A New Era for Love

Southwest Airlines reveals new out-of-state nonstop flights from Dallas Love Field

Southwest Airlines announced 15 new nonstop flights from Dallas Love Field. Five of those routes begin October 13.

Southwest Airlines has announced 15 new nonstop flights from Love Field to popular cities across the country. Since 1979, the Wright Amendment has restricted where Dallas Love Field could provide nonstop service. That act will be repealed in October, paving the way for a new era of air travel.

Five new flights will be available beginning October 13, with 10 additional cities joining the schedule on November 2. The first five cities are Baltimore/Washington, Denver, Las Vegas, Orlando and Chicago Midway. The second wave includes Atlanta, Nashville, Washington D.C., Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood, Los Angeles, New York, Phoenix, San Diego, Orange County/Santa Ana and Tampa.

"The official repeal of Wright Amendment federal flight restrictions signifies a turning point for the Southwest brand not just in Dallas, but from coast-to-coast," said Southwest Airlines president and CEO Gary Kelly in a statement.

"We are pleased to offer this new service to the customers of our home airport, who have waited 34 long years, and we thank the many, many folks who made this opportunity a reality. Goodbye, Wright Amendment. Hello, America!"

Southwest's February 3 announcement comes on the heels of news of its first international flights. Beginning July 1, Southwest will begin nonstop service from Atlanta to Aruba and Montego Bay; from Baltimore/Washington to Aruba, Nassau and Montego Bay; and from Orlando to Aruba and Montego Bay.

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DART News

DART launches scooter parking pilot program at 4 Dallas rail stations

DART

Scooter parking for DART

In a new pilot program, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is making room for scooters: According to a release, four DART stations will now have dedicated parking zones for scooters.

DART will unveil six designated scooter parking zones at four of its highest-traffic stations. Each of the zones will be specifically marked and provide a controlled space for users to park scooters, leaving them clear of walkways, platforms and rail or bus paths, where they can disrupt train and bus service.

The designated scooter parking zones can be found at:

CBD West Transit Center – just east and behind the bus shelter
Victory Station – next to tap and go pay stations along the walkway to the American Airlines Center and next to the southernmost crossing at the rail platform
EBJ/Union Station – on the sidewalk near the north and south entrances to Union Station
SMU/Mockingbird Station – next to bike racks along the walkway from station platform

The pilot program is expected to run a few months beginning in December.

DART will collaborate with the City of Dallas to process the data to scooter rental companies to ensure that the scooters are equipped with geofencing technology allowing the marking of their locations.

With motorized scooters becoming a common mode of "micro transit" for commuters, DART hopes to clear clutter and walking hazards for rail and bus customers, while also provide those who use scooters a quick and reliable way to access or park them.

“Whether people like them or not, scooters have become a popular form of transportation across our service area,” says DART VP of capital design and construction Trey Walker. “We’re acknowledging this fact while attempting to get ahead of scooter clutter at our stations with this pilot program. We want to ensure that our transit stations remain safe, and we continue to maximize efficiency with our train and bus operations.”

Scooter companies, Lime and Bird, are also partnering with DART to incorporate scooter locations near transit stations on the GoPass app, making it easier for riders to find scooters to utilize and complete their journey. DART staff will also monitor the usage of the scooter parking zones and gather public feedback regarding their effectiveness during the pilot.