Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) rail service is marking a notable milestone, with 20 years in since its debut on June 14, 1996. It launched that year with an 11-mile network of Red and Blue lines that extended from Pearl Station in the north, through downtown Dallas to 8th and Corinth Station where the two lines separated. The Blue Line continued mostly due south to Illinois Station and the Red Line went south and southwest to Westmoreland Station, all within the Dallas city limits. Today, DART Rail is 90 miles long and has 62 stations in eight cities.
DART is still growing. In late October, the southernmost section of the Blue Line will be extended three miles, adding greater connectivity in the education corridor, from an updated Ledbetter Station to the new UNT Dallas Station — and a Camp Wisdom Station in between. Separately, DART planners are still developing a second rail alignment through Downtown Dallas that is scheduled to open in 2021.
Ad Loading...
DART Rail Numbers
More than 360 million passenger trips
90 miles of rail (longest system in the country)
$8 billion in economic impact
$5 billion in private transit oriented development at or near rail stations.
The still-growing rail network "is changing the way the region grows and how North Texans live," DART President/Executive Director Gary Thomas said. "DART Rail is delivering new development in every community we serve. Dallas is enjoying a renewed downtown, new destinations, and better access to healthcare. Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Garland, Irving, Plano, Richardson and Rowlett each have new, vibrant transit-oriented communities that are gaining national attention," he added.
More than one anniversary The Trinity Railway Express commuter rail line, jointly owned by DART and the Fort Worth T, also marks 20 years of operation in 2016. The first 10 miles of the 35-mile line debuted on Dec. 30, 1996, running from Union Station to what is now Downtown Irving/Heritage Crossing Station.
The two anniversaries will bookend a six-month customer celebration highlighting the improvements brought to the region by the two rail networks. On the 20th of each month, until December, customers will be invited to join in the celebration. Complimentary one-day local passes will be up for grabs during a GoPass promotion that will run from June to December. "Street Teams" will be out on the system during the celebratory period. Customers spotted wearing a yellow or red T-shirt on the 20th of each month just might receive a promotional give-away. Customers also are encouraged to share their "DARTable" moments on social media.
Operation Lifesaver awarded $220,200 in grants to 12 states to support rail safety campaigns focused on grade crossing awareness and trespass prevention.
The survey showed that commute trips still make up the majority of ridership, with most riders boarding 2 to 3 days a week, reflecting hybrid work schedules. Two-thirds of Caltrain riders have access to a car, while 37% of Caltrain riders are considered low-income.
Advances in data and analytics are giving transit agencies new opportunities to refine maintenance practices, improve efficiency and make more informed decisions about asset performance.
In this Consultant Roundtable, Carmen C. Cham shares insights on how agencies can create spaces that are intuitive, connected and built for long-term impact.
The Red Line Extension Project will provide the Far South Side of Chicago with rapid rail transit for the first time by extending the Red Line by 5.5 miles from 95th Street to 130th Street, including the construction of four new Red Line stations at 103rd, 111th, Michigan, and 130th streets.
The Siemens CBTC System, Trainguard MT, in compliance with New York Subway Interoperability Interface Specifications, enables trains to run as close as 90 seconds apart, using next-generation signaling and continuous communication to keep operations moving seamlessly.
While recognizing regional economic constraints and continuing to improve service, the budget increases the jurisdictional subsidy to less than 1.8%, significantly below the inflation rate and the 3% regional target, said agency officials.
With more than 59,400,000 boardings since the service’s debut, the A Line’s utilization surpassed that of all other RTD rail services in 2025, the agency reported.
The plan outlines funding for transit operations, capital projects, and freight and passenger rail initiatives, as state officials seek public input on priorities shaping mobility and infrastructure across the Commonwealth.
