By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
Plano has reversed course on its potential exit from Dallas Area Rapid Transit.
In an 8–0 vote Monday night, the City Council approved a new interlocal agreement with DART and repealed the May 2 withdrawal election, effectively ending months of uncertainty over the city’s membership. The move shifts Plano from confrontation to continued participation through at least 2031.
What the Agreement Does
Under the new General Mobility Program (GMP), Plano will start getting a guaranteed slice of its DART sales tax back.
Right now, Plano sends a full 1% of its local sales tax to DART. Beginning in 2026, 5% of that contribution will return directly to the city for locally directed mobility projects. That percentage will increase gradually to 10% by 2031.
The agreement also lays out a path to pursue additional funding tools in the future and pauses legislative efforts aimed at cutting DART’s dedicated sales tax.
In practical terms, Plano isn’t reclaiming its full tax contribution — but it is locking in a defined return for local use. City leaders framed the deal as meaningful progress, while acknowledging it stops short of the broader structural changes some had sought.
DART Leadership: “Charting a New Path Forward”
In a February 23 letter to service-area mayors, DART Board Chairman Randall B. Bryant described the agreement as a turning point for the agency and its member cities.
“Through collaboration, persistence, and a shared vision for regional mobility, we are now charting a new path forward,” Bryant wrote.
He said he hopes all 13 member cities remain in the system as DART moves into what he called its “next chapter.”
Bryant pointed to several priorities moving forward, including a stronger security presence across the system, cleaner stations, improved visibility, and continued work on long-term service improvements.
“These steps reflect our determination to deliver a system that is safe, reliable, and responsive — one that riders trust and communities are proud to support,” he wrote.
Public Reaction
Public comment Monday night largely favored remaining in DART.
Paratransit riders and caregivers described the system as essential for dialysis treatments, therapy appointments, employment, and regional mobility. Several speakers reminded council that transit users “do not think in terms of city lines,” urging members to consider the broader network.
Embher Chaffin, an officer of YesDART, said supporters are encouraged but not declaring victory.
“We’re remaining cautiously optimistic about the interlocal agreement,” Chaffin said. “It’s encouraging to see the City of Plano and DART working together, but there’s still work to be done on both sides.”
Chaffin called for transparency on how GMP funds are used and how Via services are implemented and said advocates are now focused on increasing ridership, including a planned Silver Line group ride on February 28.
Council repealed the withdrawal election unanimously. Under state law, the issue cannot return to the ballot before 2032.
State-Level Reaction
State Rep. Mihaela Pleşa praised the council’s decision to cancel the withdrawal election and remain in DART.
“I am encouraged by tonight’s decision from the Plano City Council to rescind the proposed DART withdrawal election,” Pleşa said. “This outcome reflects a serious, good faith effort to put the people of Plano first and protect the long-term connectivity and economic strength of our region.”
Pleşa framed the vote as an example of regional cooperation over division.
“At a time when disagreements can easily divide communities, this process showed what is possible when leaders choose collaboration, listen to concerns, and work toward solutions,” she said. “I appreciate the Council, regional partners, business leaders, and community members who stepped forward to engage in thoughtful, solution-focused dialogue.”
Council Perspective
Newly elected Plano Councilwoman Dr. Shun Thomas expressed support for the agreement.
“I think we are headed in the right direction for the City of Plano as it relates to our public transit system and our participation in this regional transit system model that we are a part of,” Thomas said.
“I am grateful for DART Board Chair Mr. Bryant, Mayor Muns, City Manager Israelson, and City Director Mr. Fortune for their collaborative efforts. They have proven that collaboration truly works.”
Governance, Flexibility, and What Comes Next
Alongside approving the new funding agreement, council passed a resolution supporting legislative reform of DART’s board structure, calling for guaranteed representation from each member city and limits on majority control by any single city. Governance changes have been a central demand from Plano leaders throughout the dispute.
Council also approved a contract with Via Transportation to provide complementary local mobility services — a move that signals Plano intends to remain in the regional system while keeping flexibility to address local transit gaps.
For much of 2025, the conversation in Plano centered on leaving DART. Monday’s vote changes that trajectory.
Instead of exiting, the city is recommitting under revised terms. The debate now shifts from whether Plano stays to how the agreement is implemented — how funds are spent, how service improves, and whether promised reforms materialize.
Plano remains in DART by deliberate choice. The next six years will determine whether that decision delivers measurable results for riders and taxpayers alike.