Gary C. Thomas, president/executive director of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), announced his retirement after a nearly 20-year career at the agency.

Thomas joined DART in 1998 as the senior vice president of project management with almost 20 years of experience as an engineer and architect, consulting for national and international projects including DART projects going back to 1986. He was appointed as president/executive director in 2001.

“It has been my privilege and honor to be part of Dallas Area Rapid Transit for this moment in time,” said Thomas. “I have seen many ‘firsts’ throughout the years and have been able to work with many dedicated board members and team members as DART has evolved into an indispensable resource for our residents throughout North Texas and beyond.”

Under his leadership, Thomas forged the agency into an award-winning transit model, providing transportation to residents across DART’s 700 square mile service area. Some of his achievements included leading the agency's sustainability efforts, implementing renewable energy and electric buses, and making DART’s multimodal transit system more flexible and affordable by developing new technologies and services like the agency’s GoPass App.

With a focus on ensuring that DART continues to serve as both a mobility and economic engine for the region, Thomas developed polices that engaged development projects near DART light rail stations, generating revenue, taxes, and jobs for the local economy while enhancing mobility opportunities for North Texas residents.

As for Thomas' successor, DART's board plans to initiate a search process.