Dallas DART launches first leg of its Green Line

Dallas Area Rapid Transit bolstered its reputation for aggressive light rail transit growth by opening Monday for revenue service the first three miles of its Green Line through South Dallas to Fair Park. DART held opening-day ceremonies on Saturday along the new route, adding station stops at Deep Ellum, Baylor University Medical Center, Fair Park, and MLK, Jr. stations.

DART also added “full-time service” to the line at Victory Station at American Airlines Center, which had been limited to sporting and special events service only.

Spokesman Morgan Lyons says the new DART extension gives residents a choice. “They can replace their cars with the train," he said. “The train runs on electricity, it’s cleaner, it’s more reliable, it’s more efficient, saves you money; what more do you need?"

DART continues to proceed with further extensions of the Green Line southeast to Buckner, and northwest to North Carrollton/Frankford; both extensions are scheduled to open in December 2010. Total estimated cost of the full 20-station, 28-mile Green Line is $1.8 billion, with federal funding providing $700 million.