DART - Systems Modernization

Overview

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), one of the nation’s largest multimodal transit agencies, is undertaking a comprehensive, multi-year Systems Modernization Program to renew and strengthen its aging transit infrastructure while maintaining day-to-day service reliability across North Texas. The program supports DART’s broader modernization initiative—often referred to as DART Transform—which is focused on improving vehicles, stations, operating facilities, resiliency, and core systems to meet current performance needs and future ridership demand.

The Systems Modernization Program addresses assets that have reached the end of their original service life, including rail infrastructure, stations, operating facilities, and supporting technologies. Program objectives include improving system reliability, increasing capacity and accessibility, enhancing the passenger experience, and preparing the network for evolving technologies and long-term regional growth.
The initiative spans the DART service area and includes upgrades to rail lines, stations, and bus and operating facilities. Key elements of the modernization effort include:

• Replacement and      rehabilitation of aging infrastructure to improve safety and service      reliability
• Implementation of      modern technologies, including upgraded fare systems and real-time service      information
• Station and      facility enhancements to improve accessibility and passenger experience
• System      improvements that support operational resiliency and continuity of service      during construction activities.

Wescom Solutions – Project Role

Wescom Solutions provides operations-focused program support for the DART Systems Modernization effort, serving as a critical coordination link between DART operations, design teams, and construction contractors. Wescom’s role is centered on protecting revenue service while enabling complex infrastructure improvements to move forward efficiently.

Throughout the program lifecycle, Wescom supports DART by aligning construction activities with operational requirements, ensuring that modernization work is planned and executed in a way that minimizes service disruptions. This includes developing and managing track outage plans, coordinating construction staging, and supporting schedule integration to maintain consistency between field activities and operational needs.

A key focus of Wescom’s work is bridging the gap between design intent and real-world operations. By working closely with DART staff and project stakeholders, Wescom helps ensure that infrastructure upgrades are testable, commissionable, and ready for a successful return to revenue service. This approach supports smoother system integration, reduces the risk of unplanned service impacts, and promotes cost and schedule discipline during construction and commissioning.

Project Significance

Through hands-on coordination and operations support, Wescom Solutions helps DART advance a complex modernization program while maintaining safe, reliable transit service for customers. The Systems Modernization Program is a long-term investment in the region’s transportation network, supporting DART’s mission to deliver efficient, accessible, and sustainable public transit for North Texas today and into the future .