Plano’s brewing transit revolt has reached a boiling point as city officials line up alternatives to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system that has served the suburb for decades. Residents will head to the polls on May 2, 2026, to decide whether to sever ties with DART altogether — a move that could reshape public transportation across North Dallas.
At the heart of the dispute? Money. Plano officials argue the city isn’t getting sufficient return on its sales tax investment in the regional transit system. The city is now eyeing a potential $8 million annual contract with microtransit provider Via as an alternative, regardless of how the election turns out, according to documents reviewed by Fox 4 News.
But Plano isn’t alone in its dissatisfaction. Three other Dallas suburbs — Irving, Farmers Branch, and Highland Park — have also scheduled May votes to potentially exit DART. All four municipalities cite similar concerns about low ridership numbers compared to their substantial financial contributions, the Texas Tribune reports.
Last-Minute Negotiations
Could the election be called off? It’s possible. DART officials met on January 27 to review proposals from Plano and other cities considering withdrawal. Plano has presented two agreements that, if accepted, might lead to canceling its special election, Community Impact noted in its coverage of the meeting.
The clock is ticking, however. DART has already scheduled a public hearing for March 24 to discuss potential service changes if cities like Plano follow through with withdrawal after the May 2 vote. The transit authority has warned that services could cease as early as May 3 in any cities that vote to exit, according to an official DART announcement.
“We’re preparing for all scenarios,” said a Plano city spokesperson who requested anonymity because they weren’t authorized to speak publicly about ongoing negotiations. “Our primary concern is ensuring residents don’t experience any gap in transit options.”
The Via Alternative
Meanwhile, Plano’s City Council is moving forward with a potential microtransit agreement with Via, following a recommendation from the Collin County Connects Committee. That committee, however, wasn’t unanimous in its support, revealing internal divisions about the best path forward, the Dallas Observer discovered in its investigation.
Microtransit systems like Via operate more like ride-sharing services than traditional fixed-route buses, allowing riders to request pickups through mobile apps for on-demand service within designated zones. Supporters argue this model better serves suburban areas where population density doesn’t justify full bus routes.
Public sentiment on the withdrawal remains mixed. Previous polling has shown majority opposition to leaving DART in both Plano and Farmers Branch, though city officials contend that attitudes may have shifted as transit usage patterns changed following the pandemic.
Regional Ripple Effects
The potential exodus isn’t limited to the four cities already scheduling votes. Garland’s City Council recently received a presentation on DART issues, while University Park is considering calling its own withdrawal election, according to public meeting recordings.
Transit advocates worry about the regional implications of these potential withdrawals. “We’re looking at the potential balkanization of public transportation in North Texas,” said Marcus Glover, president of Transit for All, a local advocacy group. “Individual cities might optimize for their specific needs, but at the expense of the interconnected system that makes regional mobility possible.”
For Plano residents seeking information about the upcoming vote, the city has established a dedicated election information portal with details about polling locations and frequently asked questions.
As May approaches, the question hanging over Dallas’s northern suburbs isn’t just about buses and trains — it’s about a vision for how people will move through one of America’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions for decades to come.
