Plano city leaders have postponed a crucial vote on a new transit provider, signaling progress in negotiations with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). This decision comes as deadlines approach for cities to withdraw from May elections aimed at reconsidering DART membership.
City Manager Mark Israelson informed the Plano City Council about a "meaningful" proposal from DART Board Chair Randall Bryant. These discussions have focused on reforming DART's service, governance, and funding structures after months of talks.
Key Takeaways
- Plano postponed a vote on an alternative transit contract.
- DART offered a "meaningful" proposal to Plano.
- Cities have until February 23 to finalize ballots for exit elections.
- Plano is one of six DART member cities considering leaving.
Negotiations Intensify as Deadlines Loom
Plano is one of six of DART's 13 member cities that scheduled a May election. These elections allow voters to decide on continued DART membership. However, cities can still cancel these elections. The final deadline to remove exit election measures from ballots is February 23.
Plano Mayor John Muns expressed hope for a resolution. "We’ve had some productive conversations over the last couple of weeks with the chair of DART," Muns stated after the council meeting. "We hope that we have a structure of an agreement." He added that many steps still need to happen.
DART Member Cities
DART serves 13 member cities. Six of these cities have scheduled May elections to reconsider their membership.
Postponing the Alternative Transit Option
The Plano council was set to consider an initial six-month contract with Via, a transportation software company. This contract was valued at nearly $4 million. Via provides on-demand, rideshare-style service in cities like Arlington.
Council members decided to table the decision until their February 23 meeting. This delay allows more time to see if DART's proposed actions materialize. Israelson noted this would help the council make a more informed decision.
"Over the last several weeks, talks have become much more focused around a potential offer that we’ve heard from the chair of the DART board," Israelson told the council. "There are several actions that would need to happen over the next two weeks for that offer to really materialize. Those are very meaningful actions that would be taken."
A Week of Critical Meetings
The coming week holds several important meetings that could shape DART's future. A DART board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday. The Dallas City Council will meet on Wednesday. The Regional Transportation Council will convene on Thursday.
All these meetings will discuss reforming DART. The goal is to address concerns from dissatisfied member cities. These efforts aim to prevent further exits from the transit agency.
Why Cities Consider Leaving DART
Cities like Plano have expressed concerns about the financial contributions to DART versus the services received. They also seek more localized control over transit options.
Community Reaction and Hopes for Compromise
Nathan Adam, a 24-year-old Plano resident, attended the Monday council meeting. He represents the Dallas Area Transit Alliance, a group that advocates for DART. Adam expressed surprise and relief at Plano's decision to postpone.
"I am glad that Plano is actually following through," Adam said. "They’re showing willingness to actually negotiate with DART, rather than just blocking them off entirely." He hopes any compromise will ensure bus service continues in Plano.
Financial Implications of DART Membership
Cities whose voters choose to leave DART would see service stop the day after election results are finalized. However, these cities would still contribute sales tax to the agency. This continued payment would cover outstanding debt associated with their past contributions.
A 2024 report by the firm EY highlighted Plano's financial contributions. In fiscal year 2023, Plano contributed over $109 million to DART. DART, in turn, spent approximately $44 million on services within the city of Plano. This disparity has been a significant point of contention.
Plano's Financial Contribution to DART (FY 2023)
- Contributed: Over $109 million
- Spent in Plano: Approximately $44 million
Plano staff have concluded that the city spends more on DART than on its police and economic development departments combined. This comparison underscores the financial burden perceived by city leaders.
Exploring Alternative Transit Solutions
Plano's Collin County Connects Committee, a citizen group, evaluated various transportation options. This committee did not reach a consensus on a specific recommendation. Some members voiced frustration with the committee's scope. They preferred the council to stay with DART rather than pursuing alternatives.
The alternatives considered included Via and RideCo. RideCo is an on-demand microtransit and paratransit software. It is currently used in cities such as Houston, San Antonio, and Round Rock. Arlington has partnered with Via since 2017, becoming a prominent example of a large U.S. city without a traditional mass transit system.
Until Monday night, many expected Plano to follow Arlington's path. However, the council chose to wait. Plano was the first city to schedule an exit election last fall. State law allows this opportunity once every six years.
"All of us are hopeful… that we can come to a resolution that can end this," Mayor Muns stated, emphasizing the desire for a positive outcome.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of transit for Plano and its relationship with DART. The outcome of these negotiations will impact thousands of commuters and the financial landscape of the region.
