Dallas Suburbs Consider Leaving DART: Implications for Transit Access in 2026

The DART Dilemma: Why Four Cities are Considering Withdrawal

In a significant move that could reshape North Texas public transit, four suburbs—Plano, Irving, Farmers Branch, and Highland Park—are set to vote in May 2026 on withdrawing from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system. Their decision comes amidst growing dissatisfaction with service delivery and questions about the equity of funding across member cities.

The State of Transit: Unpacking the Suburban Concerns

Suburban officials argue that despite their cities contributing higher sales tax revenues to DART than they receive in services, they find themselves underrepresented in decision-making processes. "We’re paying an extraordinary amount for the service that we’re getting back," lamented Plano Mayor John Muns. This sentiment resonates across the four cities, where officials express frustration over dwindling bus ridership and general dissatisfaction with service quality.

Financial Strain: A Lasting Impact on Local Budgets

The DART funding model relies on a one-cent sales tax from member cities, which brings substantial revenues. The complaint from the suburbs is that their contributions are significantly higher than the benefits received, causing financial strain amid budget crunches exacerbated by strict state limits on property tax adjustments.

This ongoing economic pressure has led many neighborhood leaders to seek refunds of their sales taxes paid to DART, defending their cities' needs against a backdrop of sustainable municipal services.

Access and Equity: Who Loses When Cities Withdraw?

If the suburbs decide to pull out, their transportation services, including buses and light rail, would cease immediately. The most vulnerable populations—lower-income residents, young individuals, the elderly, and those with disabilities—will be disproportionately affected as their access to employment and resources in the broader Dallas area gets hampered.

Transportation researcher Yonah Freemark warns, "When you put those things together, it means you’re creating a region that is inaccessible to a large number of people." This raises vital questions about equity and mobility in one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the U.S.

Economic Development: A Double-Edged Sword?

Another motivation behind the potential withdrawal is the cities’ interest in redirecting their transit dollars toward local economic development projects rather than contributing to a regional system that they feel deprives them of benefits. This shift mirrors a trend seen in other regional systems across the country, which struggle to balance local needs while maintaining a cohesive transport network.

While the push for localized services—such as ride-hailing options—might seem appealing, analysts caution against the higher costs typically associated with these services compared to traditional fixed-route bus systems.

Community Voices: A Grasp on the Reality

The voice of the community is crucial in this debate. Residents like Guqueena Baker share their concerns about potential disruptions to their daily lives. If DART service were to evaporate, she might find herself forced to seek employment closer to her home, potentially sacrificing job opportunities in the more vibrant economic hubs of Plano and Irving.

Similarly, the upcoming elections pose a curious point of scrutiny; previous attempts to exit DART have met resistance from voters, indicating a profound divide between city leadership and community sentiment.

Future Outlook: Will DART Survive the Suburban Exodus?

As the population of the Dallas-Fort Worth region is anticipated to swell from 8.3 million to 12 million by 2050, industry experts argue that Texas needs increased access to public transit, not less. The upcoming votes in the Dallas suburbs will help shape what public transit looks like in North Texas moving forward, posing significant stakes not only for the towns involved but also for the future of the entire region's mobility.

Despite tensions, DART and suburban leaders are in discussions to potentially negotiate terms that would alleviate some grievances without severing ties. Transportation director Michael Morris optimistically suggests that fruitful negotiations are essential for the sprawling region that needs unified transit solutions.