Plano, Texas – In a move reflecting growing frustration, leaders in Plano are debating whether the city is getting sufficient value from its contributions to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). On Monday, the Plano City Council is set to deliberate a proposal to cut the city’s payments to DART, citing concerns over diminished ridership and financial efficiency.
Council members have voiced concerns that ridership numbers remain significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels, despite Plano experiencing record increases in sales and use tax revenues. Currently, each DART member city contributes one cent of their sales and use tax to the transit agency. However, the resolution up for discussion proposes reducing this contribution to a maximum of ¾ of a cent.
The potential impact of this decision on Plano’s relationship with DART is uncertain. The discussion about reducing payments is not new; it first emerged in April of last year when Plano leaders called for more transparency from the transit agency. This led DART to approve a plan to hire an external consultant to review service costs and provide a report for its 13 member cities.
The resolution to be voted on Monday night has sparked a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. Some council members are pushing for the reduction, hoping it will pressure DART to improve services and justify its expenses. Others caution that a reduced contribution could jeopardize the city’s influence within DART and potentially affect service levels.
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Ultimately, while the council’s vote is significant, the final decision may rest with Plano’s voters. Any substantial change in the city’s financial commitment to DART would likely require public approval.
