MENU
SEARCHThe 25-year study from the University of North Texas estimates $51.5 million of direct tax revenues in transit-oriented developments in the past two years.
Construction around DART stations in 2022-2024 generated $51.5 million in state and local tax revenue, the bulk of which ($25.4 million) was from sales tax related to construction of the projects.
Photo: DART
The University of North Texas (UNT) Economic Research Group released the results of a 25-year study on the economic impact of transit-oriented development in North Texas today.
The key finding in the report is that development within a quarter mile of DART light rail stations has generated $18.1 billion direct economic impact on North Texas over the past 25 years. This includes a $1 billion direct impact in the two years from 2022 to 2024.
“The findings are not surprising because we know over the past 25 years of study that transit-oriented development around DART light rail stations results in commerce, tax revenue, and jobs,” said Michael Carroll, PhD, UNT’s university economist and director of the Economic Research Group. “When we center sustainable transportation in development, the result is beneficial in nearly every way.”
The study also found that rent premiums in transit-oriented developments were 10% higher for residential units and 12.6% higher for commercial units compared to those located more than half a mile from the station.
According to UNT in a DART release, transit-oriented development is also a "job creator," with 5,295 jobs directly created and more than $428 million in labor income generated in the last two years alone.
Construction around DART stations in 2022-2024 generated $51.5 million in state and local tax revenue, the bulk of which ($25.4 million) was from sales tax related to construction of the projects. In addition to this development-related sales tax, development around DART stations generated $21.1 million in property taxes, with $5.0 million in other state and local revenue from miscellaneous fees and fines.
These numbers outpace the core pandemic years (2019-2021) when construction around DART stations generated $50 million ($1.4 million less) in state and local tax revenue.
“When we talk about the role DART plays in the local economy, we mean that in a very literal sense, beyond just moving people to and from their jobs,” says Nadine Lee, DART CEO and president. “Every dollar generated by and within development around our light rail stations has the ability to improve our cities, provide economic mobility and stability to our residents, and grow opportunity for North Texas.”
Curated and facilitated by transportation industry leaders, LITLA provides a high-quality, structured learning experience that combines theoretical knowledge, professional networking, and practical leadership application.
Read More →
Drawing on decades of industry experience, Evans-Benson offered insights into the differences between the two, along with tips for better customer engagement and more.
Read More →
Veteran transportation innovator to lead coalition as it pushes nationwide expansion of shared autonomous mobility.
Read More →
METRO Executive Editor Alex Roman presented the award to the operation’s President/CEO Scott Parsons at the United Motorcoach Association’s EXPO in Birmingham, Alabama.
Read More →
The brand strategy was developed based on input from RTA board members, staff, and stakeholders, along with secondary research conducted over a months-long process.
Read More →
In close coordination with regional partners including Caltrain and BART, the agency ensured convenient interagency connections and seamless transfers for game-day passengers.
Read More →
Because rail has high fixed costs and low marginal savings, it is impossible to close the projected FY27 $376M deficit with service cuts and fare increases alone, said agency officials.
Read More →
The total ridership includes all fixed-route bus service, C-VAN paratransit service, The Current, Vanpool, and special event service. Almost all individual routes saw year-over-year increases from 2024 to 2025.
Read More →
Transit agencies across the U.S. commemorated Transit Equity Day with zero fares and a renewed focus on access and equity.
Read More →
The Renton Transit Center project will relocate and rebuild the Renton Transit Center to better serve the regional Stride S1 line, local King County Metro services, and the future RapidRide I Line.
Read More →
