DART Red line expansion from Plano, TX

[terry.hall51]

I was in Anna, TX (north of McKinney) on Saturday, and the topic of DART expansion came up.  Does anyone have any information about plans to expand DART north of Plano?   

[Anonymous]

I was in Anna, TX (north of McKinney) on Saturday, and the topic of DART expansion came up.  Does anyone have any information about plans to expand DART north of Plano?   

The 2030 DART System Plan contains the following provisions regarding expansion of the light rail system as well as construction of additional heavy rail.  Expansion of the Red Line north of Plano does not appear in the plan.

Approximately 43 miles of additional rail service, including:

• A 2.9-mile extension of the Blue Line to UNT-Dallas
• A nearly 26-mile express rail line in the east-west Cotton Belt corridor from the Red Line to DFW International Airport.
• A Lake Highlands Station on the existing Blue Line
• A 4.3-mile light rail branch off the forthcoming Green Line along Scyene Road to approximately Masters Drive
• A 4.3-mile light rail extension of the Red Line south to Red Bird Lane
• A 6-mile rail line in West Dallas along Fort Worth Avenue or Singleton to Loop 12/Jefferson Boulevard

[terry.hall51]

Thank you, Samantha.  As the DFW megalopolis continues to expand, I can see the need for light rail expansion in this area.  Though US 75 is a great road, it is very congested from McKinney as one drives toward Dallas.  I can't see this problem improving unless Texans stop driving their vehicles, which is not likely. 

Concerning highways, Highway 289 (Preston Road) is in the process of being extended to Pottsboro, and that will help move people from the north Dallas area.