Media Relations Contact:
Morgan Lyons
Mark A. Ball

January 29, 2009

Systemwide Service Improvements Announced

DART expands Flex Service and adjusts routes starting Monday, February 16

Changes to DART's bus network in February will feature new and expanded flex service in Plano, Irving, southeast Dallas, Garland and Rowlett in addition to improved routes and schedules throughout the area.

Flex service, which made its debut in March 2008, combines the reliability of a fixed-route bus with the ability to divert into a neighborhood for personalized pickup and delivery for a premium fare.

Robert Smith, DART's assistant vice president for service planning and development, says, "We introduced flex service last year to provide cost-effective, neighborhood-friendly service in areas where ridership might not support our traditional bus operations. The February changes expand the reach of our successful flex system to new areas."

Significant route and schedule changes in Plano
Numerous changes in Plano will occur including division of Route 451 into two separate routes, the addition of weekday service for Route 347, and replacement of several fixed-route and On Call services with new flex service. The changes replace a group of existing bus services and divide the current flex route in southeast Plano and Richardson into two separate routes, 843 and 870.

Check updated routes and schedule changes
On February 16 the following routes will be adjusted: 8, 44, 164, 205, 206, 264, 278, 316, 342, 347, 405, 410, 438, 451, 452, 515, 519, 522, 557, 567, 570, 583, 760, 840, 841, 842, 843, 870 and 887.

A copy of the service change brochure can be found on buses, at DART transit centers and at the downtown Dallas DART Store. More information is available at www.DART.org or by calling Customer Service at 214-979-1111.

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