News & Updates

June 14, 2024 Issue

DART Board Approves Updated Strategic Plan


masstransitmag.com


The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors approved an updated Strategic Plan Goals, a new Vision Statement and a new Mission Statement, all designed to steer the agency toward a more dynamic, efficient and community-focused future. 


The comprehensive plan intends to move DART from its current state, “Point A,” to a future where DART becomes a premier regional economic and mobility asset, or “Point B.” 


The newly approved plan outlines a bold vision and will serve as a guiding framework for DART during the next decade. The plan goals articulate a clear pathway that leverages DART as a valued partner in the economic and social landscape of North Texas.


The new vision statement positions DART as "Your first-in-mind mobility partner," reflecting the agency's mission and commitment to delivering “best-in-class mobility experiences that help people and communities connect and flourish.” 


The plan is organized around six goals, each supported by specific objectives and initiatives: 

  1. Empowered agency: Streamline processes and empower employees to create a nimble organization that can respond swiftly and effectively to challenges. 
  2. Culture of contribution: Foster a culture of trust and collaboration, aligning roles and responsibilities with DART's vision to enhance performance and accountability. 
  3. Quality service: Deliver a quality customer experience defined by strong rider advocacy, professional pride and continuous improvement. 
  4. Seamless mobility: Integrate mobility options to create a seamless travel experience characterized by frequency and reliability, making DART the first choice for regional travel. 
  5. Fantastic spaces: Develop engaging and valuable spaces that enhance the rider experience and contribute to community sustainability and vibrancy. 
  6. Strategic relationships: Position DART as a collaborative leader and recognized regional economic and mobility asset through strong partnerships and advocacy. 



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DART Expands New Bus Routes, On-Demand Service


dallasnews.com


New bus routes in Richardson, Plano and Irving will connect more passengers with Dallas Area Rapid Transit service.


The new Route 254 will connect Parker Road Station in East Plano to the Northwest Plano Park and Ride via Premier and Legacy Drive, while Route 255 will connect Dallas Collage’s North Lake campus to the Trinity Railway Express downtown Irving station along Story Road. Route 244 in Richardson replaces Route 240 and will connect riders to the future DART Silver Line station near the University of Texas at Dallas.


The Silver Line of the light rail service will run from Plano to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and is expected to open in late 2025 or early 2026, though an official opening date has yet to be released.


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Trinity Metro Partners with Via to Broaden And Improve On-Demand And Paratransit Services


masstransitmag.com


Trinity Metro has expanded its partnership with TransitTech provider Via as it works to create a more agile and accessible source of public transportation in Tarrant County, Texas.


The refreshed transit program includes broadened and improved on-demand and paratransit services, which will increase transit access for more people in Tarrant County. The agency will also merge its on-demand rideshare services and paratransit operations to maximize service efficiency and improve experience for all riders while minimizing overhead costs.


On-demand transit works by matching riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle, which creates efficient shared trips. The flexible model uses “virtual bus stops” based on the rider’s pickup and dropoff location instead of traditional physical stops and predetermined routes. The expanded on-demand service will provide easy connectivity to Trinity Metro’s existing bus lines.


Trinity Metro is planning a phased roll-out of improvements during the coming months. Key upcoming milestones include:

  • July: Introduction of new zone: Trinity Metro On-Demand Mansfield. Via will also assume operations for the Alliance zone (previously operated by Lyft) to provide shared rides that can easily connect with the broader Trinity Metro network
  • September: Launch of new zones in Fort Worth, Texas', North Side and near Tarrant County College Northeast Campus, expanded coverage in the Southside zone (Sycamore Heights)
  • October: Enhancements to the Trinity Metro paratransit program


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Balch Springs Mayor Applauds 10 Years of Star Transit Service


startransit.org


STAR Transit, a regional public transit agency, celebrated its 10th anniversary of serving residents of Balch Springs on May 1. The agency has provided public transit to the City of Balch Springs since May 1, 2014.


On Monday, June 10, Balch Springs Mayor Dr. Carrie Gordon issued a formal proclamation recognizing STAR Transit’s decade of service within city limits.


“Since the planting of a seed over 10 years ago, the partnership between STAR Transit and the City of Balch Springs has fared exceptionally well,” said Mayor Gordon. “Today, we thank the elected officials and citizens that supported and continue to support public transit in Balch Springs, which now serves as a beacon in the southeast and southwest regions of Dallas County.”


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City’s Decision on High-Speed Rail from Dallas to Fort Worth On Hold for Now


dallasnews.com


A contentious 30-mile high-speed rail line between Dallas and Fort Worth will not move forward at least until after an economic impact study is completed.


The Dallas City Council voted to approve a resolution Wednesday to reiterate that members do not support construction of any above-ground rail lines through the downtown, Uptown and Victory Park areas of Dallas, except for the expansion of streetcars such as the M-line Trolley.


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TCNT Annual Luncheon, September 20, 2024

Registration is Open!

The Transit Coalition of North Texas is hosting its annual luncheon on September 20, on the State of Transit. We will hear a report on the TxDOT Multimodal Plan and the results of a TTI economic impact analysis of transit. In addition to individual speakers, the luncheon will feature a panel of our transit CEOs who will discuss what the State's plans and the statewide economic impact analysis mean for North Texas.

Register

Irving Infrastructure Summit is Back!


infrastructuresummit.org


The City of Irving and the North Texas Commission have teamed up to bring back the Infrastructure Summit. This comprehensive event will span a full day and a half, featuring a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Regional Transportation Council (RTC), and showcasing panel discussions dedicated to addressing crucial infrastructure vital for sustaining the region's growth. 

 

When: Thursday, August 8 – Friday, August 9, 2024

 

Where: Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas (500 W. Las Colinas Blvd)

 

Hosted by: The City of Irving and the North Texas Commission 


More Information

Transit Coalition of North Texas

TransitNorthTexas.org