Lessons from Dallas Area Rapid Transport (DART)

I'm writing in from Dallas, Texas where I am currently on a couple of months Training assignment. I use the Commuter system called DART and found some interesting lessons that perhaps can be shared with the BMTC and Namma Metro folks who can implement what fits in with our city's ethos, viability and pre-determined plans.

Firstly the Trains are normal metro trains that have between 2 to 6 coaches depending on rush hour or not. The system utilizes light rail trains manufactured by Kinki Sharyo, with all trains converted to "Super" LRVs which feature level boarding (especially convenient for strollers and wheelchairs) and higher passenger capacity. I could be wrong but it looks like they run on standard guage. What is very interesting is that the stations are very ordinary and simple - clean yes but not elaborate. I think our Hi-Tech stations planned may be very fancy but they are an expensive infrastructure that would not be missed as I noticed in the dart system.

Tickets are sold through vending machines that accept various notes and coins and passes are available as single rides, day , weekly, monthly and annual passes. All passes can be used on the DART busses as well!

But the main reason of this blog is to showcase last mile connectivity that we are all debating about back home. The DART busses that begin at all stations run into the east and west neighbourhoods but interestingly they dont run back-and-forth from a station but actually loop in a way that they begin at one station and terminate at the other while going interior to the various areas. What this means is that commuters can use the bus at either direction to reach a station.

For example in context of our Metro, lets say you took a metro train and got off at the Ulsoor Station you would find a bus that began at the station headed towards ulsoor lake, naga theatre, commercial street, cubbon road and to the MG road station and back. Thereby allowing commuters to get in at either direction and reaching the metro station. I do this all the time here in Dallas - I dont look at the direction the bus is going - knowing fully well it terminates at a DART rail station.

Other interesting characteristics is the park and ride facilities, well communicated schedules and (well adhered to schedules). Dependability of the schedules etc.

In downtown Dallas the trains actually slow down and use the same roads that the cars use - the descpline is impeccable. I understand this is something we cannot really do back home but its just a note. The railway level crossings are automatic and very basic with just a small bar across the crossing - so it works fast and effeciently.