Check out some recent updates about the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system, including Plano’s upcoming DART election, new rail service and transit fleet upgrades across the region.

1. Plano receives alternative transit report as DART vote approaches
Plano City Council received a split recommendation Dec. 16 from the Collin County Connects Committee on alternative transit options as voters prepare to decide the city’s future with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system in a May special election.

What happened: Director of Policy and Government Relations Andrew Fortune said half of the committee members participated in the rankings, while the other half chose not to submit rankings, citing questions about cost, coverage and paratransit and providing written comments instead.

2. DART receives $25 million for Cotton Belt Trail construction
The Texas Transportation Commission recently awarded DART $25 million for the next phase of construction on the Cotton Belt Trail.

The overview: The Cotton Belt Trail is a hike-and-bike trail that, once completed, will link a number of cities across the metroplex, stretching from Plano to Fort Worth.

Sugar - Sweets & Gelato is currently closed while the shop is under construction, with plans to reopen in February.

The Middle Eastern dessert shop is undergoing an expansion, including adding a larger kitchen. Sugar serves an assortment of house-made desserts, including gelato and baklava.

• Reopening February
• 1403 E Campbell Road, Ste. 110, Richardson

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport announced a request for proposal to add 14 new retail and dining locations in multiple terminals.

According to a news release, the airport concession program seeks local brands and flavors that represent North Texas tastes, character and creativity. The request for proposal is open through Feb. 2 for 11 food and beverage locations, and three specialty retail stores.

What they’re saying: “As we build new gates, reimagine existing spaces and construct a new Terminal F, DFW Airport is committed to showcasing our region through our shops and restaurants so that when people travel through our terminals, there’s no denying they have arrived in the heart of Dallas and Fort Worth,” said Ken Buchanan, DFW’s chief revenue officer.

The details: The concepts for food range from fast-food, fast-casual, grab-and-go concepts to frozen treats, popcorn, cosmetic and specialty retail, according to a news release. The locations will be in terminals A, B, E and F.

Through a new partnership with radiology software provider Civie, North Star Diagnostic Imaging has added new technology to all of the business's 15 locations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

How it works: The unified Radiology Information System uses artificial intelligence to reduce the administrative burden on physicians and provide an improved patient experience. According to a North Star Diagnostic Imaging news release, benefits of the technology include:

• Lower patient costs
• Faster imaging results
• Reduced wait times for scheduling and authorizations
• More time for providers to spend with patients