If council votes to call the election, Plano voters will decide in a May 2026 election if the city should withdraw from DART in favor of alternative transit solutions or remain with the agency.
What you need to know
The release cites a 2023 study from Ernst and Young Infrastructure Advisors that revealed a “clear disparity in spending” as a primary reason for the special meeting.
According to the report, Plano contributed $109.6 million in sales tax and saw $44.6 million in expenses within the city.
“For years, the city of Plano has worked to hold DART accountable for the hundreds of millions of tax dollars contributed by our residents,” the release states. “Given these circumstances, city leaders believe it is time to ask residents directly: Should DART continue to operate in the city of Plano?”
Some context
DART’s board of directors voted Sept. 9 to approve service changes, including reduced train and bus route frequencies that will take effect Jan. 19.
DART has faced increased cost pressure due to inflation, requests for new services and a new general mobility program that will launch in fiscal year 2025-26, as previously reported by Community Impact.
What they’re saying
City Manager Mark Israelson said in the release Plano needs transit solutions that evolve with the city.
Mayor John Muns said in the release Plano is committed to ensuring safe, reliable mobility options that serve the best interests of Plano residents.
“We want our council and community to feel empowered to choose what transportation options work best for us,” Muns said.
According to the release, Plano officials recently learned DART awarded “more than $800,000 in executive bonuses last year.”
“I think that the cities just reached that point,” a city spokesperson said.
Mayor Pro Tem Maria Tu said in a Facebook post that Plano needs its own transit system that "will benefit Plano, not other cities."
“The city has asked repeatedly where our money is being spent to benefit Plano, but has received no accounting,” Tu said in the post. “The truth is we have been the major donor to other cities’ transportation needs for years. ... We need our own transit system dedicated to Plano’s needs and interests.”
Zooming out
Rep. Matt Shaheen, R-Plano, said in a statement he supports Plano’s decision to hold the meeting.
“I am beyond disappointed with DART’s failure to work with Plano and other cities ... to enact equitable reforms,” Shaheen said in the statement.
Texas House Bill 3187, which died in the House, would have created a permanent general mobility program that redirected 25% of DART’s sales tax revenues back to its member cities.
Shaheen, the representative who filed the bill, said in the statement DART "fought [the bill] ... the entirety of the Legislative session, leaving no alternative for member cities like Plano to respond other than holding council meetings like the one next week."
Andrew Fortune, Plano’s policy and government relations director, said previously while HB 3187 died in committee, “it brought DART to the table.”
What’s next?
City Council members will meet at 5 p.m. Nov. 5 to consider calling the special election. Residents can find more information about the city’s next steps at plano.gov/transit.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include more information.
