DALLAS, TEXAS
McKinney Avenue Transit Authority
3153 Oak
Grove
Dallas, TX
75204
(214) 855
0006
History:
The McKinney Avenue
project began when local business owners, seeking to link their reviving
restaurant and entertainment area with Downtown Dallas, discovered abandoned
trolley tracks beneath the asphalt of McKinney Avenue. These tracks became the
nucleus of the project, although some new track was required. Service began in
1989, and extensions to the line are proposed.
System:
The line initially ran from
Ross and St. Paul along the latter street to McKinney Avenue, then northerly to
a loop around Hall, Cole, and Allen, a distance of about a mile. Subsequently, extensions of
about 1/2 mile were been proposed at either end, which would link the line
directly with downtown and with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail station
at City Place. The northern extension to City Place has since been built
bringing the total length of the line to 3.6 miles. There are four restored passenger trolleys available for service.
A small shop is located near the north end of the line, and restoration work as
well as maintenance is performed there. The line is not wheelchair accessible.
Operations:
The line
runs seven days per week. The fare is $0.75 for
adults, with reduced fares for children and seniors.
Organization:
The McKinney Avenue
line is a separate organization, established solely to own and operate the
vintage trolley. Originally, it was set up with a paid staff, but financial
difficulties made it necessary to go to a volunteer staff. The management is
under a Board of Directors which is made up of members of the local business
community.
Operating Costs and Funding:
Details of operating
costs are not available. The line receives much of its revenue from the farebox,
and also receives grants and donations and sponsorships from local private and
public entities.
Capital Costs and Funding:
Details not available.
System Benefits:
Anecdotal information
from newspaper articles and other sources indicate that the merchants see the
trolley as an important adjunct to the area, which is the major entertainment
and restaurant venue for downtown Dallas, and is historic in nature. The line
plans two extensions, which will give it much better linkage for visitors, and
will allow access from the very successful DART light rail system.
System Problems and Issues:
The McKinney Avenue
line is a good example of what can be accomplished with a volunteer staff, once
the infrastructure has been built. The major issue at present is that of finding
funding for the needed extensions.
|