Public transportation

Cityplace/Uptown station repairs to disrupt DART rail lines this weekend

There are upcoming service disruptions to the Cityplace/Uptown DART tunnels

Photo courtesy of DART

There are some temporary service changes ahead for the DART Cityplace/Uptown station, due to scheduled routine maintenance. Disruptions will take place April 24-27 and again May 8-10.

Below is the full text of a news release from DART, outlining the changes:

"Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Blue, Red, and Orange Line passengers will experience temporary service adjustments over two weekends in late April and early May, due to scheduled maintenance inside the Cityplace/Uptown Station.

Beginning 7 pm Thursday, April 23, the Cityplace/Uptown Station Tunnel will be closed on both tracks, and a bus bridge will operate between Pearl/Arts District, Cityplace/Uptown, and SMU/Mockingbird stations until regular rail service resumes at 3 am on Friday, April 24.

Additional weekend work will impact the service as northbound track work between Pearl/Arts District and SMU/Mockingbird stations will occur from 10 pm Friday, April 24, through 3 am Monday, April 27, and southbound track between SMU/Mockingbird and Pearl/Arts District station will take place from 10 pm Friday, May 8, through 3 am Sunday, May 10. Passengers can expect delays during these periods as Red and Blue Line trains will operate on a single track.

Bus bridge service – buses running in each direction from affected stations – will run every 20 minutes in both directions during the Thursday closure, with DART staff on-site to assist passengers. Green Line service will not be affected, and Orange Line service will operate via the Green Line, providing service between Lawnview and DFW Airport stations.

DART crews will upgrade the fire alarm systems in the tunnels, enhance platform lighting, clean the platforms, and perform state-of-good repair projects throughout the tunnels during the scheduled closures. Additionally, crews will update and re-tension the overhead catenary system to improve the safety, reliability and speed of travel into and out of the the Cityplace/Uptown Station tunnels.

'We understand how important it is for our passengers to reach their destinations on time,' said Trey Walker, DART interim chief development officer. 'While suspending operations for maintenance is disruptive, these planned improvements are vital to ensuring a safer and more reliable experience for our customers.'

Once completed, passengers can expect a faster and more efficient trip through Cityplace/Uptown Station. The re-tensioned and upgraded OCS will improve connectivity for trains coming into and out of the tunnel, while the improved lighting and fire alarm system will provide upgraded safety.

Open since 2000 and located 120 feet underground, Cityplace/Uptown Station is the only 'subway-style' rail station in Texas. The station serves as the midway point between North Dallas and the Central Business District, with two 3.25-mile tunnels between the SMU/Mockingbird Station and just south of Routh Street.

Cityplace/Uptown Station is in the middle of an upgrade as part of DART Transform, the agency’s system modernization program which is aimed at improving passenger experience. Work began in April 2025 and includes the replacement of all six escalators and both inclinators in the three‑level station.

New Ticket Vending Machines have been installed on the mezzanine level, offering an easier way for passengers to purchase tickets. Cell service is coming to the platform later this year, allowing everyone to stay connected while waiting on their trains.

Work is progressing in phases, including a renovated interior of the station, with full completion expected in 2028.

For more information about DART Transform, visit www.DART.org/transform."

transportation dart

always be prepared

Texas tax holiday offers 3 days to stock disaster supplies tax-free

Fire extinguisher, emergency supplies tax free weekend Texas

Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash

Emergency supplies like fire extinguishers that cost less than $75 are eligible for a tax break this weekend.

The best time for Texas residents to stock up on supplies to prepare for natural disasters is coming up this weekend. The annual statewide Emergency Preparation Supplies Sales Tax Holiday runs from April 25-27, when Texans will be able to purchase critical emergency supplies — plus household necessities like batteries and fire extinguishers — tax-fee.

Shoppers can purchase certain emergency supplies tax-free starting at 12:01 am on Saturday, April 25, and the "holiday" runs until midnight on Monday, April 27. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items that can be purchased during the weekend, and purchases can be made in store, online, through the mail, and via custom order.

Saving on emergency supplies
Emergency preparation supplies must be purchased under certain price brackets to qualify for the tax exemption. For example, portable generators must have a sales price less than $3,000 to qualify for a tax break. Ladders and hurricane shutters that cost less than $300 also qualify.

Delivery, shipping, handling, and transportation charges are included in the sales price, according to the Comptroller. So if a shopper buys a $299 rescue ladder and is charged a $10 delivery fee, the total sales price for the purchase is $309, and tax would need to be paid for that sales price.

Additional items that qualify for a tax break as long as they cost less than $75 include:

Axes
Batteries – single or multipack (AAA cell, AA cell, C cell, D cell, 6 volt or 9 volt)
Carbon monoxide detectors
Fire extinguishers
First aid kits
Fuel containers
Ground anchor systems and tie-down kits
Hatchets
Ice products – including reusable and artificial ice
Light sources – including those that are battery operated or portable self-powered sources; candles, flashlights, and lanterns
Mobile telephone batteries and mobile telephone chargers
Non-electric can openers
Non-electric coolers and ice chests for food storage
Radios – including portable self-powered radios, battery operated radios, two-way radios, and weather band radios
Smoke detectors
Tarps and other plastic sheeting

The full list of qualifying items is available on The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts' website.

As a reminder, over-the-counter items like antibacterial hand sanitizer, soap, and spray and wipes are always exempt from sales tax if they are labeled with a "Drug Facts" panel in compliance with Food and Drug Administration regulations.

Non-qualifying items that will still be taxed
Medical masks, face masks, and gloves of any kind do not qualify for a tax exemption. Other taxable items including toilet paper, cleaning supplies (such as disinfectants and bleach wipes), vehicle or boat batteries, chainsaws, plywood, extension ladders, and stepladders. Camping equipment and supplies, including stoves and tents, are also not eligible for a tax break.

Additionally, any repair or replacement parts for emergency preparation supplies do not qualify for tax exemptions, and neither do any services that are performed on or related to those supplies.

What to do if a qualifying item is taxed during the holiday
If customers buy a tax-exempt item between April 25-27 and are still taxed, they may request a refund from the seller on the tax paid for the item. The seller can grant the refund to the buyer, or provide them with Form 00-985, Assignment to Right to Refund, which would allow the customer to file a claim for their refund through the Comptroller's website.

tax free weekend emergency supplies texas