Most of the rail transit in Texas fell under Old Man Winter’s one-two punch of snow and bitter cold over most of the state, as it was gripped by historically low temperatures. As temperatures warmed up (into the 60s during the week of Feb. 21) and the snow melted, rail transit has returned to full service in Texas and as far north as St. Louis.
2020 has been a difficult year for transit agencies and railroads across the country. But for nearly every one, there were bright spots—from dedicated employees serving on the front lines to new initiatives improving the rider experience. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) in Texas has shared highlights of its achievements throughout the year.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is distributing $1.37 million in grants among six transit agencies for projects that demonstrate and evaluate innovative technologies to maintain a state of good repair.
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors has appointed David Leininger interim President/Executive Director, as a nationwide search for a new leader continues. He returns to the agency as it completes the 30% level of preliminary design for the D2 Subway project, proposing a second light rail alignment through the Dallas Central Business District.
Trinity Metro (Texas) has selected AECOM to conduct environmental assessment and preliminary engineering for a 2.1-mile TEXRail extension project. Commuter rail service would continue south from the Fort Worth T&P Station to a proposed new station in the Fort Worth Medical District (south of Mistletoe Boulevard, near Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center).
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors has announced the retirement of President/Executive Director Gary C. Thomas, who has led the agency for nearly 20 years.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) will distribute $1 billion among 70 surface transportation infrastructure projects in 44 states through its Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grants program. The Fiscal Year 2020 program is for planning and capital investments.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will soon begin installing candlestick-type barriers on all 64 light rail station platforms to prevent injuries from occurring between vehicles.
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors recently awarded Stadler a $112 million maintenance contract. With the deal, Stadler enters the Maintenance Services sector in the U.S. for the first time.
Joe Costello has been named Chief Financial Officer for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART).
