DART Silver Line Opens: Connects Seven Cities and DFW Airport; Bolsters Regional Economic Development

Marking a major milestone for regional mobility, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) officially launched its Silver Line regional rail service Oct. 25, connecting seven cities across North Texas and linking directly to Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport.

The 26-mile Silver Line represents one of the most ambitious infrastructure investments in DART’s history—designed to reduce congestion, expand access to jobs and education, and strengthen the region’s multimodal transportation network. The new service links Plano, Richardson, Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, and Grapevine, offering a modern, reliable option for commuters, students, and travelers alike.

“The Silver Line is a centerpiece of our Point B vision to make DART your first-in-mind mobility partner,” said Nadine Lee, president & CEO. “By connecting key employment centers, neighborhoods, and the world’s third-busiest airport, this project will be a catalyst for economic growth, provide access to opportunity, and a seamless mobility experience that helps our region thrive.”

DART’s investment in rail continues to deliver tangible returns for the region. The agency’s earlier light rail corridors have already spurred billions of dollars in transit-oriented development around station areas. The Silver Line is expected to build on that momentum, stimulating new growth and strengthening local tax bases along its corridor.

Funded in part through FRA’s Railroad Rehabilitation and Improvement Financing (RRIF) program, the Silver Line exemplifies how innovative federal financing can help local agencies deliver large-scale, transformative projects. The program, administered by USDOT’s Build America Bureau, provides low-interest, long-term loans to support the construction or improvement of rail infrastructure and intermodal facilities.

The Silver Line introduces state-of-the-art Stadler trains equipped for comfort and accessibility, with features including bicycle and luggage racks, USB charging ports, and ADA-compliant boarding.

Each of the line’s 10 stations was developed in collaboration with the surrounding cities to reflect local character and community input, with design elements that emphasize safety, accessibility, and a welcoming passenger experience.

The Silver Line connects with DART’s light rail network, bus routes, and Trinity Metro’s TEXRail service, as well as DFW Airport terminals, providing a new level of integration for the growing North Texas transportation system. The line also links to the region’s expanding trail network, offering opportunities for riders to combine transit with walking, cycling, and recreation.

Originating from the long-planned Cotton Belt Corridor, the Silver Line represents years of coordinated regional planning to meet the needs of one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S.

APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas offered congratulatory remarks at the Oct. 25 opening event, noting how the Silver Line project exemplifies the importance of federal investment in public transit and passenger rail and how such investment is a driver of American manufacturing, job creation, tax generation, and economic growth.