Two North Texas cities push to leave DART over funding disputes

Frustrated by funding imbalances, these cities are betting on independence. But will leaving DART solve their transit woes—or create new ones?

, and Administrator

2025 November 10 . 11:15 AM

1 min read

In this image, I can see two people riding the horses. This looks like a competitive event named as... — In this image, I can see two people riding the horses. This looks like a competitive event named as Charreada. There are groups of people standing. This looks like a gate. These are the banners, which are hanging. I can see the flags hanging to the poles. These look like the canopy tents. These are the vehicles, which are parked. I can see the trees.

Two North Texas cities push to leave DART over funding disputes

Two North Texas cities, Highland Park and Farmers Branch, are set to hold elections next year to potentially withdraw from Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Highland Park has 45 days to rescind its election, while Farmers Branch has already voted to hold one on May 2, 2023.

Highland Park officials share similar financial concerns with DART as Farmers Branch Mayor Terry Lynne. They argue that they pay more into the system than they receive in services. Highland Park's town council voted to hold an election on the same date as Farmers Branch, where residents will decide on leaving DART.

DART has warned that the potential withdrawals could pose an existential threat to the system. It has faced calls from several cities to cut its funding in the past year. The departure of any of its 13 member cities would have a negative impact on the entire system.

The Dallas Area Transit Alliance has also weighed in, sending a letter to cities considering pullout elections. It warns that leaving DART wouldn't remove the need for transit and would shift the responsibility to individual cities. However, no other cities in North Texas are known to be holding or planning to hold a vote on separation from DART in the next year.

Highland Park and Farmers Branch are moving forward with their plans to potentially withdraw from DART, with elections scheduled for May 2, 2023. DART and transit advocates have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the system, while city officials argue that they are not receiving fair value for their contributions.