DART THROUGH DALLAS

The first segments of this rail system opened in 1996 and DART is expanding in several directions. This program covers two branches as they existed in summer, 2002. Starting at Ledbetter on the Blue Line and proceed down a center of road reservation in streetcar tradition, but with fewer but more elaborate stations. Next over a segment of the former Texas Electric and then our ride joins a Red Line segment and heads into town on former railroad right-of-way. Winding under the convention center then into Union Station where we see Trinity Railway Express RDCs. After that we run through the city center on streets, followed by a long high speed tunnel, with a station midway which connects with the McKinney Avenue streetcar. Finally switching to the Red Line and a much improved segment of yet another former railroad right-of-way. This segment approaches heavy rail with its multiple viaducts and grade separations. Our ride ends at Galatyn Park. The unique Dallas cars are designed for a 65 mph top speed, rather than the more common 55 mph. This capability is well utilized as much of the line is built for speed.

Video Running Time: 1 Hour 9 Minutes