\u201cPlano is committed to ensuring safe, reliable mobility options that serve the best interests of our residents,\u201d said Mayor John Muns in an official statement<\/a>. \u201cWe want our council and community to feel empowered to choose what transportation options work best for us.\u201d<\/p>\n The Plano City Council will hold a special session at 5 p.m. on Nov. 5 to decide whether to place the issue on the ballot.<\/p>\n Plano Sees Financial Imbalance<\/p>\n An independent study conducted by EY Associates found a stark spending gap: in 2023, Plano taxpayers contributed $109 million to DART, while only $44 million was spent within the city. City officials say the discrepancy, combined with recent revelations that DART awarded more than $800,000 in executive bonuses last year, has pushed the issue to a breaking point.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen Plano taxpayers invest $109 million for DART services, but only receive $44 million in return, it is clear that an extreme imbalance exists and alternatives need to be discussed,\u201d said State Representative Matt Shaheen. \u201cI am beyond disappointed with DART\u2019s failure to work with Plano and other cities on their failure to enact equitable reforms.\u201d<\/p>\n DART Responds<\/p>\n DART CEO Nadine Lee addressed the potential departures in an Oct. 29 press conference, expressing disappointment that the discussion was happening so soon after major milestones for the agency. DART CEO Nadine Lee described the situation as \u201cheartbreaking,\u201d adding that the loss of member cities would \u201cseverely impact\u201d the agency\u2019s ability to serve riders during next year\u2019s World Cup<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s really devastating and frustrating to understand that they would do this not only on the heels of a wonderful and successful opening of the Silver Line last week, but on the eve of the World Cup,\u201d Lee said.<\/p>\n If the Plano City Council votes to proceed, residents could weigh in on the issue as early as May 2026. Farmers Branch and Highland Park are also expected to consider similar measures in upcoming council meetings in November.<\/p>\n Exploring Alternatives<\/p>\n Regardless of the outcome, Plano officials say the city remains committed to maintaining accessible transportation options for residents \u2014 including people with disabilities, seniors and those who rely on public transit.<\/p>\n \u201cAs Plano continues to grow, our community\u2019s needs are evolving,\u201d said City Manager Mark Israelson. \u201cWe need transit solutions that evolve with us to provide flexible and responsive options for everyone who lives and works in Plano.\u201d<\/p>\n Funding is already earmarked for a Microtransit system, designed to provide fast, flexible rides within the city\u2019s limits.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need our money spent to benefit our Plano residents,\u201d said Mayor Pro Tem Maria Tu in a social media post<\/a>. \u201cWe need our own transit system dedicated to Plano’s needs and interests.\u201d<\/p>\n If approved, Plano\u2019s exit from DART would mark one of the most significant transportation shifts in the region\u2019s history, potentially trading buses and trains for a more localized, on-demand system built to fit the city\u2019s future.<\/p>\n![\"screen-shot-2025-07-30-at-123145-pm\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/screen-shot-2025-07-30-at-123145-pm.png;w=960.png\"\/)
\nPhoto: DART
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