Gene Gamez

The board discussed and approved several operational and administrative items, including the extension of GoPass application licensing, renewal of rail operating liability insurance, and various contracts for bus wash repairs, bus fleet engine parts, rail intercom components, and building maintenance. Additional approvals were granted for rail maintenance, positive train control hosting agreements, FIFA World Cup support for Trinity Railway Express, and shuttle services with the University of Texas at Dallas. The board also authorized a property conveyance related to the Silver Line Regional Rail Project, approved the 2026 meeting schedule, renewed property insurance policies, and extended an interlocal agreement with Parkland Health for mental health clinician support. Finally, the board conducted the election of new officers for the upcoming term and heard public comments on topics such as customer service, ADA accommodations, and project suggestions.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several key business and administrative items. Topics included the recognition of former Board members, the adoption of FY 2026 goals and performance measures for the Chief Audit Officer, Board Administrator, and General Counsel. The board approved interlocal agreements for mobile application licensing, various service contracts for uniform services, bus lift refurbishment, commuter rail equipment leases, and escalator replacements. Additionally, the board approved contract modifications for the Silver Line Regional Rail Project and addressed amendments to the Board Rules of Procedure and various DART service policies. Public comments regarding mobility plans and transit services were also received.

The board meeting included the election of a new Board Vice Chair and received public comments on bus route modifications, transit safety, and service improvements. The board approved several contracts, including engine lubricating oil, light rail disc brake shoes, and transit security officer services. Development projects were advanced through the approval of a water line easement and modifications for the Silver Line Equipment Maintenance Facility and the Silver Line Regional Rail Project. Additionally, the board approved financial standards for the upcoming budget, strategic communications services, supplemental on-demand ride-share services, and updates to software subscription and implementation contracts for time and attendance modules.

The board addressed procedural matters including the Pledge of Allegiance and public comment sessions. A key action item was the unanimous approval of Resolution 250084, which authorizes the distribution of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Budget and 20-Year Financial Plan to the governing bodies of municipalities within the DART service area for their review.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed various administrative, operational, and development items. Key topics included the approval of a Medicare Advantage PPO plan for retirees, an increase in funding for employee and retiree life and accidental death insurance, and a second interlocal agreement with STAR Transit for GoPass licensing. The Board also approved maintenance contracts for data integration tools and rail testing services, as well as modifications to fire system inspection and commuter rail overhaul contracts. Additionally, the Board authorized the sale of surplus properties, approved a contract modification for fiber-optic cable installation, elected a new Assistant Secretary, and conducted a public hearing regarding potential service and fare changes for the following year.