DART to expand rider assistance program in Dallas

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is expanding its Rider Assistance Program (RAP) following board approval. 

DART will take over a city of Dallas service used by seniors and disabled persons. 

Dallas currently provides a last resort Senior Medical Transportation Program (SMTP) for low to moderate income persons who reside within the city and who do not qualify for other transportation programs.

DART already provides rider assistance in selected areas within its 700-square-mile service area which allows eligible seniors and persons with disabilities to schedule and pay for transportation services from the user’s transportation subsidy account.

The city requested that the transit agency operate a similar program to replace theirs.

To be eligible for the new program, Dallas residents must be age 65 or older, or have a certified disability, but not eligible for DART Paratransit Services.

They must also present proof of residency, such as a government ID, a recent utility bill or other documentation verifying residency. Once approved for the program, eligible residents may purchase up to $100 in RAP value each month. During the first six months, Dallas will fund the total cost with a reloadable program debit card.

Starting the seventh month, each rider will be required to provide 25 percent of the card balance. Value may be added in $5 increments up to $25 per calendar month.

The program operates during the same hours as DART's Paratransit, fixed-route bus and rail service which is approximately 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. seven days a week and is intended for travel in the DART service area.

The new Rider Assistance Program will begin approximately 30 days upon being finalized by the city. Total program costs will be funded by Dallas using federal grant and city general revenue. The maximum not-to-exceed amount for the term of the agreement will be $674,457.