February 13, 2026 - TRA Newswire -

Facing a showdown by six adjacent member cities to leave the Dallas Area Rapid Transit network, the Dallas City Council voted Wednesday to lower its share of control of the agency from 53% to 45%.

This reverses some 40 years of Dallas controlling the direction of the DART board that serves the entire service area. Dallas will now seven board seats, less than a majority on voting issues. 

The new governance agreement comes at a time when six cities were set to put an initiative before voters in May to choose to remain in DART or leave. If a city would leave the DART network, service within its borders would immediately cease.

It's hoped that the six cities - Addison, Farmers Branch, Highlanbd Park, Irving, Plano and University Park, would scrap plans for the May public vote. The changes would not be finalized until state law is amended and its approved by the Texas legislature next year

Dallas Area Transit Alliance (DATA) remains concerned about pending changes. In a news release DATA said "In light of the recent developments in the DART-member city negotiations, it is more important than ever for transit riders to have input on the changes that have been proposed:"

The statement from DATA read "The DART board's actions in introducing an all-member city GMP, a promise to pursue legislation for the creation of a regional rail authority with additional funding to bring sales tax relief to member cities marks substantial progress in negotiations. DATA recognizes the need to incentivize regional cooperation, but there are grave concerns about potential service cuts to fund member city handouts. The riders deserve to understand who or what must be sacrificed to pay off the member cities that threatened our access in the first place. This step forward in negotiations should not be made on the backs of the riders and the civil servants who give purpose and life to regional transit. 

The transit alliance said they are grateful to the Regional Transportation Council for authorizing additional funding to help support the DART board proposal and see this as an encouraging step in securing the funding and legislation needed to maintain service. "We must also recognize the actions of the Dallas City Council for voting in favor of DART governance reform. It is not easy to give up power in the spirit of regionalism, but the Dallas city council must be commended for its forward-thinking vote and willingness to compromise."

DATA is asking DART to provide the following information:  1: The text of agenda Item 12, Strategic Local Funding Solution approved at the February 10th DART Committee of the Whole meeting. 2: The estimated dollar amount of service cuts required each year under the Strategic Local Funding Solution. 3: The conditions under which previously cut services will be restored under the Strategic Local Funding Solution

DATA will hold a rider-led discussion on updates at their next General Meeting on February 21, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Dallas Public Library, Central Campus, on the 1st Floor, Community Showcase. 

Related stories: https://www.governing.com/transportation/why-several-dallas-suburbs-might-ditch-the-regional-transit-agency

Photo credit: Texas Rail Advocates - DART Silver Line Train at Union Station