Dallas Area Rapid Transit has approved $32.1 million to expand security and mental health support across its trains, buses, stations and facilities.
The DART Board of Directors voted April 28 to increase funding for transit security officer services for another year and extend its DART Cares program in partnership with Parkland Health. The investment maintains a visible security presence provided by trained officers who work alongside DART Police to enhance safety, protect infrastructure and assist riders through proactive engagement.
The funding also continues the DART Cares Multi-Disciplinary Response Team, which embeds licensed mental health clinicians from Parkland Health with DART police officers. The teams respond to individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health crises on the transit system. The goal is to connect vulnerable riders with shelters, treatment and community services rather than treating trains and buses as shelters of last resort.
DART officials describe the combined approach as a layered safety strategy that addresses both immediate security needs and underlying causes of issues on the system. The agency says recent security enhancements have contributed to a reduction in violent crime.
The approval comes as some North Texas cities weigh their participation in the DART system.
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The approval comes as some North Texas cities weigh their participation in the DART system.
The approval comes as some North Texas cities weigh their participation in the DART system.
