TX: Costs, Crime Rates and Riders: Five Charts that Show How People Use DART

Why It Matters

The data highlights fiscal pressures on DART and the need for service efficiency as member cities weigh continued contributions. Understanding ridership trends and safety concerns is crucial for regional mobility planning and future transit funding.

Key Takeaways

• DART ridership at 78% pre‑pandemic levels.
• Silver Line expects 10,000 daily riders by 2040.
• Bus subsidy $11.40 per passenger; rail $8.64 (2025).
• On‑time performance below 95% train, 85% bus targets.
• Crime reports down, but homicides and drug incidents rise.

Pulse Analysis

DART’s governance turmoil underscores a broader shift in American transit financing. The agency’s reliance on a one‑cent sales tax ties its budget to the fiscal health of member municipalities, many of which are questioning the value they receive. As ridership climbs back toward pre‑pandemic levels, DART’s data‑driven approach—using automated boarding counts for buses and trains—provides a clearer picture of demand, yet gaps remain, such as the manual counts still required for the Silver Line. This nuanced understanding is essential for policymakers weighing service adjustments or tax reforms.

Cost efficiency sits at the heart of the debate. In 2025, DART subsidized each bus trip by $11.40 and each light‑rail trip by $8.64, figures that suburban leaders cite when arguing for reduced contributions. The Silver Line, a 26‑mile connector to DFW Airport, illustrates both opportunity and expense: early manual counts show modest weekday usage, but projections of 10,000 daily riders by 2040 promise long‑term ridership growth that could justify the initial outlay. Balancing these subsidies against performance metrics—currently falling short of 95% on‑time arrivals for trains and 85% for buses—will shape future funding negotiations.

Safety perceptions remain a critical hurdle. While reported thefts and assaults have declined, DART Police note rising drug‑related incidents and five homicides in the last year, prompting a $25 million investment in surveillance and security upgrades. The disparity between statistical trends and public sentiment highlights the importance of transparent communication and rider engagement. As DART seeks to improve both actual security and the perception thereof, its ability to foster a safer environment will directly influence ridership confidence and, ultimately, the agency’s financial sustainability.