# Dallas Approves $2.8M Streetcar Funding

> Dallas City Council approves $2.81M for streetcar operations as security costs face scrutiny.
- Title: Dallas Approves $2.8M Streetcar Funding · Dallas Express
- Summary: Dallas City Council approves $2.81M for streetcar operations as security costs face scrutiny. Dallas City Council approved $2.81 million for streetcar…
- Keywords: dallas city council, dallas streetcar, dart, streetcar funding, security staffing, level iv officer, news, politics, Dallas, Approves, Streetcar, Funding
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/city/dallas-approves-2-8m-for-streetcar-as-dart-costs-security-face-scrutiny
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-10-29T18:30:18+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dallas city council, dallas streetcar, dart, streetcar funding, security staffing, level iv officer, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Dallas City Council approved $2.81 million for streetcar operations and $1.1 million for planning, but security staffing remains under review.