DART Silver Line Set to Open, Linking Seven North Texas Cities and DFW Airport

The highly anticipated DART Silver Line is set to launch on Saturday, Oct. 25, unveiling a 26-mile commuter rail line that connects seven cities in North Texas with Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Officials are heralding this as a breakthrough for regional transportation.

A monumental $2.1 billion initiative, years in development, aims to link Plano, Richardson, Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, Grapevine, and DFW Airport, providing both residents and visitors with a dependable option to navigate bustling routes like Interstate 635.

“This initiative links communities, businesses, and the globe’s third-busiest airport in a smooth journey,” stated Nadine Lee, DART president and CEO, in a statement. “This represents a driving force for economic development and a move towards greater connectivity in North Texas.”

The Silver Line showcases contemporary Stadler trains equipped with USB charging ports, bike and luggage racks, and accessible boarding options for all passengers. Operations will commence every day starting at 4 a.m. The service is set to continue until 1 a.m., featuring trains that will run every 30 minutes during peak hours. Travel durations will vary, spanning from seven minutes to approximately one hour, based on the chosen location.

Passengers can purchase a three-hour pass for $3 or opt for an all-day ticket at the price of $6. DART officials announced that rides on the Silver Line will be complimentary from October 25 to November 8 to promote early usage. Tickets are available for purchase via the GoPass mobile application, GoPass cards at various retail locations, or through DART ticket vending machines.

The development of the Silver Line has a history that spans over four decades. DART spokesperson Laura Varela noted that conversations regarding a cross-regional commuter rail initiative commenced in the 1980s. The agency acquired land in the 1990s; however, construction faced numerous delays during the 2000s and 2010s. Construction officially commenced in 2021. The line was initially scheduled to launch in March 2023; however, challenges related to supply chains during the pandemic have delayed the project's completion until late 2025.

The anticipated operational expenses for the initial year are expected to surpass $25 million. DART projects that approximately 1,240 daily riders will utilize the line by 2040, a number anticipated to increase as nearby communities develop.

Officials celebrated the Silver Line as the most ambitious rail expansion in the region in decades, connecting employment hubs, entertainment areas, and one of the busiest airports globally along a single route.