After years of debate about its merit and its cost, DART’s light rail starter system has been received warmly by area citizens and has exceeded expectations. Construction is in process on expansions to the system, and plans for additional lines are being considered. In order to upgrade and accelerate future light rail lines to Carrollton, Farmers Branch, North Irving, South Dallas, Fair Park, Pleasant Grove, and Rowlett, DART’s Board of Directors has called an election on August 12. DART will be asking voters to approve its proposed use of long-term financing. The agency currently finances its projects with short-term, five-year notes and bonds, which are backed by the one-cent local transit sales tax collected in the 13 DART member cities. If voters approve long-term financing, DART will issue notes and bonds repayable over 30 years. The one-cent tax will not increase, but the longer payout period will allow DART to reallocate its cash flow, enter construction contracts sooner than currently planned, and complete future projects an average of 4-5 years ahead of current schedules.

In addressing this financing issue, ASCE’s August speakers will describe how its approval would enhance current service plans and allow the construction of additional lines. These include a connection between downtown Garland and Rowlett and one from Irving’s Las Colinas to DFW Airport. Long-term financing would enable DART to extend rail to the airport by 2010, which is eight years sooner than today’s planned 2018 date. Approval of this new financing plan would also allow DART to continue improving bus services and hasten the construction of 110 miles of HOV lanes. See DART's Website for more info.

Mr. Thomas oversees the design and construction of all of DART’s major capital projects, including its light rail system. In addition, of course, to overseeing design and construction management performed by DART’s consultants, his department’s activities run the gamut from right-of-way acquisition to rail car manufacturing. A graduate of Texas Tech University with degrees in civil engineering and architecture, Mr. Thomas was a consulting engineer for nineteen years, which included a tenure as LAN’s program manager between 1996 and 1998 while the firm was DART’s General Engineering Consultant.