Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport are making final preparations on the last segment of the Orange Line, which arrives at the new DFW Airport Station on Monday, Aug. 18. Soon, the country's longest light rail system will connect to the country’s fourth-busiest airport, providing more transportation options for travelers from across North Texas and around the world.
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DFW Airport built the station as part of its construction at Terminal A, the first of the legacy terminals to be renovated. According to DART President/Executive Director Gary Thomas, the partnership will allow DART to open the rail expansion four months sooner than scheduled.
"We could not have achieved this rail opening early and under budget without the incredible partnership with DFW Airport," Thomas said. "Construction of the station and the Orange Line extension has been a true collaboration."
The 5-mile segment links newly renovated Terminal A and Belt Line Station, with continuing service to major regional destinations including Irving-Las Colinas, Dallas Market Center and downtown Dallas. With this opening, DFW Airport becomes the third-largest American airport with a direct rail connection to the city center.
Creating Worldwide Connections
North Texas residents and visitors gain improved transit access to the airport and its growing roster of international and domestic destinations. Globe-trotting travelers have come to expect convenient public transportation to their destinations.
"Every renowned, world-class airport has rail service to the city center," said Sean Donohue, CEO of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. "One of our key priorities is to continue to grow globally and add more international service, so to be able to provide that same access to our customers is fantastic."
Regional leaders believe that light rail service from the airport to the rest of the DART Service Area will help attract everything from corporations to conferences. And for out-of-state and international students attending educational institutions like the University of Dallas, Southern Methodist University and The University of Texas at Dallas — all located along the Orange/Red Line - airport rail access will be a great benefit.
Offering a Better Commute
DFW Airport is one of the region's major employment centers. The rail connection provides a convenient and cost-effective way to commute for the nearly 60,000 people who work there.
"Employees, as well as employers, really value this connectivity and it will make it possible for employers to grow their operations and their employee talent pool, and that's a good thing for the airport," Donohue said.
Providing Convenience and Value
Early morning and late night trains ensure passengers and employees can get to their flights, work or home. The first Orange Line train departing downtown Dallas arrives at DFW Airport Station at 3:50 a.m. The last train departs DFW Airport for downtown at 1:12 a.m. weekdays; 12:12 a.m. weekends.
