# DART Weak Link In Downtown Dallas Comeback Plan

> DART's transit mall improvements face cost and timeline gaps in downtown Dallas' comeback strategy.
- Title: DART Weak Link In Downtown Dallas Comeback Plan | Shortify
- Summary: DART's transit mall improvements face cost and timeline gaps in downtown Dallas' comeback strategy. Downtown Dallas Inc. planning documents leave unanswered…
- Keywords: downtown dallas, dart, downtown dallas inc, transit mall, downtown dallas comeback plan, dallas area rapid transit, dallas city, news, politics, Weak, Link, Downtown
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/city/is-dart-the-weak-link-in-downtown-dallas-comeback-plan
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-10-03T14:00:21+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: downtown dallas, dart, downtown dallas inc, transit mall, downtown dallas comeback plan, dallas area rapid transit, dallas city, news, politics
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Downtown Dallas Inc. planning documents leave unanswered what the transit mall improvements will cost, who will pay, and when the work will finish.