Dallas Area Rapid Transit is launching Operation Access, described as the largest coordinated security engagement in its history, a 90-day demonstration focused on five light rail stations with the highest security incidents.
The initial phase will begin in late fall and run into the winter, focusing on Bachman, MLK Jr., Forest Lane, 8th & Corinth, and White Rock stations. Those locations were selected based on incident data and their coverage across rail lines entering and exiting downtown Dallas.
Teams consisting of DART Police Officers, Fare Enforcement Officers, and Transit Security Officers will conduct fare inspections and Code of Conduct enforcement at designated control points and aboard trains. The agency will introduce a controlled access pilot at specific stations to simulate a fare-gated system in areas with high rates of fare evasion.
"Safety is fundamental to everything we do at DART," said David Leininger, interim president and CEO. "Operation Access significantly increases our visible security presence while allowing us to gather the data necessary to determine what works and where we need to invest next."
The transit agency reported reducing crime against persons by 21 percent this year. The DART Board has approved $35 million for a camera system overhaul and improved cleaning and another $32 million for diversion programs to reduce repeat offenders on the system.
DART will use the 90-day demonstration to gather data and evaluate enforcement methods, staffing needs, passenger flow, and technology requirements. A second phase will be briefed to the DART Board on October 13 and will include a review of the feasibility of fare gating rail platforms, placing uniformed security in the first car of every train, and potential modifications to DART's fare policy and Rider Code of Conduct.