From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 20s
Dallas Approves $2.8M Streetcar Funding
Dallas City Council approves $2.81M for streetcar operations as security costs face scrutiny.
In brief
Dallas City Council approves $2.81M for streetcar operations as security costs face scrutiny. Dallas City Council approved $2.81 million for streetcar operations and $1.1 million for planning, but security staffing remains under review. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
Streetcar Funding Approved
Dallas City Council approved $2.81 million for streetcar operations and maintenance for fiscal year 2027.
Funding Sources Breakdown
The funding includes $2.507 million from the Dallas Streetcar System Fund and $300,000 from DART’s Six-Year General Mobility Program.
Ridership Concerns Raised
Council Member Cara Mendelsohn questioned the cost citing fewer than 500 daily streetcar rides and estimated taxpayer subsidy of $17 per ride.
Cost Increase Explained
Transportation Director Dr. Ghassan "Gus" Khankarli attributed part of the increase to expired developer contributions, inflation, spare parts, and aging equipment.
Alternative Funding Study
Dallas awarded Gresham Smith a contract in November 2024 to evaluate alternative funding models expected to be completed by Q1 2027.
Engineering Contract Approved
Council approved $1.096 million for engineering a potential downtown streetcar connection with AECOM Technical Services.
Security Staffing Under Review
DART faces questions about security staffing on trains and buses after recent shootings and fatal stabbings at Fair Park and Deep Ellum stations.
Level IV Officer Coverage
DART proposed $288.3 million fare-gate program does not establish funded timetable for continuous Level IV officer coverage.
The takeaway
Dallas City Council approved $2.81 million for streetcar operations and $1.1 million for planning, but security staffing remains under review.