Plano Voters to Decide on DART Membership in May

DART Membership Vote

• 🗳️ Plano residents will decide in May whether the city should continue its current agreement and services with DART.
• 🤝 The city council unanimously voted to put this decision in the hands of the voters.

Resident Concerns and Council's Rationale

• 🗣️ Over 100 residents spoke to the council, with the vast majority advocating to keep the DART agreement.
• 📊 Council members presented data estimating that Plano contributes $110 million in annual sales tax to DART but only receives about $44 million in services.
• ⚠️ This disparity in contribution versus return on investment mirrors decisions made by other DFW cities like Farmers Branch and Highland Park.

Potential Alternatives and Future Considerations

• 💡 The city council is considering a public vote on May 2nd for residents to decide on pulling out of DART.
• 🚗 As an alternative, Plano is exploring the possibility of funding its own microtransit system, potentially collaborating with services like Via and Uber.
• medical care and safe transportation options for residents who rely on DART services.
• 🤝 The city is open to other agreements with DART before the public vote occurs.