DART is advancing a series of initiatives under the new Mobility+ Program that will enhance mobility while creating opportunities for increased value, growth, and investment in our communities. The Mobility+ Program supports systemwide service and capital improvements to benefit individuals, communities, and the region in meaningful ways.

Bus Network Redesign Phase 2

DART’s New Bus Network was the first phase of redesign efforts to improve DART bus services. In January 2022, DART introduced new routes, improved service frequencies, and expanded GoLink service.

Phase 2 looks at additional services as more resources become available – especially changes that can happen over the next five years. The recommendations for service improvements will address increases in the frequency of service, better connections to key destinations, and an expansion of hours.

Additionally, DART is working with city staff and riders to understand and address the impact of the New Bus Network changes on service quality, including addressing concerns caused by the loss of fixed-route bus service and replacement with GoLink.

Two Service Scenarios:

Tier One

Improvements that we could not make during Phase 1 Additional frequency changes Some route and GoLink changes

Tier Two

Step up the frequency improvements to a higher level More expensive but more impact

In 2023, DART performed a comprehensive review and analysis of its fare policy. Based on the results, we have identified a proposed adjustment. The proposed fare structure will greatly simplify your options when choosing a fare.

DART is engaging the community for comments regarding a proposed fare restructure. The agency will host community events that will outline the new fare proposal and collect your feedback

On-Street Bus Amenities and Expansion

DART collaborated with The University of Texas at Arlington College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs and the American Institute of Architects Dallas Chapter (AIA Dallas) in Fall 2022 to develop design concepts for the next-generation bus shelter that would improve amenities for our riders.

Bus stop improvements may include:

• Expanded funding for bus stop amenities on local and high-frequency bus routes.
• Technology improvements that provide more accurate and timely passenger information.
• Improved system safety and security.
• Coordination with enhanced first/last mile access in collaboration with cities and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).

DART Facilities as Shared-use Mobility Hubs

The agency is exploring opportunities to modernize and update existing and future transit facilities by integrating mobility hub amenities to add functionality and options that improve convenience and access.

A mobility hub is a place where people can connect to multiple modes of transportation to make trips safe, convenient, and reliable. These hubs combine transportation options, information, and placemaking elements to make a more user-friendly multimodal journey.

The goal is to leverage our existing facility assets in ways that enhance their value to both our riders and the communities they serve.

DART is assessing the need for additional transit facilities and developing mobility hub guidelines to identify and prioritize opportunities for economic development, services, affordable housing, resilience, and innovation at both current and potential facilities.

Mobility Hubs could include space for:

• Real-time information monitors
• Bike sharing
• Scooter rentals
• Pop-up markets
• Delivery lockers
• Car sharing
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging

 

 

To fully realize the benefits of bus-based mobility, there is a need to invest in streets to enhance the role of transit and move buses and people more effectively.  To address this need, DART is advancing a bus corridor improvement program referred to as CORE (Corridor Optimization + Rider Experience).  The CORE program will provide the framework for collaboration with DART Service Area cities to promote transit priority within key bus corridors, enhance operational efficiency, and improve customer experience. 

The key goals of the CORE program are provided below.

DART has completed Phase 1 of CORE, which included the development of a Best Practices Toolbox and evaluating the 21 frequent local routes established in the January 2022 DARTZoom bus network redesign. The program will be expanded to more routes in the future.  

• CORE Phase 1 Summary Report (November 2023)
• CORE Best Practices Toolbox

CORE Phase 2 is underway and will define projects, costs, and an implementation strategy in more Detail. If you want to learn more, please get in touch with CORE Program Manager Ernie Martinez at [email protected].

While DART operates a clean CNG bus fleet utilizing renewable energy, as well as eight battery-electric buses, we are developing a Zero Emission Bus Fleet Transition Plan to outline a phased approach for our bus fleet to support clean energy and climate goals further. This effort will also inform us on how we need to modify our existing operating facilities and educate our workforce to accommodate changes in technology over time.

DART will initiate a master plan for updating its operating facilities, mobility management, and non-revenue vehicle facilities to optimize the use of our assets, including land. By providing flexibility to adapt to fleet and industry changes, recommendations will focus on improving efficiency, safety, and productivity. This effort will begin in Fall 2023 following an existing conditions assessment at all facilities.