Cities urged to provide complete financial backing for DART's projects, while certain leaders push for funding without conditions attached.
DART's General Mobility Program: Cities Ponder Decision as Deadline Approaches
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has given a deadline of Aug. 31 to seven cities to adopt resolutions requesting funds from the General Mobility Program (GMP) and commit to forgoing support for legislation that would reduce or divert DART funding. As the date approaches, cities across the Dallas area are weighing their options.
The GMP, approved in March, aims to return 5% of DART's annual sales tax revenue to the cities to fund non-DART transit projects. However, DART's board of directors is considering system-wide service cuts to fund the GMP due to budget constraints and the needs of cities paying more than they receive in public transit services.
The amount of funding proposed for each city under the General Mobility Fund will vary. DART is working on interlocal agreements for the GMP that will need to be agreed upon by each eligible city. So far, only two cities, Addison and an unspecified city, have outwardly expressed support for the agency. Among the seven cities given a deadline by DART, only the City of Mesquite has apparently passed a resolution to support DART so far.
Carrollton plans to utilize the no-strings-attached mobility program to invest in Transit Zones surrounding DART stations. Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick suggests DART should honor its commitment to returning funds that exceed the amount spent in other communities. The city of Plano is leaving "all options" on the table regarding the GMP and has not passed a resolution that would bind them to a permanent position. Highland Park did not respond to KERA's request for comment regarding the GMP.
The mayor of Plano, John Muns, appreciates DART's effort to address financial inequities with the General Mobility Program. Richardson remains committed to working with DART leaders to find a balanced solution that strengthens public transit, respects diverse needs, and ensures transparency and accountability in decision-making. University Park will review and consider signing an interlocal agreement for the General Mobility Fund once it is approved by the DART Board. However, University Park does not intend to take any action on a resolution to support DART.
Farmers Branch has not commented on the General Mobility Program at this time. The DART committee will discuss interlocal agreements at its meeting on Sept. 9. As the deadline approaches, it remains to be seen which cities will adopt resolutions requesting GMP funds and commit to supporting DART.
In summary, the General Mobility Program, aimed at returning funds to cities for non-DART transit projects, has been proposed by DART. The program is facing budget constraints, and cities are considering their options. So far, only two cities have outwardly expressed support, while no city has publicly committed to the GMP as of the date of the article. The DART committee will discuss interlocal agreements on Sept. 9.
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