Media Relations Contact:
Morgan Lyons

February 19, 2008

Pick up a Service Change brochure

New bus service, route and schedule changes start Monday, March 3

The latest changes to DART's bus network make the going easier with new service, improved routes and schedules and a new money-saving program, "Feeder Fare," for customers of paratransit - our service for passengers with mobility problems.

The changes are taking place throughout the service area - primarily in North Dallas, Irving, Richardson, Plano, Oak Cliff, East Dallas and Garland. Forty of DART's approximately 130 bus routes are being modified, five new routes are being added, and the schedules of seven more are being changed. Service improvements are also being made to seven On-Call routes. More information on the changes is available at www.DART.org or by calling Customer Service at 214-979-1111.

New "Flex Service" goes your way
This is an entirely new type of service, offering the advantages of a fixed route plus the convenience of curbside service. It charges a local fare for boardings at bus stops and a premium fare for trips that divert from the fixed route. These diversions will be limited to a specific distance and by the operator's ability to accommodate the trip. DART's first Flex Service locations will be in the Telecom Corridor area of Richardson and Plano (Route 841) and in South Irving (Route 840). View more information about the new Flex Service.

New Feeder Fare for Paratransit Customers
Certified paratransit passengers will have a new, more economical way to travel to and from their destinations with DART's new "Feeder Fare." This pilot program enables paratransit customers to book lift-equipped van trips to or from DART Rail stations, transit centers or transfer locations for the reduced fare of 75 cents -- a savings of $2 over a full trip via paratransit van. Scheduling of these combination Feeder Fare trips will be done through the regular Paratransit scheduling number, 214-515-PARA (7272). The program will be evaluated for permanent status in September. For more detailed information on this service, please call Paratransit Services Customer Relations at 214-828-6736. View more information about the new Feeder Fare for Paratransit Customers.

DART On-Call customers will enjoy upgrades
Several of DART's popular neighborhood shuttle services are adding destinations or hours of service. Affected service areas include: Farmers Branch, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, North Central Plano, North Dallas and Richardson. View more information about DART On-Call.

Check updated timetables for schedule changes
The following seven routes will have minor schedule adjustments on March 3: 12, 26, 35, 44, 453, 466 and 583.

New bus routes on the way
These five new routes debut March 3: 110, 111, 511, 539 and 550. Routes 511, 539 and 550 connect to DART Rail stations.

Route 539 connects Mockingbird Station with Love Field. It will operate primarily along Lovers Lane, replacing portions of Routes 8 and 21. The route will operate seven days a week.

Route 511 operates between Downtown Garland Station and Garland Health Center Monday through Friday.

Route 550 replaces eliminated portions of Route 549 south of Westmoreland Station (serving AAFES and Barbara Jordan Place). Selected trips on Sunday will continue to serve the Potter's House.

Routes 110 and 111 replace East Dallas service formerly provided by Route 11. Route 110 replaces the former Peavy branch of Route 11. Rush hour trips will alternate between local service and HOV lane service on from Samuell Blvd. and Ferguson Road respectively. Non-rush hour trips will provide local service via Fair Park. Service on John West Road will be extended to LaPrada Drive on all trips.

Route 111 replaces the former Skyline branch of Route 11. Rush hour trips will alternate between local service and HOV lane service from Samuell Blvd. and Ferguson Road respectively. Non-rush hour trips will provide local service via Fair Park.

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