As Arlington nears build-out, redevelopment will be a crucial issue. Rail stations, done right, attract development. Another point that Hughes made is that DART officials are much better at planning for economic development in conjunction with an expanding transit system. Rail stations become part of the development. DART involved local neighborhoods and artists in the planning.
Rail stations encourage commuters to stop, have a bite or a drink, before heading on.
At the same time, DART chose not to install public restrooms, as a way to discourage loitering and improve safety. This explains why people are much more likely to hop on a train than a bus. Although impressive, DART's current system is of little value to most Arlington residents, many of whom do not travel to Plano or Richardson. And residents would have to wait almost 15 years before ever getting on a train. Still, DART offers a glimpse of the possibilities of a quality rail operation with a good bus feeder system.