May 3rd, 2026 - TRA Newswire -
A majority of voters who went to the polls yesterday in the cities of Addison and University Park voted to stay in the Dallas Area Rapid Transit network of trains and buses. Highland Park residents withdrew their support and will shortly lose their DART service, making them disconnected from the region, surrounded by other cities and towns served by the agency.
The city of Addison, which late last year opened it's DART Silver Line station on the new cross-county rail line, saw its citizens turn out in overwhelming numbers and vote to stay in the transit agency. In University Park the "KEEP DART" numbers exceeded the "leave DART" tally by 199 votes. University Park only has DART bus service within its boundaries but borders several light rail stations.
DART outlined what will happen next:
City Councils must canvass – or accept - the election results. No changes to DART services will occur until after canvassing occurs.
DART services in Addison and University Park remain unchanged.
Highland Park will canvass election results at a special council meeting on May 13. Services in Highland Park will cease May 14. Impacted services include bus routes, GoLink service, paratransit, and park-and-ride facilities located within Highland Park. Buses will continue to operate through Highland Park but will not stop within city limits.
Randall Bryant, Chair of the DART Board of Directors issued this statement following the election returns "The future of North Texas will be shaped by the cities that choose to move forward with DART. We are focused on expanding this system with partners who recognize that transit drives economic growth, connects people to opportunity, and strengthens communities.”
“As we head into the next legislative session, we are united in our ask, give our cities room to breathe and allow the state to step in as a true partner in shaping what comes next. At the same time, we are pushing forward to expand our system and establish a fair, modern governance and funding model that works for everyone. This is our moment to move forward, and DART is ready to lead.”
Grass roots group Dallas Area Transit Alliance issued a statement following the election results. "Dallas Area Transit Alliance (DATA) celebrates a decisive victory in Addison and University Park, where residents voted to maintain their connection to the regional transit network. However, the decision by voters in Highland Park to withdraw from Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) marks a step back for the region."
"Addison and University Park have shown they understand that the future of our economy depends on our cities working together as part of a larger whole. Unfortunately, Highland Park has decided it does not share that vision. We are deeply concerned about the effect this withdrawal vote will have on Highland Park riders, particularly those dependent on paratransit, as we await what, if any, replacement service the town chooses to employ," according to the news release from DATA.
All three cities joined DART in 1983 but in recent years grew frustrated, arguing that sales tax contributions exceeded the level of transit service received. Plano, Farmers Branch and Irving initially scheduled their own elections but cancelled after reaching deals with DART in February on tax refunds and restructuring of the DART board.
The DATA statement also said "We would like to thank the voters of Addison and University Park for their trust in DART as a key part of the regional mobility infrastructure. The fight for accessible and reliable public transportation continues. DATA is more determined than ever to ensure that the progress made elsewhere in the region is protected and that riders' voices everywhere continue to be heard."
Cover photo credit: Texas Rail Advocates