DART’s Silver Line Launches Saturday: Key Details on Plano-DFW Train
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is set to inaugurate its new Silver Line this weekend. This 26-mile train route connects key urban areas in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, enhancing transit options for residents and commuters.
Silver Line Connectivity and Route Details
The Silver Line travels from DFW International Airport to DART’s Shiloh Road Station in Plano. It serves three counties: Collin, Dallas, and Tarrant. The line boasts 10 stations and covers seven cities, providing vital connections to light rail, bus routes, and Trinity Metro TexRail.
- Start Date: Saturday
- Route Length: 26 miles
- Travel Time: Approximately one hour
- Free Rides: Available until November 8
- Operating Hours: 4 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily
- Peak Service Frequency: Every 30 minutes during weekdays from 5-9 a.m. and 2-8 p.m.
- Non-Peak Frequency: Every hour, weekends included
Economic Impact and Future Vision
DART CEO Nadine Lee emphasizes the Silver Line’s potential to drive economic growth. She envisions it as a solution to increasing congestion, providing essential transit access for residents in the northern regions of the service area.
Service Cuts and Community Engagement
While the Silver Line opens amid service cuts, DART aims to save $24 million annually through reduced schedules and discontinued routes. This decision follows significant proposed cuts earlier this year that faced public opposition.
On the day of the Silver Line’s launch, community celebrations will take place at each station from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. These events will feature games, food trucks, small vendors, and guided train tours. A free outdoor concert will wrap up the festivities at the 12th Street Station from 6-9 p.m.
- Community Celebration Hours: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Outdoor Concert: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at 12th Street Station
The opening also includes special ceremonies, such as dedications at stations highlighting local history. For instance, DART will showcase a series of installations featuring historical photos of the Douglass Community, one of Plano’s historically Black neighborhoods.
As DART continues to negotiate with member cities regarding service and funding, the Silver Line represents both a new beginning for public transport and a commitment to community development in the Dallas metro area.
