Understanding Level Boarding

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Enhancing Service Efficiency
Smoother Trips On DART
Understanding Level Boarding
Easy Steps To Level Boarding
Level Boarding Assistance
For More Information

Enhancing Service Efficiency

Ascending steps onto a bus or train can be difficult for those with mobility impairments. DART makes it easier for those with wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices to board by offering a low-floor section that is level with the rail platform on the center car of every DART Rail vehicle. DART buses also have low-floor sections and are equipped with ramps that deploy for level boarding from the curb.

Smoother trips on DART Rail start with new level boarding

It's easier than ever to step right on board a light rail train starting Saturday, November 6, when Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) marks the debut of level boarding at all light rail stations.

This transition follows two-and-a-half years of construction and station closures. Special use platforms or "high blocks," which have served persons with disabilities and mobility challenges since the rail system opened in 1996, also will be removed from service as these passengers begin utilizing the low-floor center doors in each train's center section.

Each low-floor center section is equipped with two clearly marked areas designated to accommodate wheelchairs. Other passengers are expected to yield these spaces to customers with mobility needs, as they have previously at the front seats of the train. Near each space is a blue call button to alert the train operator when a person in one of these spaces requests a stop.

Accessible doors may open at different locations depending on the station. Outlying Red and Blue line stations differ from those in downtown Dallas, while most new Green Line stations and the new Lake Highlands Blue Line station have slight variations in configuration. At outlying Red and Blue line stations, the accessible entrances will align with the 8-inch high mini-platforms or "humps" that have been constructed.

More information on DART's switch to level boarding is available by calling DART Customer Service at 214-979-1111.

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Understanding Level Boarding

^{Using Dallas Area Rapid Transit level boarding rail platforms and rail car center doorways.}

^{Level Boarding Brings Changes}

On November 6th, 2010, the familiar "high block" boarding platforms, which have served DART passengers with disabilities and mobility challenges since the rail system's 1996 opening, go out of service. Everything that rolls will begin entering trains through each car's center section through doors that open flush with the station platform.

For persons with disabilities, this should represent a new and welcome independence. For all passengers, it promises added convenience and an easier commute. Use this brochure as a tool to understand the new concept and how to make it work for you or someone you know.

^{Easy Access for Wheelchairs}

Each low floor center section has two clearly marked areas designated to accommodate wheelchairs. Other passengers will be expected to yield these spaces to customers with special needs, as they do now at the front seats of the train. Near each space is a blue call button to alert the train operator when a person in one of these spaces requests a stop.

^{Station Profiles}

Accessible doors may open at different locations depending on the station. Outlying Red and Blue line stations differ from those in downtown Dallas, while most new Green Line stations and the new Lake Highlands Blue Line station have slight variations in configuration.

^{Finding Your Way}

Customers will use the same wayfinding devices for level boarding that they use today at rail platforms: end and center crosswalks; Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) near the center crosswalk; canopies; the name of the station on the TVM (including Braille); and name of the station on the white signs above the windscreens and below canopies.

Low-floor doors open flush with the station platform.

Low-floor doors open flush with the
station platform.

Call buttons signal the train operator for a stop request by passengers in the designated spaces.

Level boarding area or raised "mini-hump" at Red and Blue Line stations.

Braille plaques on TVM's identify the station,
and a TVM is near the level boarding location at each station.

^{Easy Steps to Level Boarding}

Follow these steps to find a level boarding location. Crosswalks, canopies, and TVM's are landmarks to become familiar with at any station or platform. Waiting at the correct canopy, you're within 15 to 20 feet of the doors to the low-floor car.

^{Red Line and Blue Line:}

1. Go in the direction train is heading, away from the center of the platform.
2. Find a "mini-hump" or sloped walkway-centered canopy.
3. This is where doors to the low-floor car open.

^{CBD (Downtown) Stations - Serving Red, Blue, and Green Line:}

1. Go in the direction train is heading, away from the center of the platform.
2. Find a canopy at the end of the platform (you are within 15 feet of the level boarding area).
3. This is where doors to the low-floor car open.

_{Most Green Line stations and Lake Highlands Station (Blue Line):}

1. Go to the middle of the platform and the middle canopy.
2. Find a waiting place near the TVM under the canopy (you are now within 15 feet of the level boarding area).
3. This is where doors to the low-floor car open.

^{Union Station:}

1. Go to the outbound side of the center canopy (where the TVM is located).
2. Find a waiting place under the canopy (you are now within 15 feet of the level boarding area).
3. This is where doors to the low-floor car open.

^{Victory Station:}

1. For either direction, go to the end of the center canopies near the entrance (you are now within 20 feet of the level boarding area).
2. This is where doors to the low-floor car open.

^{Fair Park Station:}

1. Go to the canopy at the outbound end of the platform.
2. Find a resting place under the canopy or on the benches (you are now within 15 feet of the level boarding area).
3. This is where doors to the low-floor car open.

^{Bachman Station:}

1. For either direction, go to the center canopy facing the track (you are now within 15 feet of the level boarding area.)
2. This is where doors to the low-floorcar open.

CBD (Downtown) Stations - Serving Red, Blue and Green Line

Most Green Line stations and Lake Highlands Station (Blue Line)

Union Station three track platform. NOTE: The TRE platform will continue to use high blocks.

Victory Station three track platform. NOTE: The TRE platform will continue to use high blocks.

Fair Park Station platform

Bachman Station three track platform. NOTE: Center track is non-service.

Level Boarding Assistance

Persons with disabilities may find additional training help in using DART Level Boarding by contacting the following agencies.

Resource links on this page open in a new window. These links are provided as a service to our guests. DART is not responsible for the content found on these sites. Thank you.

For More Information

Click the link for Dallas area agencies and resources for persons with disabilities.

Additional information on training of persons who are blind or visually challenged is available from the below link.

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Understanding Level Boarding

Enhancing Service Efficiency

Smoother trips on DART Rail start with new level boarding

Understanding Level Boarding

^{Using Dallas Area Rapid Transit level boarding rail platforms and rail car center doorways.}

^{Level Boarding Brings Changes}

^{Easy Access for Wheelchairs}

^{Station Profiles}

^{Finding Your Way}

^{Easy Steps to Level Boarding}

^{Red Line and Blue Line:}

^{CBD (Downtown) Stations - Serving Red, Blue, and Green Line:}

_{Most Green Line stations and Lake Highlands Station (Blue Line):}

^{Union Station:}

^{Victory Station:}

^{Fair Park Station:}

^{Bachman Station:}

Level Boarding Assistance

For More Information

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