DART expands security presence, loses 1 member city in election

Dallas Area Rapid Transit's (DART) board last week approved a modified contract that increases funding for transit security officer services to an amount not to exceed $32.1 million.

These trained security officers work alongside DART Police to enhance system security and support customers, DART officials said in a press release.

The board also approved a five-month extension of its current agreement with Parkland Health to support the DART Cares multi-disciplinary response team (MDRT) program. The program places mental health clinicians alongside DART Police. The MDRT program was created to reduce the use of transit as a shelter while connecting individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health crises to appropriate services, DART officials said. 

Meanwhile, DART plans to cease bus and paratransit services in Highland Park following a May 2 election. The city, which is not served by rail, was one of three that had withdrawal from DART membership on the ballot this past election; Addison and University Park citizens elected to stay with DART. 

Service in Highland Park will cease on May 14, once election results are canvassed, bringing DART's membership to 12 cities. In February, DART created a new funding agreement in an attempt to retain members ahead of the spring election.