DART Proposes $288 Million Fare Gate Installation

The transit agency outlines a multi-year plan to install fare gates across 66 light rail stations in Dallas.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Remote Work

Bold vector editorial illustration of a pair of stainless steel turnstile gates on a clean, empty transit platform. — Dallas Area Rapid Transit has proposed a $288.3 million project to install fare gates across 66 light rail stations to modernize access. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local transit agency prioritize installing fare gates over increasing onboard security personnel?

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has released a $288.3 million preliminary construction estimate to install fare gates across its 66 light rail stations. The project aims to modernize station access, though finalized security deployment schedules remain pending.

Why it matters

The proposal addresses security concerns and operational oversight, representing a significant capital commitment for the transit agency. Its success depends on navigating complex staffing requirements and long-term funding for transit security personnel.

The $288.3 million project includes $161.5 million for station work, $43.7 million for gates and software, and $8.4 million in reserves. Annual staffing for the proposed security model is estimated between $9.5 million and $14.2 million.

The players

DART

Dallas Area Rapid Transit is the public transportation agency providing light rail, bus, and paratransit services in the Dallas metropolitan area.

The details

The plan details an extensive multi-year rollout, with a limited demonstration project featuring four to six gates slated for late 2028. Beyond construction, the agency is modeling a new security structure that would require dozens of transit officers per shift.

September 22, 2026: The DART board approved the fiscal year 2027 budget.
October 13, 2026: DART released internal appendix materials detailing costs and staffing models.
October 27, 2026: The DART board convened for a Special Committee briefing on security.
December 2028: A four-to-six-gate demonstration is tentatively scheduled.
December 2031: The projected completion date for the general gate deployment across the system.

Market Landscape

The deployment of station fare gates represents a transition toward controlled access, aligning the agency with other major metropolitan transit systems. The project is constrained by Texas Transportation Code Section 452.0612, which mandates specific restrictions on the armament of transit fare enforcement officers.

Commuters should anticipate significant infrastructure changes at light rail stations that will eventually require proof of fare for platform entry. The agency is also planning a 90-day pilot demonstration at five stations starting in late fall to test the impact of controlled access.

The takeaway

The multi-million dollar proposal highlights the high cost of upgrading legacy public transit infrastructure for modern security. Passengers should prepare for long-term construction projects that will gradually change how they access the regional light rail network through 2031.