Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has been a successfully operating regional transportation system for over 14 years. In the early 1980's it was determined that several of the bus transit corridors were at capacities that could no longer accommodate the exclusive use of buses without undue traffic congestion, increased air pollution, and degradation of service to the riding public. Faced with this problem, DART began to explore other transit alternatives to better serve its customers.Being well versed in the planning and operation of a bus transit system, DART found itself lacking in the expertise and experience to fully explore other transit alternatives. Recognizing this, DART sought guidance from other transit authorities, which utilized transit modes in addition to buses, and from newly hired staff and industry consultants.The early 1980's was a time of substantial Federal funding for transit systems and the rapid resurgence of rail transit in the United States. In this atmosphere of transit expansion, DART embarked on an ambitious plan of heavy/light rail transit, in addition to buses, as the preferred alternative for much of its service area.Shortly after beginning to implement its rail plan, DART began to experience public perception and funding problems. This led to a change in the DART management structure, the suspension of the rail transit plan, and the termination of the then traditional General Engineering Consultant approach to rail transit design and construction. In short, DART started over in its approach to transit alternatives.After a period of reassessing alternative transit modes, DART opted for a change to its service plan. A more economical, easier to design and construct, and quicker to place into service Light Rail Transit and Commuter Rail system became the preferred modes of transit.In addition to these alternative modes of rail transit, DART instituted an innovative management structure in its Program Management organization. This included the procurement of project management, design, system integration, and construction management consulting services in a unique and different way. This restructuring led to the successful design, construction, and start-up of the first new rail transit system in Southwestern United States in record time and with great public acceptance.With the successful implementation of its new Light Rail Transit system, DART acquired increased knowledge in the structuring of its approach to the expansion of the Light Rail system. With this first-hand, current knowledge, DART has modified the successful approach utilized on the Starter System and has further streamlined its management structure, procured consulting services in yet another innovative fashion, and has embarked on an expansion of its Light Rail system that will double its current operating territory to approximately 50 miles.Transit Authorities contemplating the institution of Light Rail Transit service and Transit Authorities planning for the expansion of existing service, can acquire a great deal of insight and useful information from this paper on structuring their approach to LRT by understanding how DART has organized for its current and future success.
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