Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) launched the second phase of its vinyl seat retrofit program with the piloting of one light rail vehicle and one Dallas Streetcar vehicle.

To provide a cleaner and more comfortable environment for customers, DART replaced almost 34,000 fabric seat cushions and backs on its bus fleet with vinyl-covered seats last year.

Over 16,000 light rail vehicle seats in 163 vehicles will be replaced throughout the DART fleet starting in March of this year.

“We are very excited to begin the second phase of our vinyl seat replacement program for our light rail vehicles,” said Bernard Jackson, DART Sr. EVP/COO. “I know from speaking with many of our bus riders that they appreciate the new seating, and we look forward to providing additional upgrades in the future that focus on rider comfort.”

DART’s Vinyl Program

The new vinyl seats are part of the agency’s continued customer-focused commitment to riders to provide a safe and clean transit experience.

The commitment includes the DART Clean Team Initiative, which utilizes on-board contract cleaning personnel to remove trash and debris aboard DART light rail vehicles as they operate throughout the DART network, supplementing the extensive cleaning protocols already in place.

DART is asking customers not only for feedback on the new vinyl seating, but also about other future upgrades they’d like to see in the future.