Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Mobility+ Program - Advancing Federal Goals at a Local Level to Support People and Communities

The discussion will provide an overview of Justice40, what approach DART is taking, and how we are engaging the community and key stakeholders in advancing initiatives.

What is Justice40?

The Justice40 Initiative was established by President Biden in Executive Order 14008, where he made it a goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities. Justice40 categories of investment include climate change, clean energy and energy efficiency, clean transit, affordable and sustainable housing, training and workforce development, remediation and reduction of legacy pollution, and the development of critical clean water and wastewater infrastructure.

Through the President’s Inflation Reduction Act, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and the American Rescue Plan, Federal agencies are making historic levels of investment to advance environmental justice and address decades of underinvestment in disadvantaged communities.



What is DART doing?

DART is advancing a series of initiatives under a new Mobility+ Program that will enhance mobility while creating opportunities for increased value, growth, and investment in our most disadvantaged communities. The program initiatives are being developed with a Justice40 lens to advance Federal goals at a local level. This approach will allow DART to identify and focus service improvements, capital investments, and transit-oriented development (TOD) efforts in a manner that is transformative, creating outcomes that benefit individuals, communities, and the region in meaningful ways.

Mobility+ goes beyond the basics and will focus on adding (+) benefits that specifically address disadvantaged community needs while collectively creating better results for all.



DART IN JUSTICE40 COMMUNITIES TODAY:

• 52% of bus route miles

• 48% of rail stations

• 45% of GoPass retail locations

• 100% of electric buses

• 58% of GoLink zones (includes Inland Port Zone which extends outside of

• DART service area)

• 100% of operating facilities in or adjacent

• 8 of 10 bus transit facilities (not at rail station)

• 8 of 9 bus transit facilities (co-located with rail station)

• 57% of bus stops



Key Mobility+ Initiatives



Bus Network Redesign Phase 2

DART is developing an aspirational plan to outline short- and long-term service improvements, with a focus on bus services but also addressing rail and on-demand services in order to support access, opportunity and upward mobility. 

• Added service coverage and frequency

• Improved access to jobs and services

• More direct travel options

• Greater reliability

• Reduced waiting times



Bus Amenity Expansion

DART is collaborating with the University of Texas Arlington School of Architecture and AIA Dallas to design the next generation bus shelter as well as other stop amenities to expand improved amenities to more people that need them. 

• Dignified waiting areas that the community takes pride in

• Universal accessibility and ADA enhancements

• Enhanced safety and security with improved lighting and passenger information



Transit Facilities Review

DART is assessing the need for additional transit facilities to support the new bus network and developing mobility hub guidelines to identify and prioritize facility improvements and opportunities for economic development, services, affordable housing, resiliency, and innovation at facilities. 

• Re-invent transit facilities as community assets

• Bring together different services and uses responsive to a community’s unique needs

• Catalyze economic and transit-oriented development

• Create models for partnerships and innovation that support community resiliency and prosperity



Bus Corridor Investments

DART is initiating a Bus Corridor Investment Program and Design Guidelines to identify needs, opportunities, and an investment strategy in partnership with our city and agency partners. 

• Better speed and reliability with transit priority treatments in key travel corridors

• Improve safety at intersections that align with comfortable and safe waiting areas

• Extend infrastructure investments into communities through enhanced pedestrian or bike connections that promote healthy activities



Comprehensive Fare Study

DART is conducting a Comprehensive Fare Study to evaluate the current fare policy and structure, explore fare capping and other programs to support communities of color, low-income populations, cash paying customers, and transit reliant riders. 

• Ensure a transparent and equal fare system so cash and unbanked passengers get the same benefits as others

• Expand and enhance GoPass and GoPass Tap Card capabilities, including accessibility and education

• Simplify fare structure to enhance understanding across all populations



Fleet Transition Strategy

While DART operates a clean CNG bus fleet utilizing 100% renewal energy as well as seven electric buses, we are developing a Zero Emission Bus Fleet Transition Plan to outline a phased approach to further support clean energy and climate goals. 

• Contribute to reduced pollution levels and health benefits

• Create opportunities for the workforce to learn new skills

• Deploy early fleet purchases in disadvantaged areas that suffer from disproportionate pollution



Bus Operating Facilities Master Plan

DART will be initiating a master plan for its five operating facilities to optimize the use of our assets, including land. Recommendations will focus on improving the efficiency, safety, and productivity of facilities in a sustainable manner while providing flexibility to adapt to fleet and industry changes. 

• Support resiliency and enhanced reliability through redundant power systems

• Become workforce development centers for residents to grow technical skills

• Incorporate space and features that can support a community’s unique needs

• Support deployment of zero emission fleet