City Council vote supports new regional governance model for DART
Dallas, Texas – The Dallas City Council has approved a resolution backing a proposed new governance structure for Dallas Area Rapid Transit, a move city leaders say strengthens regional cooperation and supports the long-term future of public transportation across North Texas.
City officials said the decision reflects Dallas’ continued commitment to ensuring the transit system remains stable, collaborative, and effective for riders who depend on it every day. The vote followed months of discussions and negotiations among cities that participate in the DART system, sparked by concerns related to governance, service levels, and funding.
New governance proposal outlines representation balance
Under the proposed structure, Dallas would hold 45 percent of the voting share and have seven seats on the DART board. At the same time, the framework guarantees that every member city keeps representation and that no single city would control a majority of seats. Leaders described the plan as an effort to balance influence while protecting regional collaboration.
Concerns over how DART is governed and funded previously led six member cities to call for withdrawal elections scheduled for May 2026, raising uncertainty about the system’s future. Throughout negotiations, Dallas officials said they remained engaged in talks to find solutions that would preserve the transit network as a vital part of the region’s economy and mobility.
The city’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee reviewed negotiation progress on Jan. 20, 2026, and provided direction that helped shape the resolution adopted by the council.
City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert praised the council’s decision and stressed its importance for riders and the broader region.
“I want to thank the Mayor and City Council for their leadership and for voting in support of this resolution,” Tolbert said. “Today’s vote is a step in the right direction and reflects a decision made with the health of the entire system in mind. Dallas residents rely on DART to travel to work, school, and medical appointments throughout the region, and this action is a win-win for the City of Dallas, DART, and the entire region. Today’s vote affirms Dallas’ commitment to ensuring regional transit not only remains strong but continues to thrive.”
With agreement on governance principles now in place, attention is shifting to financial questions. The DART Board is expected to continue discussions on funding options later this week. Meanwhile, the Regional Transportation Council is scheduled to review its role in the proposal during a meeting set for Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
City officials said the resolution signals that Dallas intends to remain a central partner in shaping the future of regional transit while working with neighboring cities to keep the system strong, reliable, and sustainable for years to come.
