The question of whether to remain part of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has sparked heated debate among Park Cities residents.
Proponents of staying in DART argue that withdrawing from the transit agency would cut access to transportation, particularly for low-income people and people with disabilities who are unable to drive themselves.
Those who support leaving DART argue that the value of services residents receive from it is dwarfed by their cost.
Wheelchair-user Francis Zalace relies on DART’s paratransit services to attend First Unitarian Church of Dallas, where she participates in the choir.
“That community provided me the support I needed when I became handicapped,” Zalace said. “Without having access to paratransit, it makes it very difficult, if not almost impossible, for me to continue to maintain my connection to that community.”
“There are so many people here that support the economy of this area that don’t live here,” she added, “but they’re not going to be able to get here.”
University Park resident Kevin Norfleet said during a March 5 community meeting that the Park Cities remaining part of DART would benefit the entire Dallas region.
“I strongly believe that for the Park Cities to continue to be successful, to be strong, we need a strong Dallas,” he said, “and a strong Dallas comes from having good, affordable transportation options.”
Former Highland Park Mayor Pro Tem Steve Rogers posited during the meeting that the services the town receives don’t justify the cost.
“Highland Park contributes approximately $8 million annually to DART, and in exchange, the town receives one bus line,” he said.
Highland Park resident Pryor Blackwell also argued the town should withdraw from DART amid cost concerns. He suggested that Highland Park could save funds by independently contracting with a rideshare company to accommodate the needs of those who rely on DART services.
“Unlike other member cities, Highland Park is a fully developed city with no, and by no I mean zero, undeveloped land tracts to provide new sales and use tax sources,” Blackwell said. “Given this funding constraint and the rapidly escalating cost of providing essential municipal services to its residents, specifically public safety, police, fire, EMS, and public parks, Highland Park must carefully examine every expense.”
A group of Park Cities interfaith leaders, including representatives of First Unitarian Church of Dallas, University Park United Methodist Church, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, and Christ Lutheran Church, also called on residents to support DART.
“We stand in utter disbelief at the prospect that the very foundation of one of the most important human rights movements in the last century — bus service — will not simply need to be fixed or made more fair. It could vanish,” the group said in a statement. “The great teachers of all faiths urge us to look to the vulnerable among communities and how they are treated to determine the measure of that community’s blessedness and love.”
The DART board has offered to return some sales tax to member cities in hopes of swaying them to call off withdrawal elections. The transit agency has persuaded Farmers Branch, Irving, and Plano to cancel their votes. Highland Park, University Park, and Addison have opted to continue with their withdrawal elections.
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