DALLAS, Texas — Dallas Area Rapid Transit is expanding security services and extending a mental health response program as part of a broader effort to improve safety for riders and employees across its transit system, officials announced.
The DART Board of Directors approved a contract modification increasing funding for transit security officer services to a total not-to-exceed amount of $32.1 million. Officials said the investment will ensure a continuous and visible security presence across buses, trains, stations and other facilities throughout the system.
“These actions reflect the real, tangible steps we are taking to address those concerns head-on,” said DART Board Chairman Randall Bryant. “By increasing our security presence and investing in smarter, more responsive safety strategies, we are demonstrating our commitment to making the DART system safer for everyone who relies on it every day.”
DART officials said security personnel will operate around the clock, working alongside DART Police to protect infrastructure, assist riders and provide consistent coverage regardless of weather or operational challenges.
In addition to increased security, the board approved a five-month extension of DART’s partnership with Parkland Health to continue the DART Cares Multi-Disciplinary Response Team. The program pairs mental health clinicians with police officers to respond to individuals experiencing homelessness or mental health crises on the transit system.
“Public safety is not just about enforcement, it’s about understanding and addressing the root causes of what we see in our system every day,” said DART Police Chief Charles Cato. “By pairing officers with mental health professionals, we are creating safer outcomes for everyone, our riders, our employees, and the individuals who need help the most.”
Officials said the DART Cares program is designed to reduce reliance on transit as a shelter of last resort while connecting individuals to appropriate care and community-based services. The initiative has been implemented in coordination with regional partners and continues to serve as a model for collaborative transit safety efforts.
The agency said the investments build on existing safety measures, including thousands of surveillance cameras, centralized monitoring and coordination with regional law enforcement partners. Officials noted these efforts have contributed to a reduction in violent crime across the system.
DART said the combined approach emphasizes prevention, visibility and intervention, aiming to create a transit environment that is both secure and responsive to the needs of the community.
