Dallas — Downtown Study

Rail Transit Online, June 2007

A comprehensive two-year downtown transit study got underway in early May to determine which areas currently not currently covered by DART light rail may be eligible for service.  The analysis could result in a second LRT line through the Central Business District (CBD) as well as expansion of the McKinney Avenue Streetcar and bus improvements.  DART will focus on a broad corridor, identified in a 2005 City of Dallas study, extending from Victory Park to Deep Ellum.  Transit solutions will be developed by evaluating a broad array of factors, including cost effectiveness, economic development opportunities and input from residents, elected officials and the business community.  The study will culminate with a recommended alternative.  A second CBD rail alignment will be needed because the existing route will reach operational capacity when the new Green and Orange lines open between 2009 and 2011.  Transportation officials say doubling capacity downtown would provide greater schedule reliability and operational flexibility, plus the ability to increase service in response to higher ridership.  DART has $300 million set aside for the project, and may seek federal funding.

Web site: www.dart.org/d2