Dallas Area Rapid Transit extends Collin County Rides Program

Dallas, Texas - The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has extended the duration of the Collin County Rides program by four months, signaling its dedication to enhancing public transit.

This extension starts on October 1, previously slated as the program's end date. The decision was confirmed by the DART governing board in an August 22 meeting, ensuring continued collaboration with the municipalities of Allen, Fairview, and Wylie.

These municipalities will fund the extended services, highlighting the joint effort among regional participants to maintain this essential transportation method.

Before this decision, representatives from DART, the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA), and the North Central Texas Council of Governments had been working closely since July. Their clear goal was to ensure smooth administrative and operational transitions, minimizing potential service interruptions.

On July 13, the Regional Transportation Council bolstered these transit initiatives by allocating up to $1.8 million, designated for DCTA’s operations in Allen and Fairview. Wylie is not included in DCTA’s proposal, as the city is exploring various transit alternatives suited to its unique requirements.

In a July 27 meeting, the DCTA board discussed transition logistics and potential financial frameworks. DCTA plans to operate for three years in Allen and Fairview, with an estimated budget of $1.6 million. Paul Cristina, DCTA's Chief Executive Officer, assured attendees that DCTA is ready to oversee the program by February 1 of the coming year.

“When this first came up, the message was, ‘Hey this’ll go very quickly; all these pieces are in place,’” Cristina commented. “As discussions progressed, we realized, ‘This is more intricate than initially thought.’”

The Collin County Rides program focuses on seniors aged 65 and older and those with specific disabilities. DART's official guidelines state that users must live in one of the participating cities: Allen, Fairview, or Wylie.

The program offers a wide range of travel options within Collin County. However, either the starting point or final destination must be within the user's city of residence.

Recent data, as of April, shows that over 400 individuals are registered with the program. This figure highlights the program's significant impact and its essential position within the broader transportation network of the region.

Credit: Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Dallas Metro News