DART schedules March 24 hearing, meetings ahead of May 2 exit elections

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit Board of Directors has scheduled a public hearing for 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24 in the DART Boardroom at 1401 Pacific Ave. (Akard Station) to review potential service changes that could follow May 2 withdrawal elections in five member cities. The hearing comes as officials warn that station closures and route cuts could affect thousands of riders across the DART service area.

DART identified the municipalities holding withdrawal elections as Farmers Branch, Highland Park, Irving, Plano, and University Park. Rob Smith, DART vice president of service and planning, told the board that “Should voters in any city calling a withdrawal election choose to leave, DART is required to cease all services to that jurisdiction the day after the votes are canvassed.” DART materials also warn that if multiple cities withdraw, impacts could include the closure of more than a dozen rail stations and the suspension or discontinuation of bus routes serving those jurisdictions.

Board members approved the call for the hearing by a 10 to 3 vote. Anthony Ricciardelli, the board’s Plano representative, said the call was “premature” and added, “We don't know what action the board will take on those [proposals] that might resolve these issues and cause the elections to be canceled.” DART CEO Nadine Lee pushed back, saying, “We have a statutory requirement to inform the public of changes that could happen as a result of these withdrawal elections.” Molina also emphasized the legal obligation, saying, “We're legally required to make sure that we call for a public hearing to make sure that all of our customers and everyone across the service area understands the potential of service impacts.”

To prepare riders and residents, DART is holding community education meetings in February and March in all 13 member cities and virtually. The notice lists several March meetings: March 5, University Park Public Library, 3rd Floor Community Meeting Room, 8383 Preston Center Plaza, Suite 200; March 9, Rowlett Community Center, 5300 Main St., Rowlett; March 12, Garland City Hall Council Chambers, 200 N 5th St., Garland; March 16, a virtual Microsoft Teams meeting (call-in 469-676-0717, access code 584 254 959#); March 17, Huffhines Recreation Center Meadows Room, 200 N. Plano Rd., Richardson; March 19, Christ United Methodist Church, 2807 Valwood Parkway, Farmers Branch; and March 21 at 10:00 a.m. (the location for the March 21 meeting was not included in the notice excerpt provided). DART invites riders, residents, and stakeholders to attend pre-hearing sessions, submit feedback, and participate in the formal public hearing process; written comments and questions may be sent to ServicePlanning@DART.org.

For Collin County residents, the implications are immediate: Plano voters and commuters who rely on DART rail and express bus links could see service changes if the May 2 measures pass. DART officials say the scope of any cuts will depend on the election outcomes and the agency’s follow-up analysis. The March 24 hearing will be the formal venue for public testimony and the agency’s presentation on projected impacts; community meetings over the coming weeks are the primary opportunity for local residents to ask specific questions and provide input before the board meets.