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Staying Positive: Responding to Transit Critics

Eron H. LinnFederal Relations Manager

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

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The Current DART System Established by Legislature

Transportation Code Chapter 452

Formed in 1983 by vote of 13 municipalities City of Dallas 12 Suburbs

Dedicated 1 percent Sales Tax $432 M in FY 2012

700 square mile service area Population = 2.3 million

15 Member Board of Directors Dallas – 8 Board Members Suburbs – 7 Board Members

120 bus routes 11,431 bus stops 538 Diesel & LNG buses CNG Conversion Smart Buses

85 miles light rail 61 rail stations 163 Kinkisharyo Super LRV’s

35 miles commuter rail 10 rail stations

73 miles HOV lanes Paratransit, vanpool & rideshare 111 million passenger trips

annually 3600 hourly and salaried

employees

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DART’s Values Statement Focused on Our Customers

Meeting needs and delivering quality service

Committed to Safety and Security Committed to ensuring the safety and security of our passengers and

employees

Dedicated to Excellence Foster an environment promoting diversity of people and ideas

Good Stewards of Public Trust Maintain open communication with customers and stakeholders Demand integrity and honesty

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Past Political Challenges 15 cities approved 1 percent Transit Tax in 1983 by vote

1 percent dedicated Sales Tax in authorized cities Texas allows cities to direct 1 percent of Sales Tax for Economic

Development, Transportation, or Transit Uses Texas allows maximum local Sales Tax of 2 percent

Withdrawal Referendums (possible every 6 years) City of Carrollton – Affirmed in 1985, 1989, 1996 City of Farmers Branch – Affirmed in 1985, 1989 City of Garland – Affirmed in 1989, 1996 City of Rowlett – Affirmed in 1989, 1996 City of Plano – Affirmed in 1989, 1996 City of Irving – Affirmed in 1989, 1996 City of Coppell –Withdrew in 1989 City of Flower Mound – Withdrew in 1989

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Elected Officials in DART Service Area

82 Municipal Government Officials (Mayors & City Council) Non-partisan

30 County Government Officials Dallas, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Tarrant, Ellis Counties 26 Republicans 4 Democrats

32 State Legislators (House & Senate) 25 Republicans 7 Democrats

11 Members of Congress (House & Senate) 9 Republicans 2 Democrats

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Business Style Approach DART has mechanisms in place to ensure high quality services for its customers,

now and in the future

Revenue based Primarily on 1 percent Sales Tax Fluctuates each economic cycle, but generally stable Agency reviews services, finds efficiencies on regular basis Robust local match for grant opportunities

20-Year Financial Plan Annual Review State of Good Repair Program Asset Management Program Highly Competitive Procurement Process

Service Plan Fare Evaluation Bus Route Performance Evaluation

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DART’s Rail Expansion Program $5.6 billion in economic activity 2009-2014 estimated due

to rail expansion programGreen LineOrange LineBlue Line Extension to Rowlett

Created 6,400 jobs each year through 2014

$4.2 billion in development values directly attributable to rail expansion program

Increased taxable real estate value resulting in $127 million in state and local tax revenues

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$8 Billion Current, Planned & Projected Transit Oriented Development

Mockingbird Station Cedars Station

Downtown Plano Station

Victory Station

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Mockingbird Station

Before

After

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Downtown Plano

Before

After

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Galatyn Park in Richardson

Before

After

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Expanding DART Service Area Dallas/Fort Worth Metropolitan Region

16 Counties totaling 12,800 square miles Greater than 9 states

6.5 million population Greater than 30 states

Meeting Demands for More Transit ServicesCurrently requires municipal vote to dedicate 1 percent taxAlternative Funding Approaches for Projects

Value Capture Public Private Partnerships

Aggressive Redevelopment within Service Area Urban Land Institute

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Keeping Up to Speed State Legislature

Meets Every Two Years Oversight of Transportation

Code, Chapter 452

Clean Air 459 New CNG Buses Save DART $40M in fuel switch

Safety & Security Maintain Public Confidence Fare Inspectors on Trains

Regional Partnerships Denton County Transportation

Authority (DCTA) “A Train” Commuter Rail Line

Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T)

Trinity Railway Express “TEX Rail” Commuter Rail Project

Texoma Area Paratransit Services Grayson County Interlocal

Agreement Transit Service Provider for Collin

County, Excluding Plano

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Questions?