Media Relations Contact:
Morgan Lyons
Mark A. Ball

April 9, 2012

Counting down to July 30

DART starts light rail train tests in Irving

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) successfully completed the first light rail test train into Irving as it completed the five mile section between Bachman Station and the Irving Convention Center on Monday, April 9. The first section of the
14-mile Orange Line opens July 30. The initial tests were for train movements, the overhead electrical system, and vehicle clearances. This is all in advance of the start of integrated testing and safety certification.

DART is scheduled to conduct a similar live wire test of the five-mile Blue Line extension from Downtown Garland Station to Downtown Rowlett Station on April 25. The Blue Line section is scheduled to open December 3, the same day as the second section of the Orange Line from Irving Convention Center Station to Belt Line Station, near DFW Airport.

Click here to view a photo slide show of the Orange Line test train from Monday, April 9. (Opens in a new window)

Click here to download a high resolution JPG of this photo