A System Just Out of Reach

West Dallas, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood within the city of Dallas, has recently faced transportation challenges tied to limited connectivity. While DART’s bus and rail network offers strong regional access, many residents lacked convenient ways to reach those services—creating barriers to daily destinations. Recognizing these gaps, DART saw an opportunity to expand equitable access, reduce reliance on personal vehicles, and invest more in sustainable, community-focused mobility.

Free, Electric Rides to Close the Gap

In 2020, DART, in partnership with the Toyota Mobility Foundation, launched an all-electric, on-demand microtransit service operated by Circuit. The pilot began in a 3-square-mile zone within West Dallas and was designed to provide free first/last mile rides to DART stations. Funded initially by a grant from the Toyota Mobility Foundation, the program launched within 90 days of the contract award. Vehicles—primarily low-speed GEM EVs—were driven by locally hired drivers, reinforcing community development goals. The service was seamlessly integrated with DARTs broader transit network and aimed to ensure that residents could now move freely and affordably. The focus was not just mobility, but equity: improving access for those who needed it most in a fast-growing urban area.

"I think the biggest success here is how this project with Circuit has not only been embraced by the community, but also by our partners. We're really thrilled to serve needs that weren't being served beforehand — getting kids to school, neighborhood trips for laundry, or getting to other DART stations."
- Kelli Gregory
Toyota Driving Possiblities

From Pilot to Proven Strategy

What began as a pilot has become a proven part of DART’s mobility strategy in West Dallas. Forty-five percent of all rides now connect to DART bus or rail stations. DART Ridership in West Dallas rebounded faster than other DART zones post COVID—driven in part by Circuit’s first/last mile service reconnecting residents to essential routes and destinations.

The program has been renewed every year since its launch in 2020, earning strong support from both DART and the community. In 2023, DART began co-funding the service based on its demonstrated success. In 2025, the agency committed to covering the majority of operating costs and supported the expansion of fleet to include Toyota sedans alongside GEM EVs—enabling longer-range trips and a more flexible rider experience.

The programs performance has reinforced the value of localized, equitable mictrotransit as a strategic tool for agencies looking to rebuild ridership, strengthen transit access, and invest in community-centered solutions.

A Blueprint for DART and Beyond

Backed by continued support from DART and Toyota, the West Dallas program has laid the foundation for further expansion within the DART network. As DART explores broader applications of this model, Circuit stands as a scalable blueprint not just for Dallas, but for transit agencies across the country seeking equitable transit solutions to enhance first/last mile connections.