Dallas City Council Approves New DART Governance Plan for Regional Transit, marking a significant step toward strengthening the structure, accountability, and long-term sustainability of public transportation across North Texas. The newly endorsed governance model aims to balance representation among member cities while ensuring no single entity holds majority control, addressing ongoing concerns around funding, service, and regional collaboration. As discussions continue, the plan reflects Dallas’ commitment to maintaining a reliable transit system that supports economic growth, mobility, and connectivity throughout the region.
The Dallas City Council today approved a resolution endorsing a reformed governance structure for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), reaffirming the City’s commitment to the long-term viability and success of the regional transit system.
Under the proposed model, Dallas would hold 45% of the voting share and seven board seats, while ensuring that every member city retains representation on the DART Board and that no single city controls a majority of seats. These principles reflect Dallas’ good-faith effort to preserve a strong, collaborative system for the entire region.
The vote follows months of negotiations among DART member cities, driven by concerns over governance, service and funding. Both governance and funding concerns prompted six cities to call for withdrawal elections scheduled for May 2026. Throughout the process, Dallas remained at the table, committed to protecting public transit as a critical engine for economic growth and mobility across North Texas. The City’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee reviewed the status of negotiations on January 20, 2026, and provided guidance to reach today’s resolution.
“I want to thank the Mayor and City Council for their leadership and for voting in support of this resolution,” said City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “Today’s vote is a step in the right direction and reflects a decision made with the health of the entire system in mind. Dallas residents rely on DART to travel to work, school, and medical appointments throughout the region, and this action is a win-win for the City of Dallas, DART, and the entire region. Today’s vote affirms Dallas’ commitment to ensuring regional transit not only remains strong but continues to thrive.”
With a governance agreement in place, attention now turns to funding solutions. The DART Board will continue discussions this week, and on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Regional Transportation Council (RTC) will consider its role in the proposed agreement.
Dallas City Council Approves New DART Governance Plan for Regional Transit, endorsing a restructured board model designed to balance representation among member cities while preventing any single city from holding majority control. The decision follows months of negotiations driven by concerns over governance, funding, and service levels, as several cities consider withdrawal votes in 2026. Dallas’ approval signals a commitment to maintaining a strong, collaborative regional transit system that supports economic growth and mobility across North Texas, while discussions continue on long-term funding solutions and regional coordination.
Source: https://www.dallascitynews.net/
