📰 DART Funding Dispute Divides Cities and Board Members, Creates Legislative Action B

By Teresa Lusk

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), formed in 1983 and composed of 13 member cities including Dallas, Plano, Irving, and Richardson, receives its funding from a 1% local sales tax collected by each member city. According to the Dallas Morning News (2025), Plano contributes approximately $110 million annually, second only to Dallas at $407.8 million.

The disparity in contributions compared with services rendered has sparked debate among several participating cities. Some have called for a 25% reduction in their contributions—a proposal now in the hands of lawmakers. Representative Matt Shaheen (R-Plano) sponsored House Bill 3187, joined by co-authors Morgan Meyer (R-Dallas), Jared Patterson (R-Frisco), and Terry Canales (D-Edinburg). In the Senate, Angela Paxton (R-McKinney), with co-sponsors Brent Hagenbuch (R-Denton) and Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound), introduced Senate Bill 1557. If passed, these bills would allow cities to reduce contributions and redirect funds toward local projects such as sidewalks and traffic signals.

DART is governed by appointees selected by city councils, such as Anthony Ricciardelli (Plano) and Doug Hrbacek (Carrollton/Irving). Some members support the funding reduction, while others are hesitant or remain undecided (Dallas Area Rapid Transit, 2025).

“My goal is to do what’s right for DART, what’s right for Plano, and what’s right for the region,” Ricciardelli told KERA News. “I don’t think those goals are mutually exclusive.”

In a struggling economy, many worry that reduced funding for transit operations could further burden an already hurting community, while supporters argue the money would be better spent on infrastructure improvements that strengthen DART’s effectiveness.

About the Author

Teresa Lusk is a journalist, commentator, and host of Newsroom Teresa Lusk, where she interviews elected officials and civic leaders on the issues shaping Texas. She is also a professional communications coach, equipping public leaders, candidates, and executives with the tools to speak with clarity, confidence, and impact. Learn more at www.NewsroomTeresaLusk.com. Teresa is passionate about transparency, local governance, and empowering communities with the facts they need to stay informed and engaged.

📚 References

Dallas Area Rapid Transit. (2025). About DART board members. https://www.dart.org/about/about-dart/board-members

Dallas Morning News. (2025, January 8). DART eyes boost to Plano service but downplays $55M funding plea. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/2025/01/08/dart-eyes-boost-to-plano-service-but-downplays-55m-funding-plea

Community Impact. (2025, March 31). DART board signals support for refunding sales tax to select cities. https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/plano-north/transportation/2025/03/31/dart-board-signals-support-for-refunding-sales-tax-to-select-cities

KERA News. (2025, April 22). Plano’s new DART board rep joins at a tense time for Dallas’ transit agency. https://www.keranews.org/news/2025-04-22/dart-plano-dallas-transit-mediation-legislation-anthony-ricciardelli

Texas Legislature. (2025). House Bill 3187, 89th Legislature, Regular Session. https://capitol.texas.gov/Search/DocViewer.aspx?DocId=89RHB031871B

Texas Legislature. (2025). Senate Bill 1557, 89th Legislature, Regular Session. https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB1557

#DallasAreaRapidTransit, #DART, #PlanoTX, #CarrolltonTX, #SB6, #TexasLegislature, #DARTBoard, #TransitFunding, #TaxpayerAccountability, #PublicTransportation, #GovernmentOversight, #TransitReform, #UrbanPolicy, #Infrastructure, #TransportationPolicy, #LocalGovernment, #CityGovernance, #PublicSpending, #TransitEquity, #ServiceEquity, #CivicAccountability, #TransitPolitics, #TransitJustice, #Transparency, #FaithAndPolitics