Plano considers micro transit options to replace DART

Plano tables vote on finding alternative to DART

The City of Plano has put off a planned vote on finding an alternative source of public transportation should the city choose to leave DART in May. FOX 4's Amelia Jones has more.

PLANO, Texas - City leaders in Plano are exploring a public transit option as a possible alternative to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). 

North Texans don't know the exact details of the negotiations with DART, just that the City of Plano considers them moving in the right direction. Now the city wants more time to consider things before voting on an alternative transit option. 

Plano DART negotiations

The backstory:

On May 2, Plano voters will decide whether to opt out of DART services.

Plano is one of six DART member cities holding an election this spring to decide whether to leave DART because of inefficient services and high costs.

The city said if voters choose to exit DART, a new transit system will need to be "fully operational" within the city limits the next day. A city spokesperson says regardless of the outcome of the vote, it will look at implementing something to replace DART services.

Late last year, Plano formed a committee to look at potential alternatives. 

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DART would end services immediately in cities that vote to leave

Cities who choose to leave DART would immediately lose access to those services, the company said.

Public transportation alternative

What they're saying:

The committee is now recommending Via, an app-based micro-transit service used in Arlington.

It allows people to schedule a ride in a compact bus or van that might be shared with other passengers. The cost is usually under $10 for the passenger.

At Monday night’s city council meeting, council members were set to take action on a contract with Via, but instead, city employees shared that recent meetings with DART have been productive and there could be a potential offer on the table. 

Plano community on changes

Dig deeper:

Before the meeting, a small group of people gathered outside in support of DART in Plano. 

"I think we can't fight for better public transit if there's no public transit that exists," said Plano resident, Alex Flores.

"It's something that the city has invested a lot of time, money, energy into and therefore to kind of end now would be quite silly," said Embher Chaffin, the director of Keep DART in Plano.

Those who spoke to FOX 4 were concerned that the Via contract would not meet the needs of the people in Plano. 

They were hoping the city council would table the vote, which is exactly what happened. 

"There are several actions that would need to happen over the next two weeks for that offer to really materialize, but those are very meaningful actions that would be taken," said Plano City Manager, Mark Israelson.

What's next:

If the election still happens and Plano voters decide to withdraw from DART, services will end the next day. 

The Via contract the city is considering could cost the city up to $8 million to operate for a year and the money would come from the city budget. 

City council voted to hold the discussion until the next city council meeting, which is scheduled for Feb. 23.