becomes a "Read & Ride" with book-reading, guest speakers, and free books for kids.

The ride begins at Fort Worth T&P Station and goes to the Iron Horse Station in North Richland Hills, then circles back for what will total an approximately one-hour round-trip ride.

It's an activity that has all sorts of benefits:

Encourages kids to read; Enlightens kids about public transportation; Enlightens adults about public transportation; Uses public transportation in a creative way that is not merely about commuting or going to the airport.

North Texas Experienced 7 Days of Unhealthy Air Quality Levels Since April

fortworthreport.org

The Dallas-Fort Worth region has seen seven days this year when ozone levels exceeded unhealthy air standards for sensitive groups, according to data from air quality officials.

On those days, Ozone Action Day alerts were issued by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, indicating ozone was above 70 parts per billion. The alerts inform the public and encourage them to take steps to reduce contribution to air pollution and ozone formation, said Daniela Tower, air quality planner with the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

The alerts also urge the public to adjust daily routines to mitigate health risks, said Tower. Residents are advised to minimize outdoor exposure, carpool or avoid idling vehicles and to stay informed on weather forecasts.

Ozone levels between 71 and 85 parts per billion are considered unhealthy for sensitive groups including children, older adults, those with lung disease and those who are active outdoors, according to the council of governments, the agency responsible for monitoring Dallas-Fort Worth’s air quality.

‘Appalled’: Hundreds Decry Proposed DART Cuts, Fare Hikes at Raucous Hearing

masstransitmag.com

Dallas Area Rapid Transit is proposing the largest cuts in the agency’s 40-year history — and riders are pushing back.

Hundreds packed the halls of DART’s downtown Dallas headquarters Tuesday evening, sharing their frustrations over nearly $60 million in proposed cuts to the agency’s buses, trains and on-demand services, along with fare changes that would leave riders paying more.

The proposals would help DART balance its 2026 budget, which is expected to fall more than $78 million short of available revenues. But Dallas-Fort Worth residents who rely on the system say they will limit their ability to get to work, school and obtain medical treatments.

“For many in southern Dallas and our working-class communities, DART isn’t just a convenience, it’s a lifeline,” resident Eric Wilson told the board.

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Transit Coalition of North Texas

TransitNorthTexas.org