DART Light Rail
The DART light rail system comprises 77 miles (123.9 km) between its four lines — the Red Line, the Blue Line, the Orange Line and the Green Line. According to NCTCOG transit statistics, DART's light rail system had a daily ridership of 89,901 average trips per weekday in November 2011 which is an increase of more than 50% since August 2010. The system utilizes light rail trains manufactured by Kinki Sharyo, with all trains being converted to "Super" LRVs which feature level boarding (especially convenient for strollers and wheelchairs) and higher passenger capacity.
Before the 1983 election, DART had a plan for 160 miles (257.5 km) of rail. After the election, the plan was pared down to 147 miles (236.6 km) miles when Duncanville, Grand Prairie and Mesquite, which would have had rail lines, didn't opt to join the agency. DART chose light rail transit as its primary mode of rail transportation in 1984. The plan was pared down again to 93 miles (149.7 km) miles before the 1988 bond vote. After the vote, the agency again pared down the regional rail system to 84 miles (135.2 km) miles; 66 miles (106.2 km) light rail miles and 18 miles of commuter rail. In 2011 DART boasts 3 lines and the construction of another is underway. preliminary construction survey for another 63 mile Cotton Belt Rail Line to Ft. Worth has begun.
The following lines are currently active:
- Red Line (Opened in 1996, completed in its current state in 2002)
- Blue Line (Opened in 1996, completed in its current state in 2002, additions scheduled for completion in 2012 and 2018)
- Green Line (Opened in 2009, completed in its current state on Dec. 4, 2010)
- Orange Line {Partially opened to passenger traffic on July 30, 2012, additions scheduled in Dec. 2012 and 2014}
Segments of the following line are still under construction:
- Orange Line (Irving/DFW Line; Scheduled to be open from Irving to Belt Line in December, 2012. The DART board in September 2012 agreed to extend Orange Line to Terminal A in DFW Airport by 2014.)
On December 18, 2000, DART opened the first public subway station in the Southwestern United States. Cityplace station is served by the Red, Blue, and Orange Lines.
Read more about this topic: Dallas Area Rapid Transit
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