Leading Mobility: Silver Line Update

SEPTEMBER 2024

Hello Community Partners:

The Silver Line Regional Rail has reached significant milestones this year in preparation for future service. We began testing the eight new diesel-electric multiple unit vehicles on Sundays on our Trinity Railway Express tracks and along a completed portion of the Silver Line alignment between Plano and Richardson. Construction is 75% complete, which includes laying over 28 miles of new track, and we plan to break ground on construction of the Equipment Maintenance Facility near Shiloh Road Station in Plano later this year.

We still expect to begin revenue service in late 2025 or early 2026, with a more certain date established by next spring. The agency will hold a public hearing in 2025 regarding the proposed operating plan to establishes the frequency and hours of service.

The Silver Line will shorten travel times between Plano and DFW Airport and provide crucial east-west connectivity for the cities in the northern part of the service area.

As construction and vehicle testing continue, I am excited about the many incredible spaces being built around the Silver Line stations. The Town of Addison is working with developers on a massive mixed-use project on land it owns between Addison Station and the Addison Circle area, while the City of Carrollton is planning a public space that will give new purpose to its old rail depot near Downtown Carrollton Station.

Near 12th Street Station, the success of the Ferro apartments has spurred two new projects that will add multifamily housing, retail, and even pickleball courts to downtown Plano. In addition, at Cypress Waters, the namesake station will accommodate future growth in the master-planned development surrounding Dallas’s North Lake.

Along with more information about the Silver Line, this issue also includes:

A recap of the 2024 State of the Agency event.
A profile of Marc Abraham, who represents Garland on the DART Board of Directors.
A city spotlight on Garland and the investment in fantastic spaces near some of DART’s passenger facilities.

I hope you will keep following the exciting progress on the Silver Line and become actively involved in leveraging the DART System to catalyze economic growth and advance the quality of life in North Texas.

President & Chief Executive Officer

Dallas Area Rapid Transit

LeadingMobility@DART.org

Silver Line Construction Progresses, Vehicle Testing Begins

In late July, DART began testing the Silver Line vehicles, signals, and safety systems on a completed portion of track in Richardson and Plano. Operators first started exercising the trains in May along the Trinity Railway Express corridor.

Vehicle testing is a positive indicator that the long-awaited Silver Line Regional Rail project is moving much closer to completion.

The agency will continue testing trains on segments of the Silver Line as they are completed over the next year. End-to-end testing of the entire corridor is planned for summer 2025.

Click here to learn more about our rail vehicle testing schedule and other aspects of the Silver Line Regional Rail Project.

2024 State of the Agency Highlighted the Value of Transit

DART’s commitment to public safety, economic development, and quality service has never been stronger, something I was proud to share during our second annual State of the Agency event on Sept. 6 in Addison.

The luncheon was well attended with more than 300 government, business, community, and DART leaders in the audience. The program is an important way for us to engage directly with our community partners.

I addressed some of what the agency has accomplished over the past year and what we have in store for 2025 and beyond.

Click here to read more about my presentation at this year’s State of the Agency event.

DART Board Director Spotlight –

Marc C. Abraham

The City of Garland appointed Marc C. Abraham to the DART Board of Directors in April 2023. Currently, he is the vice chair of the Audit Committee and a member of three other committees.

Marc is the Chief Financial Officer of Provident General Contractors, a full-service general contracting firm based in Dallas, specializing in multifamily construction. He is a certified public accountant (CPA) in the State of Texas. His experience in finance, construction, and real estate development has been very valuable to the agency.

Click here to learn more about Director Abraham and his interest in serving Garland on the DART Board.

City Spotlight: Garland

Garland is a dynamic city located just northeast of Dallas. The area is culturally diverse with a rich history and the community enjoys many shopping, arts, outdoor activities, and special events.

The city’s investment in public transportation predates DART. Garland initiated express bus service to and from Dallas in 1975, which was operated by the Dallas Transit System. Today, DART operates bus, light rail, and GoLink services in Garland that connect residents to destinations throughout its service area.

Since the Blue Line opened in Downtown Garland, the Oaks 5th Street Crossing has opened three phases of apartments. Downtown also recently underwent a significant $25 million renovation project. This revitalization has made Downtown Garland a central hub for community gatherings and festivities within walking distance of its namesake DART Rail station.

Click here to learn more about transit service and DART’s economic impact in the City of Garland.

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