DART receives national innovation award, names Sparks audit officer

Dallas Area Rapid Transport (DART) has received Metro magazine’s 2026 Innovative Solutions Award in recognition of the DART GoPass® mobility platform for enabling transit agencies to provide more connected mobility solutions.

Developed by DART in 2013, GoPass combines trip planning, fare payment, service information, rider notifications, fare capping and access to services such as microtransit, paratransit, bike sharing and scooters in a single app, DART officials said in a press release.

GoPass is currently used by 14 transit agencies in the United States. The platform has received over 3 million downloads and supports more than 8 million active users each year.

"This recognition reflects DART's long-standing commitment to innovation and to supplying technology that makes public transportation easier, more connected, and more convenient for riders," said Jeamy Molina, DART’s EVP and chief communications officer.

The annual Innovative Solutions Awards recognize transit agencies, technology providers and industry partners whose technologies and initiatives advance public transportation.

DART has also named Mamatha Sparks chief audit officer. She succeeds Chris Koloc, who retired earlier this year.

Reporting directly to the DART board, Sparks has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting, government auditing and risk management. She will lead DART’s efforts to modernize and bring transparency to the agency by guiding audit processes and creating effective departmental strategies, DART officials said.

Sparks previously worked at the Dallas Office of the City Auditor.