DART secures federal grant for light-rail station accessibility upgrades

The funding awarded to DART comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program. Over $1.73 billion was awarded in the most recent BUILD grant cycle. DART will remove center crosswalks at eight light-rail station platforms on the Red and Blue lines. This will create a level boarding surface, improving access for those with limited mobility and passengers traveling with luggage, DART officials said in a press release. The grant will also fund upgrades to way-finding signage and security systems. Work will begin in early 2027 and occur in phases through 2030. "This grant funding continues our commitment to modernizing our entire system," said Trenise Winters, DART chief operating officer. "Upgrading these eight Southern Dallas stations means closing transit equity gaps and providing a smoother, safer journey for thousands of our passengers every day."