Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) was very saddened to learn of the passing of retired U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson.

^{Former U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson speaking at DART 40th Anniversary, Aug. 16, 2023}

Congresswoman Johnson was a beloved icon who served the 30th Congressional District for 30 years and played an instrumental role in making the DART system what it is today. She was awarded the first annual DART Legacy Award in August 2023 for her leadership and support of DART and public transportation initiatives throughout the country.

“I send my condolences to her family,” said DART Board of Directors Chair Gary A. Slagel. “Congresswoman Johnson was an invaluable advocate for and partner to DART since her time as a Texas State Representative in 1972. We will be forever grateful for her service to our community and DART.”

The Congresswoman secured hundreds of millions of dollars for DART during her tenure, including a landmark $700 million full funding grant agreement from the Federal Transit Administration – the largest ever awarded to DART at the time. She was able to influence decisions on the Transportation Committee that benefited DART the entire time she served in Congress.

“We are truly devastated to learn of Congresswoman Johnson passing last night,” said DART president & CEO Nadine S. Lee. “She epitomized the best of our elected and appointed leaders at all levels of government. DART was extremely fortunate to have her as our champion in the U.S. House of Representatives during most of the agency’s history. The DART family of employees sends it heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family of Rep. Johnson.”

Congresswoman Johnson was instrumental in helping DART secure funding for its bus operations, which helped DART improve coverage and frequency in its most vulnerable communities. She assisted in helping DART win several Full Funding Grant Agreements for the Red Line, Blue Line, and Green Line as they created and expanded the light rail system. Together, these grants represent nearly $1 billion in federal funding for the agency.

She was also responsible for securing the federal funding that helped create Rosa Parks Plaza in downtown Dallas. This urban oasis in the West End district pays a fitting tribute to a civil rights pioneer who helped lead the battle to integrate public transportation across the nation.

Finally, and certainly not least, Congresswoman Johnson helped DART win a $60 million Core Capacity grant that paid for nearly half of the Platform Extensions Project, which allowed DART to increase passenger loads on their busiest and oldest light rail lines. Her influence and support for DART is invaluable and she has left a lasting legacy.