Future plans call for a link from the Green Line to DFW International Airport to be completed in 2013. "We're still acquiring real estate for that line. We're preparing a budget for that work, but funding has not been fully secured," Lyons tells Globe St.com. Last October, he continues, the DART board of directors adopted an updated transit plan that recommends additional lines or extensions of existing lines to the west and south of the city, as well as a new line in the northern portion of the Metroplex.

According to Lyons, the existing light rail system, which encompasses 35 miles of track, has opened new areas to development and sparked redevelopment of several older districts. "We've seen repurposing of many older buildings and new buildings coming on line as a result of the trains. The Deep Ellum area has a lot of new shops and residential complexes. On the northwest side, around Victory Park, they've built the American Airlines Center and W Hotel. Farther out, the Design District, Market District and Medical District have all seen a boost in development," he says.

Lyons points to a study of local transit-oriented development by the University of North Texas that estimates the light-rail system has led to $3.3 billion in private development, with another $3.5 billion of projects in the development or planning stages, as proof of the system's value. "People are learning about the convenience about living and working near light rail," he says. "While developers are recognizing that building near light rail substantially increases the value of properties over the long term."