University Park, DART leaders debate future of transit ahead of withdrawal election vote
University Park council members and Dallas Area Rapid Transit leaders had a tense debate over funding, services and governance Monday, with high stakes for the future of the imperiled public transit agency.
The University Park leaders will vote Tuesday on calling an election to leave DART next spring, potentially joining Highland Park, Irving, Farmers Branch and Plano in seeking an exit from the state’s largest public transportation system. Addison council members also considered ordering an election but could not reach an agreement on the move.
Leaders have cited concerns about costs, a one-cent sales tax levied in each of DART’s 13 member cities, the agency’s governance structure and the quality of services in their decisions to call withdrawal elections.
Past DART Board Chair Gary Slagel, who represented the Park Cities as well as Addison and Richardson on the governing body, urged University Park council members to have patience Monday, pleading with the leaders to work with the agency.
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/2026/01/05/university-park-dart-leaders-debate-future-of-transit-ahead-of-withdrawal-election-vote/