DART Proposes $288M Fare Gate Project for Rail Stations
Dallas businesses should anticipate new controlled-access gate systems at 66 light rail stations starting in 2028.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Remote Work
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Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has proposed a $288.3 million plan to install fare gates at 66 light rail stations. The multi-year project, which includes plans for increased security staffing, aims to phase in controlled access between 2028 and 2031.
Why it matters
The proposal introduces significant capital expenditure and potential shifts in transit security operational models for Dallas employers. Businesses relying on DART for employee commuting should track these costs and the impact on daily station access.
DART estimates the station fare gate project at $288.3 million, covering 66 light rail stations with $43.7 million specifically allocated for gates and software. The agency is also planning for 150 transit security officers, with annual staffing costs estimated between $9.5 million and $14.2 million.
The players
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
The public transit agency providing bus and light rail services across the Dallas area.
The details
The capital project encompasses $161.5 million in station modifications alongside design and reserve funds. Under the proposed security model, DART intends to assign two 10-hour shifts daily, utilizing a combination of 35 police officers, 23 fare enforcement officers, and 26 transit security officers per shift. Texas law prohibits fare enforcement staff from carrying weapons, adding a specific compliance dynamic to the staffing strategy.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: DART board approved the fiscal year 2027 budget.
October 27, 2026: DART board held a Special Committee briefing on security.
December 2028: Tentative schedule for a four-to-six-gate demonstration.
December 2031: Projected end date for general gate deployment.
Market Landscape
DART's security model must strictly follow Texas Transportation Code Section 452.0612, which mandates that fare enforcement officers perform their duties without weapons. This constraint shapes the agency's reliance on a mix of police and non-armed personnel to manage station access.
Dallas business owners should evaluate how future gate installations may impact the transit reliability and morning commute times of their staff. Monitor upcoming board briefings to track if capital budget allocations for security staffing result in local transit service changes.
The takeaway
The move toward gated transit stations marks a significant shift in infrastructure that will influence how employees access downtown offices. Operators should monitor the progress of the late-fall 2026 station demonstration to gauge potential effects on employee commute efficiency.
What happens next
DART will initiate a 90-day demonstration of controlled access at five stations beginning in late fall 2026, followed by a potential four-to-six-gate demonstration in December 2028.
Further reading
For broader trends affecting how employees commute and navigate local transit, see our Remote Work section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Dallas Express.
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Should your local transit agency prioritize installing fare gates over increasing onboard security personnel?
