The Richardson City Council on Monday approved two measures related to proposed changes at Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), supporting a new governance structure and authorizing participation in an updated funding program.
Council approved a resolution backing DART’s proposed board representation framework, which ensures each member city will have at least one seat while preventing any single city from holding a majority of votes. Under the proposal, the largest member city would control between 40 and 50 percent of the votes and hold at least seven seats, with overall voting strength tied to each city’s population relative to the total population of all DART member cities. The structure was unanimously recommended by a City Managers Working Group representing six DART member cities, including Richardson. State law requires DART to review board representation every five years, and the updated plan must be approved by all member cities and the Texas Legislature during its 90th Legislative session next year.
In addition, Council authorized the City Manager to sign an interlocal agreement allowing Richardson to participate in a proposed funding program that would return up to 25 percent of DART sales tax receipts to member cities for DART-approved mobility enhancement projects. The funding would be phased in over six years through a guaranteed base allocation, proposed transfer of the regional rail system to an independent management authority, and additional revenue opportunities through proposed state legislation.
Public meetings on related service changes will be held next month, including a March 17 meeting in Richardson at Huffhines Recreation Center and a public hearing March 24 at DART headquarters.
Monday’s presentation: Video
