The Dallas Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors approved an updated strategic plan this week to guide the agency for the next 10 years.
“The development of this Strategic Plan involved extensive input from our employees, customers, city leaders, and regional partners,” Board Chair Gary Slagel said in a news release. “It’s a testament to our collective commitment to making DART a strategic and valued asset in North Texas. I look forward to working with my fellow board members and the DART leadership team to bring this vision to life.”
The plan is designed to move DART from its “current state, ‘Point A,’ to a future where DART becomes a premier regional economic and mobility asset, or ‘Point B.'” It is organized around six goals, per the news release:
- Empowered agency: Streamline processes and empower employees to create a nimble organization that can respond swiftly and effectively to challenges.
- Culture of contribution: Foster a culture of trust and collaboration, aligning roles and responsibilities with DART’s vision to enhance performance and accountability.
- Quality service: Deliver a quality customer experience defined by strong rider advocacy, professional pride, and continuous improvement.
- Seamless mobility: Integrate mobility options to create a seamless travel experience characterized by frequency and reliability, making DART the first choice for regional travel.
- Fantastic spaces: Develop engaging and valuable spaces that enhance the rider experience and contribute to community sustainability and vibrancy.
- Strategic relationships: Position DART as a collaborative leader and a recognized regional economic and mobility asset through strong partnerships and advocacy.
“This plan marks a significant turning point for DART,” DART CEO Nadine Lee said in the release. “It reflects our commitment to both improve transit services and enhance the quality of life for the communities we serve. We are focused on making DART the first choice for mobility, and this plan sets everything in motion to achieve this brilliant future.”
Through the strategic plan, DART intends to “transform its transit facilities into community assets, foster strategic partnerships with local governments and businesses, and create fantastic spaces around transit hubs that support economic development and quality of life,” the press release states.
DART also announced changes to its GoLink services and bus routes as part of the second phase of its bus network redesign. These changes include service improvements to GoLink upgrades in North Dallas, Addison, Garland, Plano, Richardson, and Irving, according to a separate news release.
“Highlights include three new bus routes, the creation of a new GoLink zone, plus changes to 14 other GoLink zones. A new bus Route 244 in Richardson, which replaces Route 240, helps connect travelers in Richardson to the future Silver Line station which is near UT Dallas. The Silver Line will run from Plano all the way to DFW Airport and the official opening date will be announced later.”
DART is also starting a new Route 254 to connect Parker Road Station in East Plano to the Northwest Plano Park and Ride via Premier and Legacy Drive.
“In addition to expanded bus service in Plano, an additional Route 255 is launched connecting Dallas College’s North Lake campus to the TRE downtown Irving Station along Story Road,” the release states. “Route 231 in Irving is realigned to complement the new bus Route 255.”
Route 41 Bonnie View is being realigned to use Fordham instead of Wilhurt between Sunnyvale and Bonnie View.
“This decision centers on Fordham being a wider street with more amenities such as sidewalks and streetlights for improved operation safety and customer experience,” according to the release. “Routes 238 and 250 are also realigned to strengthen the connection between Addison and Richardson via Beltline Road as well as Arapaho Road.”
Changes are also planned at Addison Transit Center for the bus boarding process:
“Customers should be aware of potential changes [to] their regular boarding locations as well as new routes and look for directional signage at the transit center. DART staff have been conducting customer outreach at Addison Transit Center, Parker Road Station, and TRE Downtown Irving/Heritage Crossing Station to prepare the customers for the various changes.”
Low ridership has prompted DART to end the Central Richardson GoLink zone. Changes or launches are planned in the following GoLink service areas:
- Passport Park/Bear Creek (new)
- Northwest Carrollton
- Cypress Waters
- Northwest Dallas
- West Dallas
- Farmers Branch
- Glenn Heights
- North Central Irving
- South Irving
- Lake Highlands
- Lakewood
- Mountain Creek
- Park Cities
- South Central Plano
- East Plano
- East Telecom
The bus route and GoLink changes went into effect on June 10.