Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) appointed David Schulze as its new Chief of Staff.
Chosen after a competitive internal recruitment, Schulze becomes DART’s first executive level chief of staff, serving as senior advisor to the president/executive director. He will lead a variety of strategic, tactical, and operational activities in the new role and focus on issues that have an agency-wide impact.
Schulze, a 29-year lawyer in public service, previously served DART in the legal department from 1994 to 2001. Following a special three-year assignment with the City of Dallas, he rejoined DART in 2004. He joined the deputy executive director’s staff in 2013 and served as VP, policy and strategy, to the president/executive director.
Most recently, he led strategic initiatives, managed policy development and provided analysis of critical issues for DART’s executive team while overseeing the creation of the agency’s Historical Archive.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.