DART opens Orange Line connection to DFW Airport station

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport today are opening the last Orange Line segment to the new DFW Airport Station.

The line connects the nation's longest light-rail system to the world's third-busiest airport, DART officials announced this morning.

DART, airport, local, state and federal officials participated in ribbon-cutting ceremonies Aug. 15 for the new line. DFW Airport built the station as part of its terminal renewal and improvement program, while DART's efforts focused on the line extension.

DART President and Executive Director Gary Thomas noted that sharing construction duties with the airport enabled DART to open the station in mid-August, four months earlier than scheduled.

The five-mile segment links newly renovated Terminal A and Belt Line Station, and accommodates continuing service to regional destinations, including Irving-Las Colinas, Dallas Market Center and downtown Dallas.

"With the DART Orange Line connecting DFW to downtown Dallas, DFW is now on a par with global hub airports that have integrated rail, which is a major selling point for customers and conventions," said DFW Airport Chief Executive Officer Sean Donohue.