Leaving DART is officially on the ballot for two North Texas cities. On Tuesday, city leaders in Highland Park and Farmers Branch approved holding special elections in May, when voters will decide whether to withdraw from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system.
Two other Dallas suburbs — Plano and Irving — could follow, sparking a growing debate over the future of public transportation in North Texas.
At a packed city council meeting in Farmers Branch, residents weighed in on what could become the biggest change to public transit in the region in more than four decades.
“I’m not against DART, but I think it’s a good time to reevaluate,” said resident Richard Jackson.
To participate in DART, member cities must commit half of their annual sales tax revenue to the system. But some city leaders say the cost no longer matches the service they receive.
“There has to be financial equity,” said Farmers Branch Mayor Terry Lynne. “The 1983 model it doesn’t work today.”
Highland Park’s council voted Tuesday morning to place a DART withdrawal measure on its May ballot. That evening, Farmers Branch followed suit with a 3-2 vote.
Some residents defended DART during the meeting.
“The DART Green Line is a treasure in Farmers Branch,” said Linda Nolan. “Farmers Branch citizens rely on DART to commute to work, to access medical care and for recreational activities.”
Others questioned the return on investment, noting Farmers Branch has spent nearly $500 million on DART since joining in 1983. According to DART data, about 120,000 rides originated in Farmers Branch during the first quarter of this year — down from more than 180,000 during the same period five years ago.
“This is the people’s town,” said Rick Johnson. “I applaud you for letting the people decide, and that’s what needs to happen.”
Randall Bryant, chair of the DART board, attended the meeting and urged the council to delay the election vote by 30 days.
“You don’t go file for a divorce and then ask to go to mediation,” Bryant said. “If it truly is a compromise you seek, seek it without the clouded weight of a withdrawal election actually happening.”
City officials said they’ve worked with DART for months but still have concerns about safety, cost and representation. Farmers Branch currently holds a half-vote on the DART board.
“We have been faithful since 1983, and we don’t have a full vote,” said Council Member Elizabeth Villafranca, who represents District 4. “And I don’t think that’s appropriate. I think that we need to have a seat at the table.”
While Farmers Branch moves forward with a vote, city leaders say they will continue to communicate with DART and also explore alternatives.
“It just doesn’t get any easier,” Lynne said. “We need safe and reliable and secure public transportation.”
DART has urged cities not to hold these withdrawal elections, stating: “The future of North Texas mobility depends on partnership.”
Plano’s city council is scheduled to vote Wednesday night on whether to set a May election. Irving’s council will consider the same move on Thursday.
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