DALLAS — Voters in Highland Park on Saturday voted to withdraw from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system, while their counterparts in Addison and University Park opted to remain with DART.
The three cities have been members of DART since 1983.
Highland Park officials said the town dedicates one cent (1%) of its local sales tax to support regional transit services. State law authorizes municipalities to levy up to two cents (2%) in total local sales tax revenue.
Under Texas law, DART member cities may call a withdrawal election once every six years. The Highland Park Town Council has ordered a withdrawal election for May 2, 2026, to allow voters to determine whether the Town should remain a DART member.
“The future of North Texas will be shaped by the cities that choose to move forward with DART. We are focused on expanding this system with partners who recognize that transit drives economic growth, connects people to opportunity, and strengthens communities,” Randall Bryant, chair of the DART Board of Directors, said in a release.
“As we head into the next legislative session, we are united in our ask, give our cities room to breathe and allow the state to step in as a true partner in shaping what comes next,” Bryant added. “At the same time, we are pushing forward to expand our system and establish a fair, modern governance and funding model that works for everyone. This is our moment to move forward, and DART is ready to lead.”
Following the vote, city councils must canvass – or accept – the election results. No changes to DART services will occur until after canvassing occurs. DART services in Addison and University Park remain unchanged.
Highland Park will canvass election results at a special council meeting on May 13. Services in Highland Park will cease on May 14.
Impacted services include bus routes, GoLink service, paratransit, and park-and-ride facilities located within Highland Park. Buses will continue to operate through Highland Park, but will not stop within city limits.
Addison and University Park have elected to remain in the DART system. No changes will occur to bus, rail, GoLink or paratransit services within Addison and University Park.
As of May 14, DART bus service to and from Highland Park will end, including route 237. The route will continue to operate through the city but will bypass all stops within Highland Park.
The Park Cities GoLink zone will no longer operate within Highland Park as of May 14, and paratransit service to and from Highland Park will also cease. DART Mobility Management Services will contact riders with recurring trips directly.
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