A proposed bill by a North Texas legislator could significantly impact the funding of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), potentially affecting jobs, service levels, and transit times for thousands of daily riders.
Proposed Legislation and Funding Cuts
State Representative Matt Shaheen of Plano has introduced a bill to reduce DART’s tax revenue by 25%. The move follows non-binding votes from six of DART’s 13 member cities, calling for a reduction in their financial contributions to the transit agency.
Shaheen argues that cities like Plano are contributing significantly more to DART than they receive in services. He pointed out that Plano residents pay a 1% sales tax to DART, amounting to over $100 million annually, but only receive an estimated 45% of that back in services.
Potential Impact on DART Services
DART President Nadine Lee warned that the proposed funding cuts could have severe consequences, including:
- A potential loss of up to 1,000 jobs
- Increased wait times, with some routes taking twice as long
- Reduced access to job opportunities for commuters
“The DART board decided to prioritize providing more services to our cities rather than returning cash payments,” Lee said, adding that they are open to negotiations with member cities.
Concerns Over Unintended Consequences
Mike Morris of the North Central Texas Council of Governments cautioned that the financial cut could have unpredictable effects. “If DART is forced to make significant reductions, the consequences could be more severe than expected,” he said.
What’s Next?
Discussions between DART and city officials remain ongoing, but both sides appear to be far from reaching an agreement. If the proposed legislation is passed, the funding cuts would go into effect in September. Regional transportation authorities may step in to mediate the dispute before it reaches the state legislature.
