DALLAS, September 4, 2026 – Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) was awarded a $70 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to support the purchase of new light rail vehicles. The grant awarded to DART is one of three rail replacement projects across the U.S. funded with $166 million in federal grants. DART is joined by Pennsylvania’s Port Authority of Allegheny County (Pittsburgh Regional Transit) and Pennsylvania’s Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) in receiving rail replacement grants. 

DART will use the funds toward replacement of 53 light rail vehicles purchased more than 30 years ago. Improved vehicle performance will support more reliable service delivery, strengthen system resilience, provide a more comfortable ride, and help DART meet current ridership needs while accommodating future growth. 

The purchase of new light rail vehicles is a central part of the broader comprehensive DART Transform program, the agency’s 10-year system modernization and asset management program. Through investments in passenger and operating facilities, resiliency, vehicles, and system infrastructure, DART Transform is advancing DART’s vision to become the region’s preferred mobility provider, connecting families, employees, and employers throughout North Texas. 

“This grant award complements the $25 million U.S. DOT Build grant award we received earlier this summer for platform modifications in anticipation of the new light rail fleet,” said Trey Walker, DART interim EVP and Chief Development Officer. “The grants generously awarded by the FTA support our Transform program and allow DART to reinvest in aging infrastructure to ensure safe, reliable, and innovative transit options for the coming decades.” 

DART has begun the procurement process, including issuing a request for proposal, to purchase the new vehicles. The purchase of the light rail vehicles is included in the Agency’s 20-year financial plan, and the awarding of grants such as this one from the FTA positively impacts procurement and delivery considerations. 

About DART 

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides modern public transit services designed for fast, comfortable, and economical travel. The agency operates light rail, Trinity Railway Express, regional rail, bus routes, GoLink on-demand service, and paratransit, moving more than 171,000 passengers daily across a 700-square-mile, 12-city region including Addison, Carrollton, Cockrell Hill, Dallas, Farmers Branch, Garland, Glenn Heights, Irving, Richardson, Rowlett, Plano, and University Park.