Extreme heat in Dallas forced DART to reduce light rail speed to prevent equipment damage
Dallas, Texas – Amid escalating temperatures, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has announced a temporary reduction in the velocity of its light rail service, effective since last Thursday. North Texas residents will notice certain Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) vehicles driving slightly differently because of the extreme heat hitting the area.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) slows light rail vehicles to avoid damages
Rail tracks, the lifeblood of any train service, are not immune to the ravages of searing heat. Their metallic composition makes them susceptible to significant thermal expansion, causing them to distort, flex, and, in the most severe cases, buckle under the intense temperatures. In addition, the scorching heat could precipitate complications within the intricate overhead wiring systems of the trains.
Under the prevailing circumstances, the speed of DART’s light rail vehicles will be restricted to a maximum of 30 miles per hour, in a precautionary move designed to mitigate the impact of the heat. Consequently, passengers should anticipate incremental delays, estimated to be in the range of 10 to 15 minutes, in light of the imposed velocity constraints.
“We encourage riders to allow extra travel time to make connections,” DART said in a statement Thursday.
The organization assures that it will perpetually monitor the prevailing weather patterns across North Texas. The vigilance is vital to safeguard the wellbeing of passengers and employees, as well as to assess if future velocity restrictions will be necessitated.
DART riders are encouraged to stay abreast with service modifications by subscribing to DART Alerts at www.dart.org. Alternatively, queries can be addressed to DART Customer Information at 214-979-1111. With these measures in place, the organization aims to keep disruption to a minimum during these testing times.
