DART Board of Directors unanimously approves bus network redesign plan

The DARTzoom final bus network plan was unanimously approved by the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board of Directors.

With the goal of providing greater frequency, longer service hours and improved access to destinations, the completely redesigned network goes into effect Jan. 24, 2022. 

As the North Texas region continues to experience growth, DART has undertaken a complete blank-slate redesign of the existing bus system. Working with all 13 service area cities, employers, community leaders and transit riders, DART has developed a new bus system that is designed to ensure passengers have safe and easy access to employment, education and entertainment areas across the DART service area. 

Greater frequency 

Core frequent network service will provide bus frequency matching or better than light-rail service - 15-minute peak and 20-minute midday. Light-rail service will also return to pre-pandemic levels, providing 15-minute peak service and more frequent evening service. 

Expanded coverage 

With the implementation of the DARTzoom Bus Network Redesign service changes, 74 percent of DART service area residents will have access to transit services within walking distance. This is an increase of six percent above the current bus network design. New DART GoLink on-demand service zones help achieve the added coverage. 

More direct routes 

By making the new bus routes more direct, focusing on major transit corridors and reducing the number of bus stops, DART bus service will be faster, ensuring passengers get to their destinations quicker and improving connections. 

Longer hours of service 

With a focus on transit riders working non-traditional hours, all local DART bus routes will provide service seven days a week between the hours of 5:00 a.m. and midnight at a minimum. The 22 core frequent bus routes will operate between 4:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. 

Improved access to jobs 

The DARTzoom Bus Network Redesign will increase the number of jobs that an average resident of the DART service area can reach in one hour by 34 percent compared to the existing bus network. 

New GoLink Zones 

An essential part of the new DART bus network is the expansion of GoLink, DART's on-demand, curb-to-curb microtransit service solution thatoperates in zones across the DART service area. GoLink offers direct-request demand-responsive service with connections to other DART routes as well as curb-to-curb service anywhere within a specified zone. 

With the start of the new bus service schedule in 2022, 13 new GoLink zones will be added, bringing the total to 30. To ensure riders have the opportunity to experience GoLink for themselves before the bus service changes go into effect, all 30 zones will be active beginning Dec. 6, 2021. 

GoLink riders can book and pay for trips with either the DART GoPass app or by calling. The free app is available from the Apple Store and Google Play.