Regional Council Approves $180 Million to Revitalize DART Transit System

The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has approved a significant funding initiative aimed at revitalizing the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system. On February 12, 2026, the RTC committed $180 million to support DART and other regional transit services, a move that has sparked renewed hope among suburban leaders concerned about the future of public transportation in the area.

During a workshop held in Arlington, Texas, RTC members voted to allocate $75 million of the funding directly to DART’s revitalization plan. This proposal, presented by DART Board Chair Randall Bryant, aims to return a portion of the sales tax collected from member cities back to them for local mobility projects. The funding is crucial for cities like Plano and Irving, which have expressed concerns about their representation and service levels from DART.

John Muns, the Mayor of Plano, indicated that the city would explore cancelling upcoming elections regarding its potential withdrawal from DART. He emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions about ridership and service levels, stating, “I still want to have those conversations… and being able to be more specific to the needs of our community.” His comments reflect a desire among suburban leaders to ensure that local needs are met while remaining part of the regional system.

The RTC’s decision is not only about immediate funding; it also supports the creation of a new rail authority and seeks to establish additional revenue streams for DART. This includes the possibility of implementing a vehicle registration fee, which would require legislative approval. Michael Morris, the director of transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments, described the region’s transportation dynamics as akin to “a bad marriage,” highlighting the need for improved collaboration among transit authorities.

The RTC’s funding plan is seen as a pivotal moment in the region’s transit history. By committing funds to various transportation authorities, including the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE), the RTC aims to promote a spirit of regional cooperation. The approved amendment added an extra $105 million to support these agencies, facilitating a broader approach to regional transit needs.

As the RTC moves forward, it will seek to engage state lawmakers to secure the necessary approvals for the proposed initiatives. Bryant noted the importance of presenting a unified front when approaching the legislature, stating, “The work is still before us, as we need to now go to Austin and carry our message in unity there.”

Following the vote, DART CEO Nadine Lee expressed gratitude for the support shown to the agency, acknowledging that while challenges remain, the commitment from local governments signifies a step towards a more sustainable transit future. “I think DART has exercised good faith in extending this olive branch to our cities, and I hope that our cities will actually follow through with the commitments,” she said.

Overall, the RTC’s funding approval marks a significant shift in the conversation around public transit in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. It sets the stage for potential reforms and collaborative efforts among cities and transit agencies, ultimately aiming to enhance the mobility options available to residents across the region.