The ongoing turbulence surrounding funding for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has reached a pivotal moment as local leaders and transport officials reevaluate their strategies following a drawn-out legislative battle.
House Bill 3187, which proposed a 25% funding cut for DART, failed to meet a state committee deadline in May.
The bill, authored by state Rep. Matt Shaheen (R-Plano), did not receive a response to inquiries from KERA regarding its intentions.
An identical Senate bill also languished in committee, lacking the necessary support to progress further.
Michael Morris, the director for the Regional Transportation Council, emphasized that both DART and its member cities should be discontent with the implications of HB3187, even though it ultimately did not pass.
“Over the last 12 months, we witnessed a full blaze, horrible tone, horrible conversations, especially when considering the history of our region on transportation over the last four decades,” Morris remarked.
He noted he had never witnessed such unprecedented challenges.
Earlier this year, Morris attempted to mediate discussions between DART and its member cities in an effort to preemptively resolve issues that could lead to the introduction of divisive legislation in Austin.
However, not much progress was made following the hearing of HB3187 in the House Transportation Committee.
Morris expressed concern over the lack of communication from DART and the cities since the bill’s failure.
“I don’t know if people are afraid to call me because we have such an active role, but my thinking is everyone is frustrated,” he said.
Despite turmoil, plans for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 are expected to advance without issue, necessitating inter-city collaboration and the utilization of DART’s resources.
Concerns from Member Cities
Local leaders from member cities such as Carrollton, Irving, and Plano have expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that they contribute significantly to DART while receiving inadequate services in return.
Mark Israelson, the city manager of Plano, lamented the stalling of Shaheen’s proposed DART reforms in the legislature.
“Our bottom line is accountability to our residents/taxpayers,” Israelson stated.
He highlighted that Plano invests over $100 million annually in DART and that the city seeks to demonstrate to residents the value of those funds.
Importantly, Plano has not ruled out the possibility of exiting DART, a significant move that would require a vote from the entire city.
“Plano City Council members will consider all options in the coming months,” Israelson confirmed.
He also expressed hope that DART would respond to the financial disparities emphasized in a report by Ernst & Young earlier this year.
In March, the DART board approved a resolution to allocate 5% of its tax collections to a General Mobility Program, which would provide funding for transport projects in eligible cities, though this initiative may result in some service reductions.
Upcoming public meetings held by DART will focus on potential service changes, including cuts to bus routes and reductions in services like GoLink and the TRE.
Future Transit Planning
Randall Bryant, a representative for Dallas on the DART board, stated that the forthcoming changes will hinge on public feedback.
“It will all come down to budgetary considerations,” Bryant explained, noting the possibility that none of the proposed cuts may be enacted.
He expressed optimism regarding upcoming revised findings from the Ernst & Young study, which he anticipates will illuminate the true value of transit across DART’s member cities.
Additionally, he indicated that the Regional Transportation Council’s recently completed Transit 2.0 study could provide direction for the region’s future transportation needs.
“I am looking forward to member cities collaborating with DART to shape the future of our transit agency,” Bryant added, emphasizing the importance of collective action.
In an effort to make progress, Morris plans to propose a process for meaningful dialogue at the upcoming RTC meeting on June 12.
He intends to seek approval in July for the Council to take a leadership role in fostering collaboration among legislators, affected cities, transit authorities, and RTC members, culminating in potential legislation for the next session.
This ambitious initiative aims to restore unity and collegiality in approaching the region’s transportation challenges moving forward.
image source from：https://www.keranews.org/transportation/2025-06-04/whats-next-dart-funding-cut-legislation-dallas
