Tensions Rise Between Dallas and Rapid Transit Agency

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is walking back a November decision to return $111 million in leftover sales tax revenue to the city of Dallas, citing unexpected expenses. As Matt Goodman explains in D Magazine, “The transit agency said it has spent $36 million extra on ‘project enhancements’ for the Silver Line commuter rail, which will extend from Plano to DFW Airport and includes about three miles of Far North Dallas.” 

City councilmembers disputed these claims in a rancorous meeting, saying that DART mismanaged its resources and that the city only requested improvements necessary to make projects like the Silver Line safe. According to DART, the city also delayed issuing permits for some projects, costing the agency roughly $150,000 per day. 

The tension between DART and the city is also impacting DART’s plans for the Dallas suburbs. “Until Dallas and DART get on the same page, the transit agency can’t deliver the suburbs the rail line they have asked for since the agency’s creation in 1983.” In response to growing frustration from other cities, “Plano state Rep. Matt Shaheen has filed House Bill 3146, which would allow the legislators to open up the statute that created DART and potentially amend how the agency is funded and the board makeup.”