DART News Release
Sep 04, 2001 | General
Debut of White Rock Station, New Pass Program and Updated Bus Routes Highlight DART Service Improvements
Media Relations Contact: September 4, 2001 DART to White Rock Station starting September 24 Debut of White Rock Station, New Pass Program and Updated Bus Routes Highlight DART Service Improvements After doubling its ridership in just five years, DART is rolling in new directions with the opening of its first rail extension in four years, a major bus service improvement package, and a more streamlined fare structure.
Grand Opening of White Rock Station DART customers are sure to enjoy the first light rail expansion since the debut of the 20-mile starter system in 1996. White Rock Station opens September 24 at East Northwest Highway and West Lawther Drive, the initial stop on the northeast rail extension to downtown Garland in 2002. This new station, three miles northeast of Mockingbird Station, offers 490 free parking spaces, sheltered boarding platforms and connecting bus routes serving nearby neighborhoods. Lush landscaping, arbored walkways and a miniature spillway of greenery inspired by White Rock Lake create a transit oasis. Four bus routes will be changed to improve connections to White Rock Station: 19, 428, 466 and 569. A new route, 581, is being introduced to connect the South Garland Transit Center with White Rock Station. This route will operate rush hours only at a $1 fare, providing non-stop service between the South Garland Transit Center and White Rock Station and connecting to trains departing to downtown Dallas. The existing Route 281 Express Service between South Garland and downtown Dallas will maintain a $2 fare. With the opening of White Rock Station, there's also a new light rail schedule that makes riding more convenient than ever. During rush hours, trains will continue to stop every 10 minutes; however, during non-rush hours (midday, evenings and weekends) trains will now stop every 15 minutes instead of every 20 minutes. Schedules on all bus routes connecting to light rail stations (500 series) are being adjusted to coordinate with the new light rail schedule. Super Saturday Set for September 22 DART offers customers a sneak peek of White Rock Station with a Super Saturday celebration featuring train rides, music, food, prizes and more. DART also will hold a Safety Camp to teach children of all ages transit safety. The western-style hoedown is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those wanting to party more can DART to the future at Mockingbird Station for the official grand opening of the new Virgin Megastore, the already-acclaimed Angelika Film Center, plus a host of crowd-pleasing restaurants and shops in Dallas' first "transit village." From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., strolling magicians and fiddlers, jugglers and three live bands will entertain. New Fare Structure Beginning September 24, DART introduces a new fare structure that maintains the price for basic cash fares, discontinues the use of transfer slips and streamlines pass and ticket programs. One-way regular bus and train fares will remain $1, but passengers transferring to a second DART bus or rail route must have a $2 Day Pass, which is good until 3 a.m. the next morning. Day Passes will replace bus transfer slips, and will be sold on board DART buses, Trolley-buses and through Ticket Vending Machines at all rail stations. The new fare structure will help the agency prevent fare evasion and avoid a general fare increase. The modifications also will make it more convenient for customers to transfer between DART buses and trains. It's the first fare structure change for DART since 1995. Service to Pinnacle Park Beginning September 24, bus Routes 50 and 549 will serve Pinnacle Park, the new commercial development in western Oak Cliff, north of Cockrell Hill. Route 549 connects Pinnacle Park to the Westmoreland Rail Station. Addison Trolley-Bus Service Trolley-bus Routes 707, 708, 709 and 710 are being changed to provide better service to businesses, restaurants and hotels in Addison. Changes to Route 709 will improve service to The Galleria and Addison Transit Center, and add coverage to the previous Route 708, which is being eliminated along with Route 710 due to low ridership. Bus Route Modifications Make Riding Easier New crosstown Route 415 will establish a connection between Ledbetter Station and Southwest Center Mall, with service to the new University of North Texas campus. New rail feeder Route 504 will operate during rush hours between Mockingbird and Cityplace stations, to serve businesses along the North Central Expressway frontage road. DART is changing a number of other routes to increase service frequency and improve connections. Modified routes include: 1, 19, 35, 44, 49, 281, 316, 341, 385, 400, 409, 438, 486, 488, 503, 527, 568, 574 and 703. Details about these changes are available in the Service Change brochure, on DART.org or by calling DART Customer Information at 214-979-1111. -- 30 -- |
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