Highland Park votes to leave Dallas transit system
The Texas Tribune • • nation
Key Points:
- Highland Park voted to leave Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), marking the first city to exit the agency since 1989, while Addison and University Park chose to remain members.
- Nearly 70% of Highland Park voters supported leaving DART, which will end services in the city on May 14, resulting in the closure of 15 bus stops and loss of paratransit services.
- Highland Park contributes about 1% of DART’s sales tax revenue, paying $6.3 million in 2023 but receiving only $1.9 million in transit services, fueling tensions over perceived unequal returns on investment.
- DART projects a loss of $270 million in sales tax revenue over 20 years due to Highland Park’s exit, raising concerns about the weakening of public transit in North Texas amid growing transportation needs.
- DART officials emphasize the importance of partnerships with cities that support transit expansion, highlighting transit’s role in economic growth and community connectivity.
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