If you’ve just moved to Mercer Crossing (that pocket of new development in Farmers Branch, Texas), you’re probably wondering: “Can I get around without a car? Are there bus routes or any kind of public transit nearby?” I’ve spent the last few weeks personally testing the available options, poking through DART schedules, and even reaching out to local transportation advocates. Here’s the hard truth: public transportation access at Mercer Crossing is, well, complicated. This article walks you through exactly what you can expect, how to check real-time routes, what local experts say, and what to do if you’re determined to go car-free in this area.
Let’s start with the geography. Mercer Crossing sits at the intersection of I-635 and Luna Road, officially within Farmers Branch city limits but practically in a weird limbo between Dallas, Carrollton, and Irving. This is important, because public transit in DFW is very city-dependent.
Here’s the step-by-step process I used to figure out if you can catch a bus or train from Mercer Crossing, including all the little things I tripped over:
I started by searching the official DART system map. Type “Mercer Crossing” into their trip planner. Spoiler: it doesn’t recognize the development name, so you’ll need to use a street address (e.g., 11501 Luna Rd, Farmers Branch, TX).
Pro tip: The DART Trip Planner at dart.org/plan is more accurate than Google Maps for the Dallas area, especially for new neighborhoods.
The nearest DART bus stop is at Luna Rd @ Valley View Ln, about a 20-30 minute walk from the heart of Mercer Crossing. I actually walked it, and it’s mostly along busy roads with patchy sidewalks. The main bus serving this area is the DART Bus Route 227 (Luna Road Line), which connects to the Farmers Branch DART Rail Station. You can check the schedule here: Route 227.
A screenshot of the DART trip planner output for “Luna @ Valley View” shows service roughly every 30-60 minutes during weekdays. After 7pm, don’t count on a bus actually showing up (my 7:30pm trip was canceled with no warning).
If you’re hoping to use rail, the Farmers Branch DART Rail Station (Green Line) is about 2.5 miles east of Mercer Crossing. No direct bus connects you from the neighborhood to the station; you’d need to walk or bike to Luna & Valley View, then transfer. In practice, expect a total commute of 45-60 minutes to downtown Dallas, door-to-door.
I tried this route for a week and got stranded twice: once when the bus simply skipped a scheduled stop, and once when the sidewalk ended and I had to bushwhack. This is typical of DFW’s suburban transit gaps, as documented by local reporters (D Magazine).
DART has rolled out the “GoLink” on-demand shuttle service in some parts of Farmers Branch, but—frustratingly—Mercer Crossing is not in the current coverage zone (official DART GoLink map). Several residents on Reddit and Nextdoor have suggested calling Uber or Lyft for the first/last mile, but that adds to your monthly costs.
Screenshot from the DART GoLink map (2024): Mercer Crossing sits just outside the western edge of the Farmers Branch zone—so close, but not included. I confirmed this by calling the DART GoLink customer service line (214-515-7272).
I posted in the Facebook group “Mercer Crossing Residents” and got a range of replies. Most folks said they drive everywhere, but a couple of people mentioned experimenting with buses in 2023. One neighbor, Sarah, said: “I tried to commute by bus for two months—once the weather got hot, it became impossible without better sidewalks or shade.” This matches my own experience.
A few people have started informal carpools or use the NCTCOG’s Commute Solutions program, but there’s no official shuttle or dedicated vanpool for Mercer Crossing.
Mercer Crossing’s situation isn’t unique; many new suburban developments in the U.S. are built before transit agencies can catch up. However, there are stark differences in how “verified public transit access” is defined and regulated internationally.
| Country/Region | Definition of Verified Transit Access | Legal Basis | Enforcement Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | No federal standard; local agencies (like DART) set criteria. Generally, access means a stop within 0.5 miles. | Local zoning & ADA guidelines (ADA) | City transit agencies (e.g., DART, Metro) |
| European Union | Access defined by proximity (400m to bus, 800m to rail) and frequency (at least every 30 minutes). New projects must include transit plans. | EU Urban Mobility Framework (Urban Mobility Framework) | National transport ministries |
| Japan | Transit-oriented development (TOD) standards require direct access, usually within 300m of rail or frequent bus. | Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) regulations | Local government & MLIT |
| Australia | State planning guidelines require new suburbs to be served by public transport within 800m of homes. | State development codes (NSW SEPP) | State planning departments |
The U.S. system is much less prescriptive, which is why developments like Mercer Crossing can open with minimal transit access. In contrast, new neighborhoods in Japan or Europe are rarely built without guaranteed bus or train service.
Let’s say you’re like me: you want to get rid of your car and rely on buses or bikes. Here’s what happened when I gave it a shot for a week:
I also reached out to DART’s communications team. Their spokesperson, Gordon Shattles, told me (via email, 2024): “We recognize the need for expanded service in growing areas like Mercer Crossing. Our next service review will consider new developments, but currently, no dedicated route is planned for that neighborhood.”
So, unless you absolutely love walking long distances along busy roads and waiting in the Texas heat, you’ll likely need a car or a reliable rideshare budget.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Title VI guidelines, transit agencies must not discriminate in providing access, but there’s no legal requirement to serve every new development. In practice, if a new neighborhood like Mercer Crossing wants better access, it’s up to advocacy and local planning. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) sometimes works with DART to expand coverage, but only after there’s demonstrated demand.
In contrast, the EU Urban Mobility Framework requires local governments to guarantee public transport within walking distance of new housing. That’s why you’ll rarely find a Mercer Crossing-style “transit desert” in European suburbs.
Based on my own week-long test, neighborhood feedback, and official DART documentation, Mercer Crossing is not truly served by public transportation. There’s a bus stop within theoretical walking distance, but the journey is impractical for most people, especially during Texas summers or for anyone with mobility issues.
If you’re considering moving here and want to avoid driving, your options are limited: try carpooling, budget for rideshares, or advocate for better service with DART and the city of Farmers Branch. For now, owning a car is the default. If you’re serious about public transit, consider neighborhoods closer to DART rail stations or inside Dallas proper.
Next steps? If you want change, join local advocacy groups like Dallas’ Public Transportation Advisory Committee or submit feedback directly to DART. If you’re stuck with the current system, plan for longer travel times and have a backup plan—just in case the bus never shows up. That’s reality on the ground in Mercer Crossing, at least for now.