ROWLETT STATION Our Speakers Bureau

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inmotion the official newsletter of A PUBLICATION OF DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSIT DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSIT P.O. BOX 660163 DALLAS, TX 75266-0163 Nevin Grinnell Address Service Requested Vice President Chief Marketing Officer Morgan Lyons Media Relations Director Elena Rohweder Manager, Communications Lyle Miller Senior Manager, Creative Services Denise Johnson Manager, Customer Information / Production Customer Information (routes & schedules) 214.979.1111 Connect with DART DART Administrative Offices 214.749.3278 Karen Ptacek Donn Coburn Communications Representatives

Thomas Santana Ron Gray Designers

Joe Swift Photography Photographer

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Visit DART.org for the online Trip Planner, route schedules, maps, construction updates and more. BLUE LINE Links to Rowlett McDonald’s ROWLETT McDonald’s 5220 N. MacArthur Irving

132-011-712TS DART Current and Future Services to 2014

A-Train to Denton (operated by DCTA) NW PLANO PARK & RIDE PLANO

PARKER ROAD JACK HATCHELL TRANSIT CTR. DOWNTOWN PLANO Presiden t G e sh Turnpike orge Bu BUSH TURNPIKE NORTH CARROLLTON/FRANKFORD Dallas North Tollway GALATYN PARK TRINITY MILLS RICHARDSON T ransit ADDISON ARAPAHO CENTER DOWNTOWN CARROLLTON ADDISON TRANSIT CTR. CARROLLTON is a SPRING VALLEY FARMERS BRANCH DOWNTOWN FARMERS BRANCH GARLAND GARLAND amily LBJ/CENTRAL DOWNTOWN F DFW ROWLETT FOREST LANE FOREST/JUPITER ROYAL LANE LBJ/SKILLMAN DFW BELT LINE ROWLETT WALNUT LAKE HIGHLANDS WALNUT HILL/DENTON HILL IRVING CONVENTION CENTER Lake Ray PARK LANE Hubbard NORTH LAKE LAS COLINAS S. GARLAND COLLEGE URBAN CENTER TRANSIT CTR. UNIVERSITY WHITE ROCK BACHMAN LOVERS UNIVERSITY OF DALLAS PARK LANE LAKE RAY LOVE HUBBARD BURBANK HIGHLAND TRANSIT CTR. PARK White Affa ir MOCKINGBIRD Rock INWOOD/LOVE FIELD Lake IRVING SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL DISTRICT/ PARKLAND DALLAS To Fort Worth CENTREPORT/ WEST IRVING DOWNTOWN IRVING/ MEDICAL/ MARKET CENTER DFW AIRPORT HERITAGE CROSSING MARKET CENTER CITYPLACE/UPTOWN DEEP ELLUM President PEAR VICTORY ST. PAUL BAYLOR UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER George Bush AKARD WEST END Turnpike to I-20 L FAIR PARK /ARTS DISTRICT UNION STATION MLK, Jr. Tr r in it y Rive CONVENTION CENTER LAWNVIEW CEDARS HATCHER n Dec. 3, DART opens the Downtown Rowlett all accessible by DART. And folks in Rowlett can reach DFW COCKRELL HILL TRE to Fort Worth 8TH & CORINTH Station and two more Orange Line stations in Irving International Airport by transit and avoid construction on nearly DALLAS ZOO LAKE JUNE at North Lake College and Belt Line Road. These every expressway needed to drive there. TYLER/VERNON MORRELL OO HURST/BELL HAMPTON cities gain an important tie to the rest of the service area, ILLINOIS RICHLAND HILLS WESTMORELAND BUCKNER illustrating that the benefits of membership extend far beyond The multimodal transit system makes it possible to live, work and municipal boundaries. play throughout much of the Dallas area without owning a vehicle KIEST

or by using one much less. The real return on investment – less FORT WORTH ITC VA MEDICAL CENTER As I see it, being a DART city means that “you’re all in the stress, more productive commutes, cleaner air and peace of T&P STATION FORT WORTH RED BIRD LEDBETTER family.” Nearly three decades ago, 13 cities linked together mind – cannot be quantified in monetary terms. TRANSIT CTR. to create regional transportation options beyond driving and Downtown Dallas highways. From that success, DART built the first light rail In the next few years, we will complete the current rail expansion, VICTORY DEEP and commuter rail systems in the Southwestern United States. replace our entire bus fleet and launch a modern streetcar line. ELLUM WEST GLENN Today, these communities are interconnected by a vast network Our family of cities should be proud of the transit system that we TRANSFER PEARL/ARTS DISTRICT HEIGHTS of rail, bus and paratransit routes, and HOV lanes. have built together and use it to the fullest. Like a family, we are ST. PAUL GLENN HEIGHTS PARK & RIDE Rail System Legend WEST END all connected. AKARD EAST Currently Operating TRANSFER ROSA PARKS PLAZA Just think: Residents of Irving are a train ride from their careers DART Rail Red Line in Plano. A Park Cities couple can drive to Mockingbird Station Yours very truly, DART Rail Blue Line UNION STATION and take the light rail to see a favorite play at Richardson’s CONVENTION DART Rail Green Line Eisemann Center. CENTER DART Rail Orange Line DART Rail Orange Line (Selected Weekday Trips Rush Hour Only) Nursing students at downtown Dallas’ El Centro College can HOV System Legend Trinity Railway Express (TRE) John Carter Danish DCTA A-train take core academic classes at any DCCCD campus – they’re HOV Lane DART Chairman of the Board HOV Lane Under Design/Construction (Outside DART service area – no DART funding) DART Rail Orange Line Future HOV Lane Belt Line to DFW opens December 2014. Future HOV Lane “DART: Your preferred choice of transportation for now and in the future...” (No DART Funding)

(Plano) (Irving) (Dallas) (Dallas) (Dallas) (Dallas) (Dallas) (Dallas) (Dallas) Secretary (Garland) Chairman Jim Adams Gary Slagel Faye Wilkins William Tsao William Glenn Heights) Glenn Vice Chairman Vice Jerry ChristianJerry Mark C. Enoch (Garland, Rowlett, Assistant Secretary Robert Strauss W. Paul N. Wageman (Carrollton, Irving) Michael Cheney T. Richard Carrizales William Velasco, IIWilliam Velasco, John Carter Danish Fiscal Year 2013 2013 Fiscal Year (Dallas, Hill) Cockrell Randall Chrisman D. Pamela Dunlop Gates (Plano, Farmers Branch) Addison, Highland Park) ClaudeR. Williams, Jr. Board of Directors (Richardson, University Park,

inside their artistic side. With the opening of the Blue Line extension to downtown Line the downtown With extension opening to the Blue of Rowlett, the lakefront connected the city to more just got rest the Dallas of area. New stations in Rowlett and Irving amplify the natural features the surrounding of area and create gateways to the communities they serve. shuttle-sized123new fleetThe includes buses that are and better neighborhood ridership routes sized lower for streets, cost plus and less operate maintain. to Safety and security with improves the System DART of increased police patrols, closed-circuit cameras stations at vehicles,and on and the by ability report problems to text message. DFW Airport travelers get a bus connection the to Orange Line. Rail attracts Plano to new development and Next-train Carrollton downtowns. signs improve show communications.customer employees DART

cover: Just outside the Downtown Rowlett Station, Main Street is filled with old-town charm and pedestrian-friendly amenities, from a picturesque roundabout to landscaping, street lamps, planters benches. park and

Trips Smaller BusesSmaller are Deal a Big On Board and On Alert Art on the Line Rowlett Rail RejuvenatesRail

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10 inside

3 Light rail provides new access to an array of destinations for Rowlett residents. Employment, entertainment, hospitals and higher education are just a train ride away.

4 Mark Enoch, Rowlett’s former mayor and a representative on the DART Board of Directors since 1997, has championed the Blue Line Rail Rejuvenates extension to his city.

citizens of the 13 cities in the service Priming Main Street for Rowle ttarea,” said Mark Enoch, DART Development Board member and a former mayor of Blue Line catalyzes Main Street renewal Rowlett. “We know that transit adds Rowlett’s community and civic leaders Opening Dec. 3, this 4.5-mile, to the quality of our lives by giving us are optimistic that DART will pay off $360 million extension from time to do more important things than in increased visitors and commercial Downtown Garland Station brings sit in traffic.” growth, both of which are critical to improved connectivity and growth broadening the city’s tax base. Already, opportunities to the quiet bedroom Until the arrival of DART Rail, numerous businesses, retail stores community. Along with a recent commuters took express bus service and restaurants line nearby Lakeview extension of the President George from the Rowlett Park & Ride to Parkway, and FLEX route buses serving Bush Turnpike, the station marks the downtown Dallas or drove to the the Blue Line make it easier than ever beginning of a new era for Rowlett. Downtown Garland Station to ride the for people to live, work and shop here. train. Now, that park and ride lot is a “Past leaders of Rowlett made the vibrant rail station with more than But it’s the Main Street side of the big decision – one that we don’t take 750 parking spaces. station – where the city’s downtown lightly even today – to become a DART and municipal buildings reside – that city to ensure that our citizens have “As gas prices stay high and are likely produces the most enthusiastic response. eading east through Rowlett, transportation options beyond local roads to rise, transit becomes more appealing. and highways,” said Rowlett Mayor Todd Plus DART is safe, clean and quick, “The arrival of the Blue Line motivated Hboth Main Street and Lakeview Gottel. “You’ve never seen a city more which makes it attractive to ride,” us to create the downtown we never Parkway bring you to the shores excited to get their DART station.” Gottel said. had,” said City Manager Lynda Humble. The Blue Line bypasses congested, Rowlett also is central to an A task force of residents, community of scenic Lake Ray Hubbard – the wreck-prone Interstate 30, giving riders interconnected, steadily growing area leaders, property and business owners an alternative to stressful commutes that includes Garland, Rockwall, and developers has spent more than a recreational gem that forms much of and rising gas prices. Because most Sachse, Murphy and Wylie. Given the year and a half creating Realize Rowlett the city’s identity. Situated between people leave the city for work and strategic location of the Blue Line’s new 2020, a community vision for the entertainment, Rowlett residents now terminus, the city is well-positioned to future. The initiative provides a tangible the two thoroughfares lies the city’s have better access to downtown Dallas, become a gateway to Dallas. to-do list to catalyze investment in as well as an easy connection to 60 downtown Rowlett. latest claim to fame – Downtown other light rail stations, a vast network “We’re excited about what rail can do of buses, the Trinity Railway Express for our community,” said Robbie Ryan, “We’re starting with a mostly blank Rowlett Station on DART’s Blue Line. and the Denton County Transportation president of the Downtown Rowlett slate downtown, and Rowlett has put Authority A-train. Association. “The station gives people the necessary zoning in place to from neighboring cities reasons to come attract transit-oriented, walkable “Our city invested in DART’s growing to Rowlett and makes it a destination. I mixed-use development,” said light rail system because we recognized think DART will do much to shape the Diane Lemmons, president of the its great and increasing value to all future of our city.” Rowlett Chamber of Commerce.

2 inmotion • Fall 2012 Fall 2012 • inmotion 3 Right: Cattail stalks adorn the columns of Just a short stroll down the street is a “The Blue Line will draw lots of people Downtown Rowlett Station, alluding to the small cluster of stores and offices to the city that wouldn’t normally be in nearby Lake Ray Hubbard, while platform which includes Big Star Burgers, a Rowlett,” Suzan Fulton said. “With the pavers reference the cobblestone walkways friendly neighborhood eatery where theater right by the station, we expose in nearby downtown. movie posters fill the exposed brick ACTOR to a whole new audience.” Below Right: Buses link the Blue Line to walls and the burgers come piled Rowlett will take advantage of the Blue destinations throughout Rowlett, making it high with toppings. easier for commuters to get to work. Line construction to expand Martin “We’ve been in downtown for six years Drive and link State Highway 66/ now, despite the construction, and Lakeview Parkway to Main Street in the we’re the only ‘local’ restaurant in the downtown area. In the process, however, area,” said Sharon Shiell, co-owner of road work will necessitate the demolition The plan envisions high-density Big Star Burgers. “But we’ve been in of the building where the community housing, restaurants, retail and office the restaurant industry long enough theater once resided. space in close proximity to the rail to know that the place to locate was in station. The city itself is a major downtown near transit.” Setting the Stage for The theater side of the renovated building landowner along Main Street, meaning will be called Main Street Events and the municipal offices and facilities City and community leaders concur that Main Street’s Renewal will serve both as the home for ACTOR’s that currently line part of the street having unique restaurants and shops family-friendly performances and as eventually could be relocated. within walking distance from the station When Tom and Suzan Fulton aren’t a rental facility for small events and will be critical to get people to visit at their financial services office in receptions. With the theater drawing “One of the great things we have in our downtown Rowlett. Likewise, the desire downtown Rowlett, they are a block more people into downtown in the favor is that the city owns significant to revitalize downtown is as much an down the street renovating an old evenings and weekends, the Fultons hope blocks of prime real estate in case a emotional issue as it is an economic one. industrial building into leasable office that the local burger joint and nearby great development offer comes along,” space and a community theater. shops will reap the benefits. They plan Humble said. “The Main Street of a city is its heart,” to hold the first performance in the new said Vernon Schrade, a downtown The facility, located steps from the theater in spring 2013. The city of Rowlett also has secured landowner and one of Rowlett’s Downtown Rowlett Station, soon will a $2.5 million grant from the North elder statesmen. be home to both the Fultons’ Raymond “We’re investing in this building and Central Texas Council of Governments James Financial Services business moving both our business and our theater to enhance the streetscape along ~ Karen Ptacek and to the theater and offices for group here because we really believe in Main by cleaning up common areas, ACTOR – the Amateur Community Main Street and we’re doing our part to creating public spaces, and improving Theatre of Rowlett – which Suzan and make it work,” Tom Fulton said. the landscaping and amenities. their son, Eric, started 13 years ago. Said Jim Grabenhorst, Rowlett’s 6 Big Star Burgers serves up local flavor director of economic development: within walking distance of the station. “We know that the downtown area will evolve over the years, so we want the places that are created to be able to evolve, too.”

Making Downtown a Dallas without driving or hassling over is filled with wrought iron archways, Destination parking. And that just makes the event quirky metal flamingoes and other more enjoyable.” colorful garden art. Ryan, of the Downtown Rowlett Association, has watched the Blue Line For the small businesses that have stuck “I hope the rail line draws more take shape right outside the window of it out downtown during simultaneous attention to the businesses downtown,” his family’s insurance office on Martin DART and Bush Turnpike said owner Charles Slater. Drive, across from the DART park and construction, the opening of the Blue ride lot. He knows that the roadway Line marks a fresh start for the district. The city’s plans to keep Main Street improvements will raise their property A captive audience of commuters a pedestrian-friendly drive mesh well value – not that Ryan Insurance is now overlooks their storefronts daily, with the growing national demand planning to sell any time soon. motivating several to put up signs for more walkable communities in facing the rails. suburban areas. Ryan noted that a “We’re committed to being in rail station naturally attracts people downtown,” Ryan said. “Plus, after Slater Lawn & Garden’s greenhouses who are open to the idea of transit, work I now can walk across the street border the tracks as the Blue Line making them prime targets for to take the train to a Stars or approaches the station, while on the dining, shopping, entertainment and Mavericks game or go out to eat in Main Street side, its storefront’s patio recreational attractions near a station.

4 inmotion • Fall 2012 Fall 2012 • inmotion 5 Artwork abounds across 35 undulating panels, which also echo the motion of water. The scenes depicted range from sketches of the surrounding landscape and fauna, to portraits of the prominent families that settled the area, to family activities that are part of the fabric of current-day Rowlett. The installation also features quotes from celebrated authors Alex Haley and Oliver Wendell Holmes Sr.

“I tried to create a park-like setting that would appeal to families and commuters alike,” Delgado said.

North Lake College Station: The Tree of Learning 5 Mesquite tree leaves adorn station columns and windscreens at North Lake Art on the Line The mesquite tree is the unifying theme at College Station. North Lake College Station. This humble prairie tree – nearly ubiquitous throughout 4Native Texas limestone and pink DART Gallery Gets Irving before widespread development – granite add texture throughout Belt still flourishes throughout the campus. Line Station. Three New Exhibits The tree’s distinctive leaf appears both on the columns and windscreens.

“The mesquite leaf naturally droops 5 Colorful art walls flow between the rail station and bus bays, depicting images of Rowlett’s community life and history. from its twig, so the motif is also a nod Goldberg and the neighborhood to the ancient hanging gardens – which advisory committee chose to enhance 3Tile medallions in the rail station platform highlight the flora and fauna inspired North Lake College’s the natural setting at Belt Line Station. native to the area. original architecture,” station artist Landscaping emphasizes native grasses, Chris Fulmer said. as well as mesquite and cedar trees. A gradually ascending, mesquite-lined A plaza between the station and parking allée – a walkway shaded by uniformly lot features a philosopher’s garden planted trees – links the parking lot to Downtown Rowlett Station: inspired by Plato, the great thinker who the platform in a way that is at once Nature and History Converge challenged and shaped young minds. understated and dramatic. Its spiraling pathway of decomposed Lake Ray Hubbard is central to ART Rail stations are literally works of granite, representing intellectual growth, At the platform itself, columns feature Rowlett’s identity – and accordingly, it coils outward through the greenery. alternating bands of polished and rough figures prominently in the adornment art – unique, one-of-a-kind canvases that native Texas limestone. The 250 million- D of Downtown Rowlett Station. Additionally, the design reflects the year-old stone, with its irregular texture engage visitors and create a sense of place. DART’s architecture of the campus by using dark and relief, is inherently sculptural. The “I grew up around the lake, so this brick and metal accents that complement windscreens feature bear grass laminated project has been very special for me Station Art & Design Program pairs artists with the materials of the adjacent library and between translucent sheets. The simple, personally,” said Viola Delgado, other buildings nearby. rustic materials combine to create what station artist. neighborhood residents to create a visual palette Goldberg calls a “Texas vernacular style.” that reflects the character, history and aspirations of The lake theme is woven throughout – Belt Line Station: from the cattail stalks depicted in the ~ Donn Coburn the surrounding community. With the December columns to the shade of blue embedded A Stately Bearing in the walkway that “flows” through a “I was searching for a metaphor about openings on the Blue and Orange lines, the DART plaza area between the rail platform sustainability – and came to realize that and the nearby bus bays and park the station itself represented that idea,” Gallery gets some fresh new “acquisitions.” and ride lot. artist Brad Goldberg said.

6 inmotion • Fall 2012 Fall 2012 • inmotion 7 Smaller Buses are a Big Dea l New Fleet Matches Right Vehicle to Route Demands

o, a shrink ray did not hit one of DART’s New 26-foot buses are better bus garages. Smaller vehicles are plying suited for FLEX, On-Call and N lower-ridership routes. the streets of the DART Service Area because

the agency’s new fleet includes 17-passenger the vehicle and its passengers. Plus, Larger buses, arriving soon from MV Transportation deploys both functions. DART now operates FLEX and 14-passenger vehicles along with the on-board infotainment monitors display North American Bus Industries, DART’s smaller buses and its own fleet service, which was previously run by a next-stop and other information. consist of a mix of 40-foot and 31-foot of Ford Starcraft buses and MV-1 vans. contractor. The total projected savings traditional larger buses. vehicles. DART plans to buy 452 of When demand is high, the contractor of the seven-year contract exceeds these. Because they are ordered in lots, can outsource services to a taxi company $90 million, including both capital and Sized to Ridership Needs the agency can adjust the mix of sizes. with drivers screened and trained to operating savings. The smaller buses are the first to developments. At the same time, the Beginning in 2009, the agency began By having a mix of 26-, 31- and 40-foot take care of paratransit customers. arrive in a massive, full-scale fleet buses carry more passengers than looking for cost-reduction measures vehicles, service planners can assign a This variable level of resources provides ~ Karen Ptacek replacement of up to 575 buses at a DART’s current FLEX vehicles. that would lower annual operating bus based on the ridership and location customers with better trip scheduling cost of nearly $234 million. DART expenses by the millions. While cutting demands of the route, at the lowest and shorter ride times. bought the 123 smaller ARBOC service is a standard industry practice, possible cost. As ridership changes, so buses from National Bus Sales & Loaded with Smart Design DART determined that by changing can the vehicle assigned. As part of this change, MV New Bus Features: Leasing, Inc., through a cost-saving, As part of the region’s clean-air efforts the size of its vehicles, it could keep Transportation takes over the cooperative purchase agreement with and the agency’s fiscal initiatives, service cuts to a minimum. reservations, scheduling and dispatch • Compressed natural gas fuel the Houston/Galveston Area Council all new buses run on clean-burning Paratransit Re-imagined • Low-floor design of Governments. Ten of the smaller compressed natural gas, which costs “We had to find a more cost-effective In October, DART introduced a • Closed-circuit cameras buses will be used on FLEX routes and less than diesel fuel. The agency also way to provide bus services,” said Todd new service delivery program for • Multicolor LED exterior signs 102 will serve regular fixed routes. MV took advantage of favorable market Plesko, vice president of planning ADA-eligible paratransit customers • On-board infotainment system Transportation, the new contractor for prices by securing a long-term natural and development. and changed contractors to MV paratransit and on-call services, will gas contract through the Texas General Transportation. The service model use the remaining 11 buses for DART Land Office locking CNG costs The smaller buses cost approximately 40 now uses both dedicated and non- Smaller Buses: On-Call routes. through 2020. percent of the price of a full-sized bus dedicated vehicles, and multiple • Have greater fuel economy and will reduce annual operating vehicle types. • Do less damage to streets and These shuttle-size vehicles are used The buses’ low floors make boarding expenses by more than $6 million, parking lots widely in the for-profit and public easier for everyone, but especially for generated in three areas: • Turn around and maneuver transit industries alike. The vehicles people with bikes, strollers, luggage • Creation of a new class of operator at more easily maneuver more easily in neighborhood or mobility challenges. Closed-circuit a lower wage rate 4All new buses feature low floors • Sized for lower-ridership routes conditions and are able to operate on cameras installed on each vehicle let • Reduced vehicle maintenance costs and ramps that deploy to make narrower roads and within commercial DART Police keep a watchful eye on • Improved fuel economy boarding easier and faster.

8 inmotion • Fall 2012 Fall 2012 • inmotion 9 Most of the time, the K-9 teams patrol System Under Surveillance rail and bus facilities, sweep vehicles, and With the help of closed-circuit cameras, check out unattended packages. Police police dispatchers keep an eye on the dogs also provide a visual deterrent for platforms, buses, and customers and crime and in keeping public order. staff. Surveillance monitors use the video feeds to give officers more accurate TSA provides partial funding for handler information or watch a situation until salaries, as well as care and feeding, police arrive. veterinary bills and other costs associated with the dogs. In return, the K-9 teams are DART recently finished installing available for temporary duty to assist federal closed-circuit cameras at all light rail and local counterparts when needed. stations. The new fleet of buses – which On Board start arriving in late 2012 – also will be DART’s K-9 units work closely with teams equipped with multiple cameras, and at DFW International and Love Field soon the agency begins a pilot program airports. The teams have assisted the FBI, for cameras on trains. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, and On Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Al ert Police are a Text Away “Our K-9 teams have been a part of In April, DART launched a cell phone 5 security details when the president, first texting tool that allows customers to DART Police use more than 1,400 surveillance report problems and converse with DART cameras to monitor the vast system of facilities lady and other dignitaries have been in and vehicles. town,” said Cpl. Ron Lindsay, team leader Police dispatchers. Because it’s text- of the counterterrorism team. message based, the tool lets riders avoid the awkwardness of being overheard or When the dogs aren’t on duty, they live at seen making a call, and it gives dispatchers home with handlers and their families. and police an immediate source for while Denver’s Regional Transportation valuable information about disruptive or District has a transit-watch number suspicious behavior. to which passengers can send texts for A Strong Presence on Board one-way notifications. Explosive-detection canine teams are just “Texting doesn’t draw unwanted attention. one of several units making regular rounds The offender doesn’t know that he or she Above and right: DART Police Officer Derek Johnson and his dog, Yava, are one of several to keep the DART System safe. This past is being reported, or that police are It’s Our DART. Let’s Keep It Safe explosives detection canine teams that patrol rail and bus facilities. spring, DART Police redeployed police and coming,” said Angie Masterson, supervisor As DART strives to provide the best fare enforcement officers for higher visibility of police telecommunication. transit service anywhere, the agency calls on buses and trains and at DART facilities. on its riders to play an important role Use of the police texting tool is generating in the safety of the system. Customers DART Police use patrols, surveillance and text “You and I work for a salary; she works for In addition to increased patrols of transit approximately 10 text exchanges a are encouraged to be aware of their the Kong,” said Johnson, who tosses the dog vehicles, stations and transit centers, officers week. Most reports are about passengers surroundings and report any suspicious communications to increase safety and security her favorite toy and praises her as a reward. have stepped up enforcement of the agency’s harassing or annoying others, but packages or behavior to bus or rail Code of Conduct to maintain safety and dispatchers have received notice of alcohol operators, station agents or DART Police. Man’s best friend is one of DART’s best enhance passengers’ sense of security. or smoking on board and been alerted to Customers may contact DART Police at tools for providing a secure transit system. sick passengers. 214-928-6300, text “DARTPolice” to 41411, n attentive German shepherd named Johnson and Yava are one of several teams Their increased presence has had a positive or in case of emergency, call 911. in the agency’s K-9 unit. DART joined the impact: less disruptive behavior and DART’s tool is unique in that it allows for Yava jumps out of a DART Police Transportation Security Administration’s increased fare adherence. Most important, a two-way text conversation with monitors ~ Karen Ptacek A National Explosives Detection Canine Team DART’s customers have appreciated the who can ask questions, get additional Program in 2007 and is the only transit visibility of police and fare inspectors. details and more effectively direct officers vehicle and immediately begins taking stock system in North Texas with explosive- to the scene. The tool is available to all detection dogs. DART participates in a number of phones that allow texting – no smartphone To learn more about DART’s of her surroundings. Led by Officer Derek joint security and safety efforts with or Web access required. “The canine teams give us additional law enforcement agencies within its bomb detection capability we didn’t have service area and the U.S. Department Few U.S. transit agencies currently have Safety and Security initiative, Johnson, Yava makes her way toward the before,” said Jill Shaw, DART manager of of Homeland Security. This cooperation a mobile tool for contacting transit police. emergency preparedness. “Most people are strengthens the ability of DART Police to The Massachusetts Bay Transportation check out DART.org/ItsOurDART. trains to survey the platform. glad to see the dogs.” respond to possible events. Authority offers an iPhone application,

10 inmotion • Fall 2012 Fall 2012 • inmotion 11 Downtown Living Short UNION at Carrollton Square, a mixed-use development, opened in August near the Downtown Carrollton Station. The complex – created by Trammell Crow Co.’s High Street Residential subsidiary – bridges the rail station and historic downtown district. The Trips four-story building features 179 apartments and more than 4,600 square feet of retail space.

6 Also in August, developer Southern Land announced a public-private partnership with Orange Line’s Train-Bus the city of Plano to build a $30 million luxury apartment development across the street Combo to DFW from the Downtown Plano Station in the city’s vibrant historic district. Located on 15th When Phase II of the Orange Line Street at the site of the former opens Dec. 3, light rail arrives Eisenbergs Skatepark, the on DFW International Airport five-story project will provide property. At the new Belt Line more housing options in the Station, DART buses will meet bustling downtown area, every train, conveniently taking where nearby apartment passengers to Terminal A where they buildings are nearly full. can ride airport buses or Skylink to Slated to open in late 2013, the other terminals. transit-oriented development will have 279 residential units and 9,000 square feet of retail.

Artistic Expressions In August, two floors of DART’s headquarters atrium became an exhibit hall showcasing 69 works of employee art submitted for the second annual “On My Own Time” (OMOT) competition. A work-life balance program jointly sponsored by the agency’s Human Resources and Marketing- Communications departments, OMOT is a citywide initiative hosted by the North Texas Business Council for the Arts.

Also, Belt Line Station becomes DART’s competition was judged by Patricia part of the agency’s paid parking Meadows, a well-respected visual arts and civic program, with special rates for leader. Fare Enforcement Officer Miriam Stites travelers who require overnight or took “Best of Show” honors with her quilt titled long-term parking. “Kansas Sunflowers.” Randy Leyba, a manager in DART’s Ways, Structures and Amenities When the final phase of the Orange Department, earned the most votes for the “People’s Line opens in December 2014, area Choice” ribbon for his sculpture called “Endless.” residents and visitors can travel by train to DFW Station adjacent to Six first-prize category winners, as well as the Best Terminal A. DART will be one of of Show and People’s Choice awards, advanced few transit systems in the nation to the regional exhibit at NorthPark Center, that provide rail service directly where the winning pieces from all participating into the region’s major airport. companies were displayed in September.

Signs of Progress All DART Rail riders now have on-platform access to up-to-the-minute information via bright LED variable message boards and a public address system that announces the arriving train.

In addition to next-train information, DART’s transit communicators can send unique messages to specific stations and make live announcements on the PA system to promptly notify customers on the platform of service disruptions or system issues.

12 inmotion • Fall 2012 DART Current and Future Services to 2014