Full-Time

Police Telecommunicator

Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Dallas Area Rapid Transit

1,001-5,000 employees

Public transit agency: rail and bus

Compensation Overview

$64.9k - $107k/yr

Dallas, TX, USA

In Person

Category
Operations & Logistics (1)

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Requirements
  • A high school diploma or general education diploma (GED) is required.
  • The ability to type at 70 keys per minute is required.
  • The candidate must pass a computerized test evaluating job-related skills necessary in a dispatching environment.
  • The candidate must pass a physical medical examination, including a drug screen, to operate DART non-revenue vehicles.
  • Telecommunication certification by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement is required to perform police telecommunication services in Texas.
  • Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System terminal operator certification from the Texas Department of Public Safety must be obtained within six months of employment to access the National Crime Information Center and Texas Crime Information Center.
  • One year of certified police telecommunications experience is required.
  • The candidate must have interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
  • The candidate must have analytical skills to solve problems of limited complexity.
  • The candidate must be able to operate a two-way radio, including a base station and console.
  • Proficiency with a personal computer and software applications is required.
  • The candidate must successfully complete the selection process, including a fingerprint-based criminal records check, psychological evaluation, and background investigation.
Responsibilities
  • Receive requests for police services from DART bus dispatchers, rail controllers, bus and rail operators, and other sources.
  • Dispatch calls for service according to priority using a two-way radio to the nearest available field element within the assigned geographical area.
  • Serve as the communications link between DART Police, local 911 operators, and police and emergency dispatchers in other agencies.
  • Process field-element requests for assistance, including requests for local police, ambulance, fire department, and other services.
  • Record and maintain police logs, reports, statistics, activities, and other documents and files.
  • Prepare reports for management review.
  • Coordinate police telecommunication activities with other DART operations.
  • Monitor radio transmissions, assignments, markouts, and activity.
  • Receive requests for and provide DART Police information from the North Central Texas Crime Information Center, National Crime Information Center, and Texas Crime Information Center through the Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System.
  • Participate in emergency drills involving fires, evacuations, power failures, bomb threats, hazardous spills, and hostage situations.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Dallas Area Rapid Transit

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DART coordinates public transit services in North Texas, combining light rail, the TRE commuter rail, buses, and paratransit to move over 220,000 passengers daily across a 700-square-mile area. Riders plan trips via GoPass app, the DART Trip Planner online, or by calling Customer Information; staff help select routes, times, and transfers, with fare quotes. DART differentiates itself through its broad network and services that aim to be fast, comfortable, and economical, plus programs like the Annual Employer Pass (E-Pass) for employers to attract and retain workers and the Emergency Ride Home benefit that offers a free taxi ride if needed during the workday. The goal is to serve as a trusted guide for getting around North Texas, offering reliable transportation options for work, shopping, and leisure.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Dallas, Texas

Founded

N/A

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • July 22, 2026, USDOT granted $25 million for eight South Dallas station upgrades.
  • August 5, 2026, GoPass won METRO Magazine's Innovative Solutions Award, validating product leadership.
  • World Cup traffic and GoPass's 11-language support boost adoption across North Texas.

What critics are saying

  • April 4, 2026, DART terminated Nadine Lee, exposing board instability during transition.
  • FY2026 cuts already removed seven bus routes and reduced frequencies after a $35 million gap.
  • If member cities claw back sales-tax funding, DART loses density, riders, and political support.

What makes Dallas Area Rapid Transit unique

  • GoPass unifies 14 agencies, trip planning, payments, microtransit, and AI assistance.
  • DART runs light rail, TRE, buses, GoLink, and paratransit across 12 cities.
  • Nathaniel Ford starts October 26, bringing JTA, SFMTA, and MARTA transformation experience.

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Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Flexible Work Hours

Remote Work Options

Paid Vacation

Paid Holidays

401(k) Retirement Plan

Stock Options

Family Planning Benefits

Fertility Treatment Support

Professional Development Budget

Conference Attendance Budget

Wellness Program

Mental Health Support

Gym Membership

Phone/Internet Stipend

Home Office Stipend

Company News

Metro Magazine
Aug 5th, 2026
How DART's GoPass is redefining regional mobility.

How DART's GoPass is redefining regional mobility. Serving 14 transit agencies, GoPass simplifies multimodal travel by allowing riders to plan, pay for, and manage an entire trip through one app. August 5, 2026 5 min to read * GoPass integrates services from 14 different transit agencies, enhancing regional mobility options for users. * The app streamlines travel by allowing users to plan, pay, and manage their trips in one convenient platform. * Multimodal travel is facilitated through GoPass, simplifying the process of using various transport modes. *Summarized by AI For many transit riders, getting from point A to point B has long meant navigating a maze of separate transit agencies, fare systems, schedules, and mobile apps. As metropolitan regions expand and travel becomes increasingly multimodal, those fragmented experiences have become a significant obstacle to making public transportation more seamless and convenient. Recognizing the need for a better approach, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) developed GoPass, a unified mobility platform that brings trip planning, fare payment, real-time information, microtransit, paratransit, and regional transit services together in a single application. By integrating multiple transportation options into one digital experience, GoPass is helping redefine how riders plan, pay for, and complete their journeys across North Texas. Ad Loading... The platform's innovative approach recently earned DART and its supplier partner Kuba Pay a METRO Magazine Innovative Solutions Award. "It is an honor to see GoPass receive the METRO Innovative Solutions Award, and it is a testament to the work our team and partners continue to put into the platform," said Sejal Christian, DART's director of mobile fare systems. "Public transportation has become increasingly technology-forward, and we are seeing that evolution across transit systems of all sizes around the world." Rather than functioning solely as a mobile ticketing app, GoPass was designed as a complete mobility ecosystem. Riders can plan, book, pay for, and manage their entire journey on a single platform, eliminating the need to switch between multiple applications or to figure out which transit agency operates each segment of a trip. Today, the platform serves 14 transit agencies, demonstrating how technology can connect multiple providers while delivering a seamless customer experience. "We recognized that riders needed to be able to plan a trip, purchase fares, and manage their journey in one place, with systems that communicate seamlessly behind the scenes," Christian said. "The response to GoPass from both riders and transit agencies has shown that DART was not alone in experiencing this gap." Ad Loading... A vision years in the making. GoPass first launched in 2012, combining mobile trip planning with fare payment in a single app. In 2015, DART became one of the first transit agencies in the country to integrate Uber, Lyft, and Zipcar into the customer experience, helping bridge first- and last-mile connections during one of North Texas' busiest weekends. A Federal Transit Administration Mobility on Demand Sandbox Demonstration Grant accelerated that work, leading to the launch of DART's Unified Mobility Platform in 2018. Since then, GoPass has evolved into a comprehensive regional mobility solution with real-time trip planning, a mobile wallet, multimodal transportation options, and an expanding network of transit providers. "GoPass was created to close the gaps among trip planning, fare purchasing, and navigating the actual journey across the Dallas-Fort Worth region," Christian said. "DART recognized the need for a single, customer-focused solution that would simplify the entire travel experience. Riders want a reliable and convenient way to reach their destination." Creating that level of integration required more than new technology. It meant connecting systems that were never designed to communicate with one another. Ad Loading... Working alongside technology partner Kuba Pay, DART tackled the challenge of bringing together agencies with different fare structures, operating rules, and technology platforms. The objective was to hide that complexity from riders, allowing them to experience one simple, connected journey regardless of how many agencies or services were involved. Collaboration is key. The platform's success has also been driven by regional collaboration. Built in partnership with Trinity Metro and Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA), GoPass was designed from the outset to support multiple transit agencies. That flexibility has enabled the platform to expand well beyond North Texas while helping participating agencies share technology investments, collaborate on enhancements, and provide riders with a consistent experience across jurisdictional boundaries. "As North Texas continues to grow, riders don't think about agency boundaries," Christian said. "They simply want to get to work, school, a doctor's appointment, or a sporting event as easily as possible." Ad Loading... By sharing a common mobility platform, she added, participating agencies "avoid duplicating technology investments and can take advantage of ongoing enhancements, share expertise, and collaborative innovation." The benefits are especially apparent during major events. With North Texas recently hosting FIFA World Cup matches, GoPass was positioned as the primary mobility platform for visitors and residents alike. Available in 11 languages, the app guided users across multiple transit systems while highlighting venues, points of interest, and event-specific travel options. "The integrated regional experience allows GoPass to guide riders through the full journey without requiring them to understand the agencies and systems operating behind it," Christian said. "One of our biggest lessons since GoPass launched has been to simplify whenever possible. We do that by using the app ourselves, testing the complete rider journey, and listening closely to customer feedback." Ad Loading... A still evolving technology. GoPass continues to evolve with features including live journey tracking, multimodal trip planning, integrated microtransit booking, and an AI-powered chatbot that provides riders with real-time assistance throughout their journey. Looking ahead, DART plans to expand accessibility features, strengthen regional integrations, and introduce services such as parking, loyalty and rewards, trip sharing, and additional mobility options. "Live journey tracking is one of our most significant recent enhancements because it addresses one of the biggest concerns riders have: uncertainty," Christian said. "Moving forward, we are most excited about making GoPass even more connected, personalized, and proactive. The goal is for GoPass to support the rider from the moment they begin planning until they safely reach their destination." Receiving METRO Magazine's Innovative Solutions Award affirms what DART has been working toward for more than a decade: making public transportation feel less like a collection of independent systems and more like one connected network. "This recognition reinforces the growing importance of integrated mobility platforms and their role in making public transportation simpler, more connected, and more accessible," noted Christian. Ad Loading... As cities continue to embrace integrated mobility, GoPass offers a glimpse of what the future of transit can look like - one app, one journey, and a rider experience built around simplicity rather than system boundaries. *Summarized by AI Ad Loading...

Trains Magazine
Jul 23rd, 2026
Dallas Area Rapid Transit names new CEO.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit names new CEO. By Trains Staff | July 23, 2026 Ford, currently CEO of Jacksonville Transportation Authority, to join DART in October Get the newest photos, videos, stories, and more from Trains.com brands. Sign-up for email today! DALLAS - Nathaniel P. Ford has been named as CEO of Dallas Area Rapid Transit, the DART board has announced. He will join the agency on Oct. 28. Since 2012, Ford has been CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority, after previous CEO roles at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. A full biography is available at the JTA website. "Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organizational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains," DART Board Chair Randall Bryant said in a press release. "Today, we are turning the page. The board has made its decision and now it's time to get back to what matters most, serving the people of North Texas." Ford's background also includes serving as chair of the American Public Transportation Association and the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. D Magazine reports Ford was selected from a group of finalists that included Dee Leggett, director of business operations at Herzog Transit Services and a former DART chief development officer, and Monica Tellez-Fowler, CEO of the Central Ohio Transit Authority in the Columbus area. More than 100 candidates applied to replace Nadine Lee, who earlier this year said she would not seeking to renew her contract as CEO [see "Dallas Area Rapid Transit CEO to step down," Trains.com, March 26, 2026].

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
Jul 23rd, 2026
DART gets $25m in grants to upgrade South Dallas light rail stations.

DART gets $25m in grants to upgrade South Dallas light rail stations. DART wants to improve infrastructure and security at eight Red and Blue Line station platforms. By charles nichelson - published 4 hours ago - updated 4 hours ago. Dallas Area Rapid Transit is getting $25 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation to upgrade the Red and Blue Lines in South Dallas. DART is one of more than 100 public transportation projects getting more than $1.7B in grant money. The project will include the removal of center crosswalks at station platforms and leveling at eight South Dallas stations along DART's Red and Blue Lines. These improvements will provide level boarding and greater access, especially for those with limited mobility or traveling with luggage. Additionally, the grant will fund upgrades to signage and security systems to ensure a safer environment for passengers. "This grant funding continues our commitment to modernizing our entire system," said Trenise Winters, DART's Chief Operating Officer. "Upgrading these eight South Dallas stations means closing transit equity gaps and providing a smoother, safer journey for thousands of our passengers every day." The overall contribution from this grant ensures that DART's efforts to keep the system in a state of good repair can move forward without delay. Installation and upgrades will begin in 2027 and occur in phases through 2030.

ITS International
Jul 23rd, 2026
New CEO for Dart.

New CEO for Dart. Distinguished public transport leader Nat Ford to take over at Dallas Area Rapid Transit By Adam Hill July 23, 2026 Read time: 2 mins Dallas Area Rapid Transit (Dart) board of directors has appointed Nathaniel P. Ford as its next president & CEO. He will begin his new role on October 26 this year. CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) in Florida since 2012, Ford has also worked at Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) in New York, and was also CEO at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) in California, and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (Marta) in Georgia. "Mr. Ford brings decades of executive leadership in public transportation, a proven record of organisational transformation, and a deep understanding that transit is about much more than buses and trains," said Dart board chair Randall Bryant. "Today, we are turning the page. The board has made its decision and now it's time to get back to what matters most, serving the people of North Texas." Current interim president & CEO of Dart, David Leininger, will oversee the agency while the transition takes place. Ford beat two other candidates to the top job: Dee Leggett, director of business operations at Herzog Transit Services, who was formerly Dart's EVP & chief development officer; and Monica Tellez- Fowler, president/ CEO of Central Ohio Transit Authority. Interestingly, all three had a 'meet and greet' with members of the public, who provided feedback, as part of Dart's "commitment to transparency and community engagement". Ford has a reputation for innovation. JTA last year launched what it says is the first public transportation service powered by autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the US. Navi (Neighborhood Autonomous Vehicle Innovation) operates along a 3.5-mile route in Jacksonville along Bay Street, from residential areas through the business district to sports, dining and entertainment venues. The service consists of 14 electric Ford e-Transit vehicles, seating up to nine passengers, integrated with Oxa's automated driving system (ADS). At the time, Ford said: "Shared mobility will help solve transportation challenges and build communities by maximising independence and improving accessibility." A distinguished operator in the mass transit sector, he has numerous awards and appointments, including being chair of both the Transportation Research Board (TRB) and American Public Transportation Association (Apta) and being UITP's policy board national ambassador (USA). He was also named White House Champion of Change in Transportation by the US Department of Transportation in 2016.

Progressive Railroading
Jul 22nd, 2026
DART names Ford new president and CEO.

DART names Ford new president and CEO. The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) board has selected Nathaniel Ford Sr. to lead the agency as its next president and CEO, effective Oct. 26. Ford has served as CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority since 2012 and previously held CEO roles at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. He has decades of experience in the public transportation sector and a proven record of organization transportation, DART Chair Randall Bryant said in a press release. Ford has also been chair of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, chair of the American Public Transportation Association and Policy Board National Ambassador for the Union Internationale des Transports Publics. Former DART Chief Financial Officer David Leininger has held the role of DART CEO and president on an interim basis since May 4, following the April 4 termination of former President and CEO Nadine Lee after unsuccessful discussions on a separation agreement.