DART is advancing a series of initiatives under the new Mobility+ Program that will enhance mobility while creating opportunities for increased value, growth, and investment in our communities. The Mobility+ Program supports systemwide service and capital improvements to benefit individuals, communities, and the region in meaningful ways.

Bus Network Redesign Phase 2

DART’s New Bus Network was the first phase of redesign efforts to improve DART bus services. In January 2022, DART introduced new routes, improved service frequencies, and expanded GoLink service.

Phase 2 looks at additional services as more resources become available – especially changes that can happen over the next five years. The recommendations for service improvements will address increases in the frequency of service, better connections to key destinations, and an expansion of hours.

Additionally, DART is working with city staff and riders to understand and address the impact of the New Bus Network changes on service quality, including addressing concerns caused by the loss of fixed-route bus service and replacement with GoLink.

Two Service Scenarios:

For the first time, DART is performing a comprehensive review and analysis on the fare policy and structure that aligns with community engagement, the agency’s future vision, and the industry’s best practices. The study will address key issues with revenue and farebox recovery, fare structure simplification, fare collection, fare equity, special programs and the customer experience.

The goals of DART’s fare structure are:

• Effectiveness – Fare revenue and ridership
• Equity – Cost and access fairness
• Simplicity – Product selection and payment process
• Efficiency – Fare collection and system integration

On-Street Bus Amenities and Expansion

DART collaborated with The University of Texas at Arlington College of Architecture, Planning, and Public Affairs and the American Institute of Architects Dallas Chapter (AIA Dallas) in Fall 2022 to develop design concepts for the next-generation bus shelter that would improve amenities for our riders.

Bus stop improvements may include:

• Expanded funding for bus stop amenities on local and high-frequency bus routes.
• Technology improvements that provide more accurate and timely passenger information.
• Improved system safety and security.
• Coordination with enhanced first/last mile access in collaboration with cities and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).

DART Facilities as Shared-use Mobility Hubs

The agency is exploring opportunities to modernize and update existing and future transit facilities by integrating mobility hub amenities to add functionality and options that improve convenience and access.

A mobility hub is a place where people can connect to multiple modes of transportation to make trips safe, convenient, and reliable. These hubs combine transportation options, information, and placemaking elements to make a more user-friendly multimodal journey.

The goal is to leverage our existing facility assets in ways that enhance their value to both our riders and the communities they serve.

DART is assessing the need for additional transit facilities and developing mobility hub guidelines to identify and prioritize opportunities for economic development, services, affordable housing, resilience, and innovation at both current and potential facilities.

Mobility Hubs could include space for:

• Real-time information monitors
• Bike sharing
• Scooter rentals
• Pop-up markets
• Delivery lockers
• Car sharing
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging

DART is developing a Bus Corridor Investment Program called “Corridor Optimization + Rider Experience” (CORE). This effort will identify needs, opportunities, and an investment strategy with our city and agency partners to elevate and prioritize the role of transit in the larger mobility system.

 The key goals of this program are to:

• Enhance speed and reliability, benefiting riders and operations.
• Improve safety, especially at critical intersections.
• Identify opportunities to improve access and connectivity to bus stops.

Phased Approach

While DART operates a clean CNG bus fleet utilizing renewable energy, as well as eight battery-electric buses, we are developing a Zero Emission Bus Fleet Transition Plan to outline a phased approach for our bus fleet to support clean energy and climate goals further. This effort will also inform us on how we need to modify our existing operating facilities and educate our workforce to accommodate changes in technology over time.

DART will initiate a master plan for updating its operating facilities, mobility management, and non-revenue vehicle facilities to optimize the use of our assets, including land. By providing flexibility to adapt to fleet and industry changes, recommendations will focus on improving efficiency, safety, and productivity. This effort will begin in Fall 2023 following an existing conditions assessment at all facilities.