DART takes delivery of first streetcar for new service
The vehicle, which was a designed and built by Brookville Equipment Corp., will be the first streetcar in the U.S. that utilizes wireless traction power.
Brookville Equipment's newly delivered streetcar for DART.
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Brookville Equipment's newly delivered streetcar for DART.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART took delivery this week of its first modern streetcar for use on its new streetcar service, which will debut April 13.
The new Dallas Streetcar service is a 1.6-mile dedicated streetcar track that provides access for commuters in Oak Cliff to rail connections at Union Station in downtown Dallas.
The vehicle, which was a designed and built by Brookville Equipment Corp., will be the first streetcar in the U.S. that utilizes wireless traction power. This means the vehicle will be powered by overhead lines on surface streets, but operate with an on-board stored energy system when it crosses the historic, 101-year-old Houston Street Viaduct. Cost of the vehicle totals $4.5 million, with an additional vehicle coming soon, according to DART officials.
"The streetcar helps accelerate already strong community and neighborhood revitalization taking place in downtown Dallas and the North Oak Cliff section of the city, just south of downtown. Like light rail, it represents a long-term investment in local infrastructure and mobility. It strengthens economic development as it makes it easier for folks to get to and from these areas where they can live and work," according to DART officials.
This project is a partnership between DART, the City of Dallas, the Federal Transportation Administration and the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
DART President/Executive Director Gary Thomas marks the streetcar delivery milestone.
Other than testing and training along the new corridor, the vehicle will make its next appearance on April 9 as part of DART's participation in APTA's Stand Up 4 Transportation day of national transportation infrastructure advocacy.
The ATP board’s approval of the KAP team enables ATP to begin pre-construction activities, including advancing design, initiating permitting, and preparing the site for future construction.
The railroad has issued a formal request for proposals to manufacturers for more than 800 new passenger railcars that will serve 14 long-distance routes nationwide.
The delivery marks the first car in a 374‑vehicle order and begins the arrival of a new generation of higher‑capacity, more reliable, and more comfortable trains for one of the country’s busiest commuter rail systems.
BART recorded 5,403,140 exits in March, making it the highest monthly ridership since the pandemic and surpassing the previous high set in October 2025 (5,346,890 exits).
The station was rebuilt as part of SEPTA’s Station Accessibility Program, making it fully ADA accessible with new elevators, ramps, and high-level platforms.
The announcement highlights the long-standing partnership between the Class I railroad and the commuter rail system, dating back to Metra's creation in 1983.
Crews completed a significant portion of the testing required before commissioning the new, digital signaling system, which will bring important upgrades that strengthen Red Line service reliability for riders and provide Red Line Operations the ability to route trains more quickly, turn trains around faster, and recover from unplanned disruptions more efficiently, said MBTA officials.
