Transportation advocates in Dallas are mobilizing to support the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, which provides essential bus and rail services across the region. Their efforts come as four cities—Highland Park, Farmers Branch, Plano, and Irving—consider withdrawing from DART, citing dissatisfaction with the level of service relative to their financial contributions. If these cities exit the system, it would not only halt services in those areas but could also result in millions of dollars in budget cuts that threaten the viability of DART as a whole.
The potential withdrawal poses significant challenges for public transportation in the Dallas area. For many residents, DART is their primary means of transportation, facilitating commutes to work, school, and essential appointments. Advocates warn that the ramifications extend beyond public transit; they could diminish mobility options for all residents, particularly those who rely on transit to access opportunities.
Irving and Plano are both contemplating local elections regarding their involvement with DART. City officials have stated that they will “explore” alternative mobility solutions if they decide to withdraw. The original formation of DART was contingent upon local cities committing to the transit project in exchange for federal highway funding, and a withdrawal could jeopardize future funding opportunities for the remaining member cities.
A significant portion of DART’s revenue is generated from a one-cent sales and use tax levied by member cities. This financial structure underscores the interconnectedness of public transportation and regional economic stability. Cities like Garland and Richardson have publicly voiced their support for DART, highlighting the importance of maintaining a robust transit system.
Advocates from organizations such as BikeDFW emphasize that weakening transit infrastructure undermines connections between neighborhoods and hampers access to vital resources. They point out that while DART may not be flawless, it represents one of the few comprehensive regional transit networks in Texas, linking 13 cities through various modes of transport.
A statement from the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) reiterated the significance of public transit, especially as the region’s population is projected to reach 12.4 million by 2050. The NCTCOG stressed the importance of ensuring seamless transit services for residents in member cities, stating, “It is essential that those who live, work, and go to school in cities that are members of a transit system today are provided with a seamless transit service that works for them.”
In light of these developments, advocates encourage residents to contact their city council members in Highland Park, Farmers Branch, Plano, and Irving to express their support for DART. Upcoming meetings in these cities are scheduled as follows:
– Highland Park: November 4, 2023, at 08:00
– Farmers Branch: November 4, 2023, at 18:00, at Farmers Branch City Hall
– Plano: November 5, 2023, at 17:00, at Plano City Hall
– Irving: November 6, 2023, at 19:00, at Irving City Hall
The outcome of these discussions will have lasting implications for the future of public transportation in the Dallas region, impacting not just transit routes but also the fundamental ability of residents to connect with their communities.
