Beneath the bustling streets of Dallas’ Uptown District lies a transportation marvel that few people know exists—Cityplace/Uptown Station. This underground subway station is not only a hidden gem in one of Dallas’ most vibrant neighborhoods but also holds the distinction of being the only underground subway station in the southern United States. As Dallas continues to grow into a major metropolitan hub, this station offers a glimpse into the city’s bold, transit-focused future. With the upcoming DART D2 Subway Program, Cityplace/Uptown Station represents the beginning of a new era in urban mobility, setting the stage for a more connected, accessible, and visionary Dallas.

A Brief History and Significance

Opened in 2000, Cityplace/Uptown Station is the only underground station in the DART system, making it a unique point of interest in the otherwise above-ground transit network. Located deep beneath North Central Expressway, this station serves as a crucial transit point on the Red, Blue, and Orange DART light rail lines. The construction of the station marked an ambitious moment in Dallas’ efforts to modernize and connect its neighborhoods, offering commuters, locals, and tourists easy access to key areas in and around the Uptown District.

With escalators reaching up to 120 feet long, Cityplace/Uptown Station is a feat of engineering. Its development was instrumental in the revitalization of the Uptown area, which has grown into one of the trendiest and most vibrant sections of the city. The station not only connects downtown to the suburbs but also serves as a vital link between various business, retail, and leisure spots within the bustling district itself.

What’s Around the Station: A Guide to Uptown’s Local Gems

Step out of the Cityplace/Uptown Station and you’ll find yourself in the heart of one of Dallas’ most happening neighborhoods. Whether you’re a food enthusiast, an art lover, or simply exploring the city, Uptown Dallas has something for everyone:

• West Village: Just steps from the station, this open-air shopping and dining district is a favorite among locals. West Village offers a variety of trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants, ranging from gourmet dining spots to laid-back coffee shops. It’s a perfect place to spend an afternoon people-watching or grabbing a bite after a day of exploring.
• Katy Trail: For those who enjoy outdoor activities, the Katy Trail is a popular jogging and biking path that runs through Uptown. It provides a scenic escape right in the middle of the city, with access points close to the station, making it easy to enjoy a workout or a leisurely walk through one of Dallas’ greenest urban spaces.
• McKinney Avenue Trolley: Not far from the station, the nostalgic McKinney Avenue Trolley runs free of charge, offering a charming way to explore Uptown and parts of downtown Dallas. With its vintage feel, the trolley is a fun way to see the area’s unique blend of historic and modern architecture.

Cityplace/Uptown Station connects you to all of this, and more, in mere minutes.

Connecting the DART System: Routes from Cityplace/Uptown Station

Cityplace/Uptown Station is not only an Uptown hub but also a gateway to the greater DART system. Whether you’re heading to work or looking to explore the rest of Dallas, you can hop on the Red, Blue, or Orange Line and find yourself anywhere from the Dallas Arts District to NorthPark Center or even further afield.

• Red Line: Traveling south, you can reach Downtown Dallas, West End, or even head toward Oak Cliff. If you’re traveling north, stops include Park Lane for shopping at NorthPark Center or Plano, which offers a charming historic downtown area.
• Blue Line: Head south toward the Dallas Zoo or connect to UNT Dallas. Going north, this line will take you to Garland and its surrounding areas, opening up another side of the Dallas metroplex for exploration.
• Orange Line: Connect to Dallas Love Field Airport, DFW International Airport, or head north toward Las Colinas and Irving. This makes the station incredibly convenient for anyone traveling to or from Dallas by air.

The Future of Subway Transit in Dallas: The DART D2 Program

While Cityplace/Uptown Station has been quietly and efficiently serving the area for years, Dallas’ subway ambitions are far from over. The future of the city’s transit system looks bright with DART’s D2 Subway Program. This program is a massive undertaking aimed at expanding underground transit in downtown Dallas, easing congestion, and better connecting different parts of the city.

The D2 Subway project will bring a second light rail alignment through downtown, mostly below ground, providing a direct and more efficient connection between Uptown and the downtown core. Set to include new stations and revamped infrastructure, D2 will significantly reduce travel times and congestion on the existing DART lines. This program is not only about improving commutes but also about preparing Dallas for future growth as the city continues to expand as a metropolitan powerhouse.

The D2 Subway is projected to have a transformative impact on the city’s mobility, giving residents and visitors alike more options for fast, reliable transit through the heart of Dallas. Cityplace/Uptown Station stands as a testament to how subway stations can quietly revolutionize an area, and with D2 on the horizon, the future of Dallas transit is more exciting than ever.

Conclusion: A Subway with a Bright Future

The hidden Cityplace/Uptown Station is not just a subway stop; it’s a key to exploring one of the most vibrant and dynamic neighborhoods in Dallas. As the city continues to grow, both locals and visitors will increasingly rely on innovative transit solutions like the D2 Subway to move quickly and efficiently around town. This once-overlooked station is now a cornerstone of the city’s infrastructure and will play a pivotal role in the exciting, transit-forward future that Dallas is building.

With future expansions, better connectivity, and stations that push the boundaries of modern transportation, Dallas is on track to become a model for urban transit. Cityplace/Uptown Station, hidden beneath the streets of Uptown, is just the beginning.

Find more info Below:

https://dartdaily.dart.org/home/flash-update-part-1-status-of-the-d2-subway

https://www.dart.org/about/news-and-events/newsreleases/newsrelease-detail/dallas-city-council-approves-dart-d2-subway-resolution-1576

https://enotrans.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Day-1-Kay-Shelton-MAX-2021-Ref-Book-2045-D2-1.pdf