Highland Park has launched a new city-operated transportation program to replace services previously provided by Dallas Area Rapid Transit, following a vote by residents to leave the regional transit agency.
The new service, called Highland Park On-Demand, began operating on May 13 as a city-controlled microtransit system designed to serve riders within Highland Park and up to one mile beyond the town’s borders.
The coverage area includes connections to Mockingbird Station in Dallas and access to other regional transportation options. The service will also accommodate riders with mobility needs through paratransit offerings.
The launch comes days after Highland Park residents voted on May 2 to withdraw from DART, making the town the first municipality to leave the regional transit network.
DART announced it would end operations in Highland Park on May 14 following the election results.
The withdrawal is expected to bring immediate changes for commuters in the Park Cities area. Route 237 and other DART bus lines will continue traveling through Highland Park to reach surrounding destinations, but buses will no longer stop within town limits.
The Park Cities GoLink zone will also cease operations within Highland Park, and DART paratransit services to and from the town will end. DART officials said riders with recurring paratransit trips would be contacted directly regarding the transition.
Any park-and-ride facilities located within Highland Park will also be removed from the DART system.
While Highland Park voters approved leaving the agency, neighboring Addison and University Park held similar elections on May 2 and chose to remain part of the DART network.
