Dallas — Late Night Service May Be Trimmed

March 2014

The McKinney Avenue Transit Authority heritage trolley line in Dallas may be forced to trim late night service because of Uptown congestion, Dallas Morning News reports.

The popularity of both the McKinney Avenue Trolley and Uptown Dallas over the past two decades have contributed to each other’s success. Now the area's popularity is leading to streetcar delays. Cars waiting at valet parking stands and taxis waiting at taxi stands blocking the tracks can hold up streetcars for five or ten minutes according to Phil Cobb, CEO of MATA. The Authority is considering dropping trolley service between 10 pm and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Discussions will be held with local businesses and with riders before a decision is made. Trolley ridership has been growing due to the popoularity of Klyde Warren Park and increased numbers of residents and businesses in the area. MATA has been working to increase capacity on the line. A recently restored 50-seat car is being added to the line now and a car previously damaged in an accident will return to service during the spring.