DART security presence expands as Highland Park exits

DART security presence is expanding at Dallas Area Rapid Transit. The agency is also preparing for a membership change. Highland Park voters chose to leave. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

DART security presence and support services

DART’s board last week approved a revised contract that increases funding for transit security officer services to an amount capped at $32.1 million. According to DART officials, the trained officers work with DART Police. They help strengthen system security and assist customers.

Also, the board authorized a five-month extension of DART’s current agreement with Parkland Health. The agreement supports the DART Cares multi-disciplinary response team program. The initiative places mental health clinicians alongside DART Police. It was created to reduce the use of transit as shelter, DART officials said. In addition, it connects people experiencing homelessness or mental health crises with appropriate services.

Highland Park withdrawal from DART

Separately, DART is preparing to end bus and paratransit services in Highland Park. The change follows a May 2 election. Highland Park is not served by rail. It was one of three cities where withdrawal from DART membership appeared on the ballot. Still, voters in Addison and University Park chose to remain with DART.

Meanwhile, service in Highland Park is set to stop on May 14 after the election results are canvassed. In addition, the withdrawal will bring DART’s membership to 12 cities. In February, DART created a new funding agreement. It was part of an effort to retain member cities ahead of the spring election.

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