A new chapter In Dallas: DART launches world’s largest commingled ADA paratransit and microtransit service

DART has always been focused on finding new ways to serve its community, and now it’s taking another big step forward—this time with paratransit. As the operator of the largest microtransit system in the world, DART is preparing to launch a modern, flexible paratransit service in partnership with Spare, bringing a new level of convenience and reliability to riders who need it most.

This journey didn’t begin overnight. In 2018, DART partnered with Spare to explore innovative solutions for their on-demand GoLink service. The microtransit service, which optimized scheduling and routing for DART, was launched on Spare Platform in January 2020. For riders with poor transit access, it was a shift away from rigid fixed routes and schedules. Instead, they could request on-demand rides to get where they needed to go, when they needed to go. Whether heading to work, a doctor’s appointment, or running errands, microtransit offered greater convenience and flexibility, particularly for first- and last-mile connections. GoLink services were bolstered by brokering trips to Uber, increasing DART's capacity to deliver more rides at a lower cost.  

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‍GoLink’s Growth and Financial Impact

As the service grew, so did its impact. By 2023, DART had expanded its GoLink service to 30 zones, replacing underperforming fixed routes and making transit more efficient and effective for riders across the Dallas County area. Microtransit didn’t just provide better service; it also made financial sense. These underperforming fixed routes were costly, while microtransit significantly lowered expenses, leading to a reduction in subsidies by as much as 43% and allowing DART to serve more riders while being fiscally responsible.

In 2024, DART integrated Uber into its GoPass app, allowing riders to manage both fixed-route and demand-responsive services from a single place. This integration was part of DART’s ongoing effort to enhance convenience for its riders, making the service even more accessible and keeping GoPass at the center of the rider experience.

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‍Bringing Innovation to Paratransit

Now, DART is focused on modernizing its paratransit services, bringing the same level of innovation and flexibility to the riders who need it most. This new service, powered by Spare, will ensure paratransit users experience greater convenience, such as receiving alerts when their driver is nearby, saving time and reducing the uncertainty that often comes with traditional paratransit systems.

Our relationship with DART is strengthened by our partnership with Transdev, which was awarded the contract to operate all of DART's demand-responsive services in July 2024. Transdev has been a key player in ensuring the success of these services, with its deep commitment to delivering top-tier transit solutions. Together, we're working to ensure that the new paratransit service meets the needs of the community, providing reliable and equitable transit options for all.

The launch of DART’s paratransit service marks an exciting new chapter in public transit. As DART continues to lead the way, we’re proud to support its efforts in building a system that empowers every rider. This is not just about improving transit—it’s about transforming lives by making mobility more accessible and equitable for all.

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