# DART's $288M Fare-Gate Plan Leaves Security Gaps

> DART's $288.3m fare-gate plan lacks security commitment for all buses and trains.
- Title: DART's $288M Fare-Gate Plan Leaves Security Gaps | Shortify
- Summary: DART's $288.3m fare-gate plan lacks security commitment for all buses and trains. DART's proposed $288.3 million fare-gate system does not guarantee Level IV…
- Keywords: dart, fare-gate, security, level iv, transit, dallas, news, politics, DART's, 288M, Plan, Leaves
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/city/darts-288-million-fare-gate-proposal-who-protects-every-ride
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-10-28T16:30:10+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dart, fare-gate, security, level iv, transit, dallas, news, politics
## Fare-Gate Proposal Unresolved
DART's $288.3 million fare-gate proposal leaves annual operating costs and security deployment dates unresolved.
## Security Presentation Designated Briefing
The October 27 briefing labeled security presentation as a non-binding committee meeting with no verified votes.
## Construction Estimate Breakdown
The estimate totals $288,325,000 for 66 light rail stations including $161.5m station work, $43.7m gates and software, $53.3m design costs.
## Staffing Costs Unspecified
The proposal requires 25 additional security officers in fiscal year 2027 and 2028 but lacks firm deployment dates.
## Three Personnel Categories
DART police officers, contracted transit security officers, and fare enforcement officers have different authorities under Texas law.
## Level IV Security Not Guaranteed
The plan does not establish Level IV security credentials for all staff or continuous coverage on every bus and train.
## Funding and Deployment Uncertainties
The proposal lacks a recurring annual budget for operating and staffing the gated system with no firm deployment schedule.
## Key takeaway

DART's proposed $288.3 million fare-gate system does not guarantee Level IV security on every bus and train 24/7.