The future of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) General Mobility Program (GMP) is in jeopardy as several member cities have yet to pledge their support, raising concerns over potential funding and operational stability for the transit agency.
DART board chairman Gary Slagel sent a letter in July to seven cities—Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Plano, Richardson, University Park, and the town of Highland Park—setting a deadline of August 31 for them to adopt resolutions that would both request GMP funds and commit to not advocating for legislation that could diminish DART’s funding.
The GMP, which was approved in March, aims to combat proposals that would defund DART at the state level. Under the program, DART would return 5% of its annual sales tax revenue to member cities, intended for non-DART transit projects and foster local transportation improvements.
However, the DART board has been navigating a complex budgetary landscape, balancing the fiscal needs of the agency with the cities that contribute more in taxes than they receive in transit services.
As of now, only two of the seven cities have openly supported the agency’s initiatives. Addison had taken a proactive approach by passing a resolution in February to maintain full funding for DART at its current sales tax level.
Richardson has also expressed a commitment to collaborate with DART and other municipalities, emphasizing the need for a balanced and transparent solution that respects the diverse transit needs across the service area. A spokesperson for Richardson stated, “We believe any path forward should strengthen public transit, respect the diverse needs across the DART service area, and ensure transparency and accountability in decision-making.”
In contrast, Plano’s mayor has indicated that the city is keeping its options open. Mayor John Muns acknowledged DART’s efforts to tackle financial disparities among member cities but has decided not to pass a resolution that would restrict future actions. He remarked, “Plano has not, and will not at this time, pass a resolution that would bind us to a permanent position.”
Similarly, Carrollton’s Mayor Steve Babick highlighted concerns surrounding the financial commitments, underscoring that DART must honor its pledge to return excess funds to the cities. Babick explained that Carrollton is considering how to best utilize a potential mobility program that comes without restrictions, aimed at further developing transit zones around DART stations.
University Park has taken a more reserved approach, with a spokesperson confirming that the city has no immediate plans to support DART. They noted that an interlocal agreement regarding the GMP has yet to be finalized by the DART Board, which makes it difficult for the city to commit at this stage.
“Once an interlocal agreement for the General Mobility Fund is approved, the City of University Park will carefully review and consider if signing the agreement is in the best interest of the City,” said University Park spokesperson Paige Ruedy.
DART officials have stated they are currently drafting an interlocal agreement that would need approval from each city eligible for the GMP funding. DART spokesperson Jeamy Molina mentioned, “Once our board approves it, they will be sent to the cities, and they have to decide if they want to sign it or not.”
A DART committee is scheduled to discuss these interlocal agreements during its meeting on September 9.
Farmers Branch has declined to comment on the situation at this time, while Highland Park has not yet responded to inquiries.
As discussions continue, the urgency for these cities to take action is critical to securing funds for local transit projects and ensuring the financial health of DART amidst ongoing budget challenges.
image source from：keranews
