Plano | February 2026

Transportation

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

Plano could cancel DART withdrawal election as funding plan advances

What it means

One more thing

Zooming in

Under DART’s proposed model, the agency would return the equivalent of 25% of sales tax collections to its 13 member cities for six years. Funding would be distributed based on sales tax contributions. The funds for returning 25% of collected sales tax to member cities would be gathered from guar- anteed base funding from DART and the Regional Transportation Council, transferring the regional rail system to an independent management authority, and creating new revenue streams. DART and the Regional Transportation Council’s contribution would provide up to 10% sales tax return, and DART officials would work with other

regional authorities to make up the rest of the 25% contribution. “I’m asking [DART] and our cities and the [North Central Texas Council of Governments] and the region, and ultimately the state, to commit to a process for six years,” DART board Chair Randall Bryant said Feb. 10. Muns said despite the latest agreement not reaching exactly what Plano proposed to DART, the new plan is something the city would consider. “We’d like to be able to request more, but I think at the same time, we’re trying to be good regional partners,” Muns said.

At its Feb. 10 meeting, DART officials voted to approve initial proposals for a new funding and governance model for the agency. The Regional Transportation Council voted Feb. 12 to dedicate funding to the new plan. Additionally, Dallas City Council voted Feb. 11 to reduce the city’s voting share on the DART board to 45% and give up its majority control. Plano Mayor John Muns said Feb. 13 that while several steps still require approval from the state legislature in its next session, these recent deci- sions represent a “good compromise” for DART member cities. Muns said Plano City Council could consider approving a new interlocal agreement, or ILA, at its Feb. 23 meeting, but that timeline may shift depending on final details. “Everything will still be contingent upon the ILA and agreement of that,” Muns said. “If all goes well, then we will vote to rescind the withdrawal on the ballot.”

After calling the election in November, Plano officials said they would create an alternate system in Plano using microtransit to ensure continuity of service for Plano residents. Plans for the service have been delayed several times, including a Feb. 9 vote on a contract with Via Transportation that was tabled to council’s Feb. 23 meeting due to progress in ongoing DART negotiations. Muns said discussions about microtransit in Plano will continue, and city officials hope to implement a system “down the road.” Dates to know: • Feb. 20: DART officials consider approving new interlocal agreement • Feb. 23: Collin County ballot language finalization deadline, Plano City Council could consider new interlocal agreement • March 18: deadline to rescind election

After months of negotiations, Plano and other member cities that called for withdrawal elections from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Agency may move to rescind them following a series of recent regional meetings. In the latest step, the Regional Transportation Council, a 45-member group of area transportation leaders, approved at a Feb. 12 meeting dedicating $180 million towards regional transit agencies, including about $75 million to help fund DART’s new proposed funding model. The remaining $105 million will include $65 million for the Denton County Transportation Authority and $40 million for Fort Worth-based Trinity Metro, aiming to improve regional rail mobility.

Nearly half of DART’s 13 member cities have scheduled withdrawal elections, including Plano, Highland Park, University Park, Irving, Farmers Branch and Addison.

DART sales tax revenue in 2024 Other member cities: $577.16M

Plano: $115.97M Irving: $103.13M

University Park: $6.85M Farmers Branch: $23.51M Addison: $16.72M Highland Park: $8.44M

Total: $851.78M

DART’s proposed plan

Funds returned: equivalent of 25% of collected sales tax revenue

Other methods: equivalent of 15%

DART: 7.5%

RTC: 2.5%

DART’s proposed plan would send the equivalent of 25% of collected sales tax back to cities after six years. 10% would come from DART and RTC and other revenue sources are being considered for the remainder of the funds.

SOURCE: DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSIT/COMMUNITY IMPACT

PLANO 5930 West Park Blvd (972) 250-0500

ALLEN 1839 N Central Expy (972) 908-3488

PLANO NORTH 5420 State Hwy 121 (469) 687-2581

EAST PLANO 3404 N Central Expy (972) 423-6688

COIT ROAD 1453 Coit Rd (972) 867-2821