Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) opened its annual “Stuff A Bus” holiday donation drive on Monday, calling on North Texans to help families and seniors in need. The campaign runs from November 9 through December 11 and will fill a 40‑foot bus with unwrapped items such as winter hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, socks, toys, books, toiletries, non‑perishable foods, diapers, wipes and formula.
How to donate
Donors can drop off contributions at DARTMart, located at DART headquarters at 1401 Pacific Avenue in downtown Dallas, Monday‑Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A second collection point will be set up on December 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Bus near the Plaza by Patron on the west side of the American Airlines Center (2500 Victory Ave.) during a Dallas Mavericks game. An Amazon wish list also offers an online option for those who prefer to ship items.
Last year’s impact
In the previous year’s drive, DART filled two buses and gathered more than 350 blankets, 1,000 pairs of socks and thousands of personal‑care items. The Senior Source, a campaign partner, will help distribute donations to older North Texans.
Security proposals under review
At the same time DART is evaluating how to strengthen security on its trains and buses. One proposal calls for a Level IV‑trained personal protection officer to be present on every DART bus and train, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While the agency has not yet adopted or funded that standard, an October 13 committee briefing estimated the cost could be $9.5 million annually at regular pay, or $14.2 million with overtime, for a mixed uniformed‑security staffing plan that would combine police officers, fare‑enforcement officers and transit security officers.
A separate preliminary study projected $288.3 million for installing fare gates at 66 light‑rail stations. DART has not released a full operating cost for those gates or set a timetable for continuous onboard staffing.
Operation Access pilot
In September, DART announced “Operation Access,” a 90‑day demonstration slated for stations including Bachman, MLK Jr., Forest Lane, 8th & Corinth, and White Rock. The pilot would have police, fare‑enforcement personnel and transit security officers checking fares and enforcing the Rider Code of Conduct at controlled points and aboard trains. Although the agency expected the pilot to begin in late fall, public announcements have not confirmed its start date.
The demonstration is intended to assess enforcement practices, staffing levels, passenger flow and technology options. Key next steps include publishing results, clarifying which employees would hold Level IV credentials, identifying the costs of covering buses as well as trains, and determining whether the DART board will fund broader deployment.
Community response
Vice President of Public Relations Erin Myers said, “As a public service, giving back is at the heart of DART’s mission,” in the agency’s November 9 news release. Residents have expressed appreciation for the holiday drive and a desire for safe, reliable transit, especially during the winter months when many rely on public transportation to reach work, school and medical appointments.
While the security proposals involve significant investment, DART officials argue that a consistent, trained presence on vehicles and at stations can deter crime, protect vulnerable riders and maintain confidence in the system. The agency has not yet committed to funding the full Level IV coverage or the fare‑gate installation, but the ongoing dialogue reflects a proactive approach to rider safety.
Looking ahead
The holiday collection will conclude on December 11, and DART will continue to evaluate its security options. Community members are encouraged to contribute to the donation drive and stay informed about upcoming security updates through DART’s website and public meetings.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
