Rail News: Passenger Rail
DART prepares opening of Blue, Orange line extensions

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is making final preparations for the Dec. 3 launch of its 4.5-mile Blue Line light-rail extension and a 3.9-mile extension of the Orange Line.

With the launch, DART will implement major service and fare changes that include updated pass choices for shorter and off-peak trips, agency officials said in a prepared statement.

The Blue Line extension will run from the Downtown Garland Station to the new Downtown Rowlett Station; the Orange Line extension will run from the Irving Convention Center Station to the North Lake College and Belt Line Road stations. The new stations advance the Orange Line to its final terminus at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, DART officials said.

The Downtown Rowlett Station will provide riders from that city access to DART's entire rail system. The station features 750 parking spaces and an "architectural design reflecting the community's distinctive personality," DART officials said.

The new fare structure will provide "regional fare consistency" between DART, the Denton County Transportation Authority and Fort Worth Transportation Authority.