The details
The new security officers will provide “enhanced service” on DART’s light rail vehicles and platforms, along with the Trinity Railway Express, according to a news release. They will focus on monitoring violations to DART’s code of conduct and any unlawful activities on DART property.
The officers will add to DART’s already existing staff of 252 DART police officers and fare enforcement offers. Funded by the agency's Ridership Improvement Funds, the program will cost $15.3 million in its first year, a DART spokesperson said.
Quote of note
“Having a visible presence on as many of our vehicles as possible will be an important deterrent to misconduct, and I hope it also demonstrates our continued commitment to our customers to keep them safe,” DART Police Chief Charlie Cato stated in the news release.
Going forward
DART riders can expect to immediately see the new security officers being integrated, but DART officials expect the program to be fully staffed by mid-August.
The new security program is one of a series of planned DART security improvements that riders can expect over the next several months, according to the news release. Improvements will include technology enhancements, physical deterrents and collaborative partnerships.
