DALLAS — The bag lady is no longer in danger of missing her bus -- not in 2024, not if Erykah Badu and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) have anything to say about it.
Throughout 2024, the Grammy Award-winning Dallas-based neo-soul musician and her hometown public transportation agency will team up for a collaboration in which DART will dedicate three of its buses and two of its light rail trains to Badu's honor.
After being formally rolled out for use in February, these buses and rail cars will feature images of Badu, along with artwork designed by the fashion icon, as they move about and carry passengers throughout the city.
In other words, you'll soon be able to sit in a window seat on Badu-approved and themed public transportation.
"Collabing with DART has been fun -- new for me and new for them," Badu said in a statement about working with the transit agency. "I love my hometown, and riding DART is still cool."
Badu's DART designs will be officially unveiled on Saturday, Feb. 24, as she hosts her annual (and generally guest star-filled) birthday bash performance at the Deep Ellum music venue The Factory. (Badu will officially turn 53 on Feb. 26.)
In advance of that event, DART (which itself just turned 40 last year) and Badu are hosting a sweepstakes in which DART riders from throughout North Texas can enter for the chance to win one of four prize packs that include plus-one VIP entrance and access to Badu's big bash, plus an exclusive swag bag and a monthly DART pass.
Winners will also be among the first to see the Badu-designed buses and rails in person.
"DART is thrilled to partner with Erykah Badu for our yearlong collaboration celebrating all that North Texas has to offer," DART president and CEO Nadine Lee said in a statement. "As a Dallas native, Erykah Badu has inspired so many people. From her many awards and accolades to everything she’s given back to our communities, we’re honored to celebrate her many successes."
As part of the joint campaign with DART, Badu released the following list of beloved Dallas destinations -- including her high school alma mater -- all of which are accessible by public transportation.
