As North Texas enters its fourth day of cold temperatures and risky road conditions, DART sent an alert Thursday morning, announcing “major delays,” primarily on its rail lines.
“Please allow significant amount of travel time to reach your destination, and we recommend that you seek alternate transportation if you use rail services at this time,” the agency said in a 5 a.m. rider alert, with the bolded words.
With temperatures beginning to trickle slightly above freezing, some areas appeared to thaw Wednesday evening — only to refreeze overnight. In a Wednesday update, the agency said it planned to operate on normal schedules Thursday.
“The thaw that happened last night was great for the evening drive,” spokesman Gordon Shattles explained. “Unfortunately, everything refroze last night.”
Shattles said the refreeze impacted DART’s overhead electric lines as well as its switches. Crews have been on the ground since 2 a.m., attempting to clear the ice with blowtorches and de-icers, he added.
“At this time, please look for another form of transportation,” he said to riders looking to board the DART. He said he hopes rail lines return to normal in the next hour or so.
DART bus routes continue to be impacted by the slick and hazardous road conditions, which has been the case throughout the ice storm. Multiple site-specific shuttle services — including Baylor Shuttle, Gatalyn Park Shuttle and UTD Comet Cruiser — are operating with scheduling modifications Thursday.
DART Paratransit, which provides door-to-door transportation for people with medical disabilities, will only make “dialysis or medically related trips” on Thursday, the agency said in a news release. Paratransit services will resume Friday.
People who need dialysis or a medical trip can call 214-515-7272 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to make reservations.
In addition, some DART transit centers are open to keep riders safe and warm during the winter storm. These stations are fully staffed to help customers get to their destination and answer their questions.
“They’re all staffed, so definitely come inside, get out of that cold weather,” Shattles said. “Stay warm inside while you’re waiting for your bus to arrive or train.”
Stations open until 10 p.m. include Addison Transit Center, CBD East Transfer Center, CBD West Transfer Center, Cockrell Hill Transfer Location, Downtown Garland Station, Downtown Irving/Heritage Crossing Station, Illinois Station, J.B. Jackson Jr. Transit Center, Ledbetter Station, Parker Road Station and South Garland Transit Center.
Stations open until 5 p.m. include Lake June Station, Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center, Hampton Station, EBJ Union Station, Red Bird Transit Center, Arapaho Center Station, Cockrell Hill Transfer Location and Bernal/Singleton Transfer Location.
DART will notify riders of any schedule changes, including delays or suspended service, on its social media platforms, website and GoPass app.
DART reminds riders to dress in layers and cover exposed skin in order to avoid catching frostbite or hypothermia.