Program: Gary Thomas – President, DART The Cotton Belt Rail Line – The Next Regional Game Changer
Sponsor:  Texas Health Harris Methodist Southlake
Caterer: Brio Tuscan Grille


Gary C. Thomas is president/executive director of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). He is responsible for a 13-city transit system covering 700-square mile service area with bus, light rail, commuter rail, and paratransit services.

Under his leadership DART has doubled its light rail system - twice - to become the nation's longest at 93 miles. The agency has been recognized for innovation in developing a progressive clean fuels program for its bus fleet, advancing new models for local bus and paratransit service and customer-facing communication technology and service. DART is also a recognized leader in the global advancement of the Mobility as a Service (MaaS) movement with its use of targeted demand-response transit service matched with new customer tools for fare payment and trip planning.

Thomas administers the goals and policies of the DART Board of Directors and directs the agency's top managers and approximately 3,700 employees, emphasizing a strong customer focus. He works closely with service area city governments and the public in developing short- and long-term transportation and 
mobility goals.