Suburban cities and DART engaging in a battle over financial support: Can they reach a compromise?
The battle over the Dallas Area Rapid Transit's (DART) financial future hasn't cooled down just yet. After a group of North Texas lawmakers attempted to pass legislation that would've slashed DART's funding, things have gotten heated. With DART setting its sights on a self-imposed 5% cut, the agency is laying the groundwork for potential service changes—including trimming bus routes, scaling back on-demand GoLink zones, and lessening the frequency on the Trinity Rail Express. It's part of an ambitious plan to regain trust from dissatisfied member cities who've been pushing for deeper cuts to a system they perceive as underdelivering.
Pablo Arauz Peña, KERA's growth and infrastructure reporter, who's followed the DART funding saga since last year, spoke to Morning Edition's Andrew Garcia about the next moves. When Andrew asked about the failed bills and the current situation between both sides, Pablo noted the relief for DART but emphasized the agency's determination to collaborate with member cities on a mutual vision for DART's future.
City of Plano, the leading pushers of the legislation, are still keen on refining their contributions to the system, citing their disappointment in the legislature's inability to address DART reform. They haven't completely ruled out the possibility of leaving the system altogether. Meanwhile, Michael Morris, from the Regional Transportation Council, says regional leaders are strategizing over the next steps now that the session has ended. Tensions have been high, with Morris calling the past 12 months an intense, contentious period in the history of the region's transportation. He's advocating for a consensus-building process that might eventually result in compromise legislation in the next session, which all parties can agree upon.
This potential compromise legislation doesn't have a clear shape yet, but in March, the DART board approved a resolution to return 5% of its funds to what they call "donor cities" like Irving, Carrollton, and naturally, Plano. Though it's not as drastic as a 25% reduction, it would still result in service cuts like low-performing bus routes, GoLink zones, and Trinity Railway Express service.
The riders that Pablo spoke to are happy that the legislative battle hasn't resulted in immediate service cuts, but they're not exactly thrilled about the prospective service changes. DART's hosting public hearings at various member cities to discuss route cuts and services adjustments, but each change will require a series of meetings to make it happen.
Randall Bryant, who represents Dallas on the DART board, is eager to get all member cities around the table to work together on DART's future. "We need to do a better job of communicating, explaining where the money is going, and illustrating the real value of transit beyond just moving people from point A to point B," Bryant shared with Pablo.
With state Representative Matt Shaheen, who authored HB 3187, blaming DART's "bloated marketing department" for the bill's failure and threatening to file legislation again next session if DART continues to overcharge cities, the heat is still on. Nevertheless, DART remains crucial to the World Cup next year, with its resources, including buses and trains, set to transport fans to and from the AT&T stadium in Arlington. Dallas is hosting the International Broadcast Center downtown and Fan Fest at Fair Park, making the region one of the most-chosen host cities for nine games—more than any other North American city.
As Michael Morris at the Regional Transportation Council put it, the recent legislative battle cast a big question mark over DART's financial situation. Only time will tell whether DART can find a balanced solution to satisfy member cities and maintain its role as a vital transportation infrastructure for the region.
Pablo Arauz Peña is KERA's growth and infrastructure reporter. Have a tip? Email Pablo at [email protected].
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The ongoing debate over DART's financial future has sparked a stir in the transportation industry and even extended to the realm of finance and business, as the battle affects both the funding of the agency and its future operation. The failed legislative bills have highlighted the need for collaboration between DART and its member cities, particularly Plano, to form a mutual vision for DART's future and potentially negotiate compromise legislation in the next session.
