DART Rail to debut new level boarding on all trains on Saturday

by PegNews wire

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The old-school way of boarding for the handicapped will be removed.

DALLAS — It’s easier than ever to step right on board a light rail train starting Saturday, November 6 when Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) marks the debut of level boarding at all light rail stations.

This transition follows two-and-a-half years of construction and station closures. Special use platforms or “high blocks,” which have served persons with disabilities and mobility challenges since the rail system opened in 1996, also will be removed from service, as these passengers begin utilizing the low-floor center doors in each train’s center section.

Each low-floor center section is equipped with two clearly marked areas designated to accommodate wheelchairs. Other passengers are expected to yield these spaces to customers with mobility needs, as they have previously at the front seats of the train. Near each space is a blue call button to alert the train operator when a person in one of these spaces requests a stop.

Trains at Green Line stations, the new Lake Highlands Blue Line station, and those in downtown Dallas will stop with the low-floor doors near the ticket vending machines to help customers who are blind or have other vision problems. At outlying Red and Blue line stations, the accessible entrances will align with the 8-inch high mini-platforms or “humps” that have been constructed.

More information on DART’s switch to level boarding can be found at the website or by calling DART Customer Service at 214.979.1111.

Source: DART

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