October 30, 2025 - TRA Newswire -

Three north Texas cities are aiming to pull out of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) services, a proposal that transit advocates say "would jeopardize vital transit services for thousands of riders both inside and outside their city who rely on DART every day to access jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services.

Those three are not the only ones unhappy with the transit provider. The city of Irving has expressed concern over bus routes that are scheduled to be cut in January, part of a DART restructuring plan to mollify other member cities that have complained they have been shorted on services for taxes paid to the agency. 

The city of Plano announced it would hold a special session to discuss if a ballot measure to withdraw service would be placed in May elections. This announcement comes on the heels of the very successful launch of Silver Line rail service between Plano and DFW International Airport. Farmers Branch and Highland Park are also looking at withdrawing from transit services.

The Dallas Area Transit Alliance (DATA), a grass-roots riders group, stands firmly opposed to the proposals, citing several reasons a pull-out of DART member cities is a bad idea.

DATA says that the cities will still have to use the sales tax revenue for years to come to pay off their portion of DART debt accrued by their city. There would be no tax relief for residents of those cities that abandon rail and bus service.

Riders and paratransit users who need critical care in Plano, Farmers Branch or Highland Park would no longer have access via DART to other facilities, according to DATA. In addition commuters who travel by bus or rail to their jobs outside of the those cities would be forced to drive, putting more strain on highway traffic.

The transit riders group also said residents would lose rail access to Stars and Mavericks games, concerts, theater and museums along the lines as well as to the State Fair of Texas. 

"DATA does not believe that what these city councils are proposing is in the best interest of their residents. If action is taken to put a DART pullout measure on a 2026 ballot, DATA will work to oppose it using all available resources. It is important for all city leaders to know that the riders do not want this and that participation in regional transit is a benefit to all, including Plano, Farmers Branch, and Highland Park."

Nadine Lee, CEO of the transit agency said "we obviously would be very concerned about the impacts it would have across our entire network of services for our riders." If cities vote to withdraw from DART, all services would stop.

The Dallas Area Transit Alliance (DATA) is a grassroots organization dedicated to preserving and advancing public transit in the service area of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Founded in 2024, DATA advocates for the continued funding and improvement of services, ensuring that all residents have access to safe, reliable, and efficient public transportation. It  is not affiliated with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) or any other transit or government agency.