City officials say the decision stems from growing concerns that Plano contributes far more to DART than it receives in service. Plano is among seven \u201cdonor cities\u201d recently eligible for partial refunds under DART\u2019s General Mobility Program.<\/p>\n
The council has 45 days in which it can rescind the decision. If no rescission occurs, the special election is slated for May 2, 2026.<\/p>\n
Plano Calls For Change<\/p>\n
As Local Profile previously reported<\/a>, an independent analysis by EY Associates revealed a sharp funding disparity between what Plano pays into the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system and what it receives in return. In 2023, the city contributed $109 million in tax revenue to DART, while only $44 million was spent within Plano. The findings, paired with reports that DART awarded more than $800,000 in executive bonuses last year, have fueled frustration among local and state leaders.<\/p>\n State Representative Matt Shaheen called the gap unacceptable, saying it highlights the need for major reforms within the system. He said Plano taxpayers are contributing far more than they get back, creating what he described as an \u201cextreme imbalance\u201d that can no longer be ignored.<\/p>\n Adding to the concern, Plano\u2019s director of policy and government relations, Andrew Fortune, told the council that the city now sends over $120 million annually to DART \u2014 more than it allocates for both its police department and economic development combined. City officials say that the imbalance is driving the discussion about whether Plano should chart a new path for its public transit future.<\/p>\n The decision also follows state-level efforts to increase local control over transit funds. During the last legislative session, Plano officials supported House Bill 3187, which would have returned 25% of DART\u2019s sales tax revenues to member cities. The bill failed, but DART has since approved a smaller 5% redistribution plan and agreed to keep working with the city to find a solution.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cYou know what? We\u2019ve been continuing talking for six and a half years. Six and a half years of talking with no results,\u201d said Mayor Pro Tem Maria Tu.<\/p>\n Exploring Alternatives<\/p>\n According to Fortune, Plano\u2019s director of policy and government relations, city staff will use the time before the election to research alternatives such as micro-transit systems like Arlington\u2019s Via or DART\u2019s own GoLink.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAs Plano continues to grow, our community\u2019s needs are evolving,\u201d City Manager Mark Israelson previously said. \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 The Community Pushes Back<\/p>\n More than 100 residents spoke at the Nov. 5 meeting, with most urging the council not to withdraw from DART. Many shared personal stories about how the transit system supports their daily lives, warning that a withdrawal could leave vulnerable riders without reliable transportation.<\/p>\n \u201cWithout DART, as an autistic adult, I would not be able to do what I do in my life,\u201d lifelong Plano resident Alex Flores said, explaining that the service provides stability and peace of mind. \u201cWhen I think of DART, I think of safety and I think of a guaranteed trip to and from my home.\u201d<\/p>\n Carrollton resident Jane Harman, who relies on DART to reach her medical care and physical therapy appointments in Plano, shared her fears about losing access. \u201cI\u2019m terrified at what\u2019s going to happen if you vote me out. That\u2019s what it amounts to,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019ve been trying to hold my tears back for days over this. I don\u2019t want to lose access to my medical care.\u201d<\/p>\n DART Responds<\/p>\n DART President and CEO Nadine Lee attended the meeting to defend the agency\u2019s progress. \u201cOver the past four years, DART has invested $110 million to address safety, reliability and cleanliness. Crime on DART is down double digits,\u201d she said. \u201cThe progress we\u2019ve made comes from standing together and confronting our challenges as one region.\u201d<\/p>\n Lee warned that if voters approve withdrawal, all DART services in Plano would end the day after the election. \u201cI invite you to work with us with transparency, collaboration and good faith to resolve these issues in place of withdrawal,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n What Comes Next<\/p>\n The May 2026 election will determine whether Plano remains with DART or pursues a new transit path. For now, city leaders say the coming months will be devoted to studying alternatives and continuing to press DART for reforms.<\/p>\n \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 If the council does not rescind its decision by the 45-day deadline, Plano residents will make their choice on May 2, 2026, a vote that could redefine the city\u2019s transportation future.<\/p>\n![\"DART](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2016_04_DART_Train_Downtown_Plano_David_Downs.jpg;w=960.jpeg\"\/)
\nPhoto: David Downs
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