PUBLIC, PRIVATE EFFORTS IMPROVE DALLAS TRANSIT

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), to increase the quality and efficiency of its bus operations, has started contracting services to a private operator. Trailways Commuter Transit, Inc., has operated and maintained a suburban commuter express bus service since September 1984 and now handles 42,000 riders weekly with 88 coaches on 11 routes. This so-called DART I contract was for $15.5 million for the first year and has been renewed for $21 million for the second year. A second contract, DART II, will provide regular route local and crosstown transit for Dallas suburbs at an annual cost of $103.5 million starting the autumn of 1985. On this 5-year contract Trailways expects to make a profit while providing high-quality new equipment and saving DART tax dollars. The bus operator is subcontracting maintenance to Ryder Truck Rental which is using its existing Dallas facilities for the work. DART II will involve operation of 205 transit buses on 52 routes. The Dallas Transit System also operates 688 other buses within Dallas city limits. Transit in the Dallas region is funded by a 1 percent sales tax. Advantages of the privatization being undertaken include flexibility in establishing work rules for a new operation; maintenance productivity; and lower overhead. Dallas contracting complies with federal mandate that public agencies consider private contractors when planning changes involving new or existing transit systems. Ultimately DART plans also to build 160 miles of light-rail transit. Presently their contractor, Trailways, is seeking additional contracts with other public transit agencies.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/100980083
• Corporate Authors:

  Bobit Publishing Company

  2500 Artesia Boulevard
  Redondo Beach, CA  United States  90278
• Authors:
  • Dodd, J M
• Publication Date: 1985-9

Media Info

• Features: Photos;
• Pagination: 4 p.
• Serial:
  • Metro
  • Volume: 81
  • Issue Number: 5
  • Publisher: Bobit Publishing Company
  • ISSN: 10098-0083

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bus transit; Contracting; Cost control; Maintenance practices; Private enterprise; Productivity; Public transit; Sales tax; Transit operating agencies
• Geographic Terms: Dallas (Texas)
• Old TRIS Terms: Bus services
• Subject Areas: Administration and Management; Maintenance and Preservation; Public Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00451130
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Nov 30 1985 12:00AM