From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 30s
DART Weak Link In Downtown Dallas Comeback Plan
DART's transit mall improvements face cost and timeline gaps in downtown Dallas' comeback strategy.
In brief
DART's transit mall improvements face cost and timeline gaps in downtown Dallas' comeback strategy. Downtown Dallas Inc. planning documents leave unanswered what the transit mall improvements will cost, who will pay, and when the work will finish. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
Downtown Dallas comeback plan
Downtown Dallas Inc. calls for a safer, more inviting DART transit mall but leaves three questions unanswered: what will the improvements cost, who will pay and when will the work be finished.
West End Station problem
Chris Beynon highlighted Pacific Avenue near West End Station, which serves all four DART light rail lines on Pacific Avenue between Market and Lamar streets.
Incremental repairs needed
Beynon proposed incremental repairs, landscaping, public art and facade improvements for the transit mall corridor.
Funding dispute background
A February compromise returned part of DART's one-cent sales tax funding to participating cities for transportation uses after Plano canceled its withdrawal election.
Downtown funding agreement
Dallas approved $211 million for eligible transportation projects over fiscal years 2026 through 2031, including street and pedestrian improvements.
Transit mall funding gap
DDI's documents do not identify an allocation from the $211 million for the transit mall improvements, leaving cost and completion date unresolved.
Operation Access enforcement
DART plans a 90-day Operation Access targeting fare evasion at five stations starting in late fall, but West End Station is not included.
In short
Downtown Dallas Inc. planning documents leave unanswered what the transit mall improvements will cost, who will pay, and when the work will finish.
