You may have seen or heard DART Silver Line trains traveling through the City. The trains are not ready for passengers but are undergoing testing to make sure they are properly functioning before opening to riders.
Late last month, DART began testing the Silver Line service between Plano and Richardson. At various times during the day, trains are running the full route between the two cities. During this time, several things are being tested including the speed of the trains and the crossing signals. DART also has flaggers on site to make sure drivers know when to safely cross the tracks.
The trains are sounding their horns to warn when passing during this testing period. However, when the trains officially open to passengers, the Silver Line will operate under quiet zone segments. In the quiet zones, trains will only sound their horn for safety reasons should something be on or near the tracks.
The 26-mile rail service will travel across seven cities, Plano, Richardson, Addison, Dallas, Carrollton, Coppell and Grapevine, with a final connection at the DFW Airport. Each vehicle has 230 seats including fixed seats, flip-up seats and multi-directional seats.
Riders traveling to the airport can use the overhead luggage racks, for small carry-ons and personal items, as well as the designated baggage areas for larger luggage. Those traveling with a bike will have access to the bicycle racks during their ride as well as phone chargers, tables and other upgraded features.
The Silver Line trains, powered by electric diesel multiple-unit-powered engines, will give riders a safe, comfortable and quiet ride. DART will have several security measures in place including CCTV cameras, daily inspections and tests, and regularly scheduled preventative maintenance.
DART expects the Silver Line service to be available to passengers beginning in late 2025 to early 2026. For more information about the service, its features or updates on the project’s status, visit www.DART.org/silverline.
