The Office of Management and Budget and the Federal Transit Administration have approved a $700 million grant application for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) that will go toward funding a $2.4 billion light rail expansion. When complete in 2013, the expansion will double the total length of DART’s existing rail system to 90 miles. Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta is expected to give final approval after a 60-day review of the application is completed by Congress. Federal funds will come in the form of a Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) that will pay for a 21-mile section of the project. About 11% of the funding, or $80 million, has already been included in President Bush’s proposed FY 2007 budget. The FFGA, upon final approval, will enable DART to begin construction this summer on a southeast rail extension linking downtown Dallas with the communities of Fair Park, South Dallas and Pleasant Grove. DART Executive Director Gary Thomas said regional support and the rail system’s growing reputation as a “national model” have contributed to its success in securing federal support. He also cited $3.3 billion in private transit-oriented development.
Feds approve $700 million grant for DART rail expansion
When complete in 2013, the expansion will double the total length of DART’s existing rail system to 90 miles.
More Management

Inez Evans Benson on Rethinking Transit Through Customer Experience
The WSP leader discusses why agencies must look beyond satisfaction metrics and take a more holistic, community-driven approach to service.
Read More →
Alstom Delivers First Multilevel III NJ TRANSIT Commuter Railcar
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.
Read More →
Cincinnati Metro Begins Countywide Bus Stop Sign Upgrade
Metro launches a 24-month project to replace 3,700 bus stop signs, introducing improved visibility, QR-enabled rider info, and expanded amenities across Hamilton County.
Read More →
San Francisco's BART Breaks Multiple Records for Post-Pandemic Ridership in March
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).
Read More →
Transit Leader Rod Diridon Sr., ‘Father of Modern Transit’ in Silicon Valley, Dies at 87
See how the longtime public servant and transportation visionary helped shape Bay Area transit systems and championed rail development nationwide.
Read More →
Intercity Bus Industry Outlook: A Mix of Apprehension & Optimism
Industry leaders see both promise and peril ahead as intercity bus travel rebounds, but unpredictable market forces threaten to reshape the sector.
Read More →
Philadelphia's SEPTA Celebrates New Ardmore Station
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.
Read More →
SEPTA Releases Proposed $2.7B Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
The plan represents an increase of just 1.9% over the current year, and includes investments in new buses, more full-length fare gates, and other enhancements for customers.
Read More →
Metra Reaches New 10-Year Agreement with BNSF
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.
Read More →
Bus Tech Talk: AC Transit’s Cecil Blandon on Leadership, Mentorship, and a Career in Transit
In Part 1, Blandon shares his journey from the U.S. Marines to a leadership role in public transit, along with insights on mentorship and professional growth within the industry.
Read More →
