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DART Launching Express Bus Service In Mesquite

Beginning March 12 DART riders can board express buses at Mesquite's Hanby Stadium.
DART
Beginning March 12 DART riders can board express buses at Mesquite's Hanby Stadium.

In two weeks the Dallas Area Rapid Transit System will for the first time provide service for Mesquite. 

Mesquite is not part of DART, but the city has agreed to pay the transit agency $303,000 a year in exchange for Mesquite riders having access toDART’s buses and trains.

For seven dollars a day riders will be able to take an express bus from Mesquite’s Hanby Stadium to DART’s green line at the Lawnview station. 

From there Mesquite passengers can use the entire DART system.

Mesquite spokesman Wayne Larson says the service will be a bargain for many commuters.

Larson:  For seven bucks they can park at our park and ride facility in downtown Mesquite, grab a shuttle and access all of DART’s inventory and then come home. You’re saving the wear and tear of your vehicle and saving on gas and time.

Beginning March 12, the non-stop buses will depart Mesquite every half hour between 5:00 am and 9:00 am.  In the afternoon riders will be able to travel back to Mesquite from Dallas between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm

The agreement is DART’s first with a city outside the DART system.

Mesquite hopes this initial connection will eventually lead to the city’s participation in DART’s light rail system and to Mesquite becoming a gateway for regional rail transportation east of Dallas.  

For More Information :  http://www.cityofmesquite.com/compass/faq.php

Former KERA staffer Shelley Kofler was news director, managing editor and senior reporter. She is an award-winning reporter and television producer who previously served as the Austin bureau chief and legislative reporter for North Texas ABC affiliate WFAA-TV.