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    Home About News and Events News Releases News Release Detail

DART News Release

arrow_back_ios Back to News Releases
Dec 03, 2012 | General
DART Rail expansion adds new city, improves airport connections


Media Relations Contact:
Morgan Lyons
Mark A. Ball

December 3, 2012

Rail stations open on Blue and Orange Lines

DART Rail expansion adds new city, improves airport connections

DART Rail System Map
High Resolution JPG
Dallas Area Rapid Transit opened two more rail segments on Dec. 3, extending the Blue Line to Rowlett and the Orange Line farther into Irving and closer to DFW International Airport. DART has built more than 40 miles of track in the last three years, greatly enhancing transit accessibility throughout the Dallas area. At 85 miles, DART Rail is the largest electric light rail system in the nation.

Blue Line Sparks Development Plans
Downtown Rowlett Station marks the first expansion of the Blue Line since it reached Garland in November 2002. The 4.5-mile, $360 million segment completes the build-out of the northeast corridor and increases access to and from the largely residential community.

"Rowlett residents had the foresight and wisdom to invest in alternatives to driving around this sprawling region," said John Carter Danish, chair of the DART Board. "They knew public transit was more than an amenity, but a 'must' for preserving their city's small-town charm while also providing access to big-city resources and opportunities."


Rowlett Celebrates the Opening of the Downtown Rowlett Station

Community and civic leaders are optimistic that DART will pay off in increased visitors and commercial growth, both of which are critical to broadening the city's tax base. Downtown Rowlett Station's opening likewise has prompted zoning changes and development guidelines to attract transit-oriented, walkable mixed-use development near the rail station.

In late 2016, DART will lengthen the Blue Line south from Ledbetter Station to connect to the University of North Texas at Dallas.


DART Rail ribbon cutting in Rowlett on Friday, November 30
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Orange Line Grows; Routes Link Rail to Airports
The $1.3 billion Orange Line - the first section of which opened in July with three stations - grew nearly four miles with new stops at North Lake College and Belt Line Road, on DFW Airport property. This segment advances the Orange Line toward its eventual terminus at DFW Airport, where it will connect riders from throughout the Dallas area to one of the nation's busiest airports. DFW Station is scheduled to open in December 2014, making DART one of the few transit agencies in the U.S. with direct rail service into a major airport.

North Lake College Station, Wednesday, November 28. Left to right: Gary Thomas - DART President/Executive Director, Christa Slejko - North Lake College President, Chris Fulmer - Station Artist for North Lake College Station (former North Lake College Art Professor), Dan Matkin - Former DART Board Member from Irving and former Irving Mayor, Don Jensen - Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber Transportation Management Association (TMA) Member, Huelon Harrison - representing KSWRP, and Dan Vedral - City of Irving Director of Transportation.
North Lake College Station, Wednesday, November 28
Left to right: Gary Thomas - DART President/Executive Director, Christa Slejko - North Lake College President, Chris Fulmer - Station Artist for North Lake College Station (former North Lake College Art Professor), Dan Matkin - Former DART Board Member from Irving and former Irving Mayor, Don Jensen - Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber Transportation Management Association (TMA) Member, Huelon Harrison - representing KSWRP, and Dan Vedral - City of Irving Director of Transportation

High Resolution JPG

"The Orange Line connects people to a greater number of educational and employment opportunities throughout North Texas, and when it reaches DFW Airport, light rail will link the Dallas area to the entire world," DART President/Executive Director Gary Thomas said.

DART also debuted two new bus connections on Dec. 3, making airline travel in North Texas easier than ever by meeting each train with bus service to either DFW Airport or Dallas Love Field Airport.

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