DART Approves $32.1M Transit Security Contract Dallas

DALLAS, USA – The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) board has approved a contract increase for its transit security officer services to an amount not to exceed $32.1 million. The board also extended its partnership with Parkland Health for a mental health crisis response team. These decisions follow a May 2 election where the municipality of Highland Park voted to withdraw from the DART system.

How Is the Funding Structured?

The approved funding includes a contract increase for uniformed transit security officers who work alongside DART Police to enhance system safety and provide customer support. Additionally, the board extended an agreement of an undisclosed value with Parkland Health to continue the DART Cares multi-disciplinary response team (MDRT) program. This program embeds mental health clinicians with police to connect individuals in crisis with social services, aiming to reduce the use of transit as a shelter.

Key Funding Data

How Does This Compare to Similar Funding Programs?

DART’s dual investment in physical security and mental health outreach reflects a growing strategy among U.S. transit agencies to address complex public safety challenges and improve the rider experience. While specific security budget data for peer agencies was not publicly available for direct comparison, the approach mirrors initiatives in other major cities that have also paired clinicians with law enforcement. This strategy is being implemented as national passenger rail ridership is seeing significant growth, with Amtrak reporting a 5% increase amid rising fuel costs (Source: NPR, 2026).

Editor’s Analysis

DART’s decision to bolster security and mental health services while simultaneously losing a member municipality highlights the dual pressures on regional transit. The investment is a strategic move to improve service quality and rider confidence in its core service area, aligning with a national trend of increased transit use driven by economic factors (Source: NPR, 2026). However, the withdrawal of Highland Park demonstrates the fragility of regional transit compacts, where the priorities of individual member cities can reshape a network’s footprint and funding base.

FAQ

Q: What is the purpose of the DART Cares MDRT program?
A: The MDRT program is a multi-disciplinary response team that pairs mental health clinicians from Parkland Health with DART Police. Its goal is to connect individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health crises with social services instead of pursuing enforcement action.

Q: What is the total value of the new agreements?
A: The security services contract was increased to an amount not to exceed $32.1 million. The specific financial value and duration of the agreement extension with Parkland Health for the MDRT program were not disclosed.

Q: Why is DART ending service in Highland Park?
A: DART is ending bus and paratransit services because residents of Highland Park voted to withdraw from the DART membership in a May 2, 2026, election. The other two municipalities on the ballot, Addison and University Park, voted to remain part of the system.