Dallas Dart Could End

January 13, 2026 – Voters in several Dallas-area cities could soon reshape the future of regional public transportation as at least five North Texas communities prepare to ask residents whether they want to withdraw from Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

There were two deadly shootings on DART trains or at stations in late 2025. These unfortunate events sparked increased anxiety among the public and prompted DART to enhance its security deployment. 

The measures are expected to appear on the May ballot in cities that currently help fund DART through a one-cent local sales tax. The 40-year-old transit system provides light rail, bus, on-demand, and paratransit services across 13 member cities in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.

Supporters of the ballot measures argue that the system has become too expensive for what it delivers. Plano, the largest financial contributor to DART after the city of Dallas, sends more than $130 million annually to the agency while receiving less than half that amount in service value. City officials say the imbalance has persisted for years and shows no sign of improving.

Low ridership is a central issue driving the debate. Officials and residents cite ongoing safety concerns on trains, platforms, and at transit centers as a major reason people are choosing not to ride. Reports of crime, homelessness, and disorderly behavior have discouraged commuters, particularly families and office workers, from using the system. The shift to remote and hybrid work since the pandemic has further reduced daily ridership, amplifying questions about DART’s long-term viability.

If voters approve exiting DART, cities would no longer be required to contribute the one-cent sales tax, potentially freeing up millions of dollars for local priorities such as road improvements, public safety, or alternative transportation options.

DART officials warn that widespread withdrawals could significantly impact regional mobility, especially for riders who depend on public transit. The upcoming votes could determine whether DART remains a unified regional system or begins to fragment as cities reassess its cost and effectiveness.