DART to improve public safety with hiring 100 TS officers

Dallas, Texas - In a significant step to boost public safety and security for its commuters, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has on-boarded over 100 Transit Security Officers (TSOs) on contract, Dallas Metro News reported.

These TSOs have been commissioned to heighten safety measures on DART's light-rail vehicles and platforms, including the Trinity Railway Express. They will concentrate on enforcing the DART Code of Conduct, deterring and responding to unlawful activities on DART properties.

The newly recruited TSOs complement the agency's existing force of 252 DART Police Officers and Fare Enforcement Officers, reinforcing a secure commuting environment for all DART riders.

“The addition of security officers on trains and platforms is just one of many of our ongoing efforts to provide the safest commuting experience for our customers,” said Charlie Cato, DART chief of police, as reported by NBC DFW.

“Having a visible presence on as many of our vehicles as possible will be an important deterrent to misconduct and I hope it also demonstrates our continued commitment to our customers to keep them safe.”

The TSO initiative is set to be fully operational by mid-August, but officers have already begun their patrolling duties on DART vehicles. This initiative is financed by the Ridership Improvement Funds, which the DART Board of Directors approved to enhance security, cleanliness, and reliability for commuters in the 13 service area cities.

This program forms part of a broader strategic plan by DART to uplift security in the upcoming months. Commuters can anticipate advancements in technology, physical deterrent measures, and collaborative safety partnerships to enhance the security quotient throughout the transit system.

Content credit: Dallas Metro News, NBC DFW, DART