The Highland Park On-Demand Pilot Program has received an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars over more than 8,400 completed rides, the Highland Park Town Council heard during an Oct. 20 study session.
The program began in May 2026 following the Town’s withdrawal from Dallas Area Rapid Transit. The Town Council is evaluating its services, which are being provided through a partnership with Via, during a six-month, fare-free pilot.
Highland Park On-Demand is designed primarily to service former DART users. It currently operates from 5 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. Town council members discussed trimming its hours and possibly adding a fee for non-DART riders in hopes of streamlining users and costs.
“If we have a fee like Uber does,” Mayor Will Beecherl said of discouraging canceled/no-show rides, “that they have to pay, whether they get in the car or not, I think we’ll see that completed (rides) number change dramatically.”
“Overall, from budget perspective, we’re so lightyears ahead of where we would’ve been with DART,” councilmember Leland White commented during cost discussions, “I think we have room.”
“The overall takeaway is the program has been tremendous success,” said Town Administrator Tobin Maples. “Staff is recommending that we continue the program.”
Other Study Session reports included:
Review and discussion of the proposed long-term maintenance plan for Exall Lake, including oxygenation/silt management measures which included three small fountains (perhaps with white or multi-color LED lights), the planting of aquatic plants, and stocking with fish.
Review and discussion of the quarterly Community Development report for the quarter ending Sept. 30.
The Town Council meeting began with the swearing in of the new Town Attorney, Jennifer Richie of Messer Fort, PLLC. Richie replaces Susan Thomas, PhD (also of Messer Fort, PLLC).
A proclamation followed in which Mayor Beecherl recognized Oct. 28, 2026, as National First Responder Appreciation Day. Flanked by first responders and DPS staff, the mayor read (in part), “24 hours a day, seven days a week, first responders answer the call to help in a wide range of emergencies, often putting themselves in harm’s way in order to protect property, uphold the law, and save lives.” A hearty round of applause followed the proclamation.
The Consent Agenda included:
- Authorization of the Town Administrator to execute a professional services agreement for a 12-month Agreement for Managed Information Technology Services with Netsync in an amount not to exceed $274,352.
- Authorization of the Town Administrator to execute the first amendment to the Wireless Antenna and Fiber Optic System Licensing License Agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC (AT&T).
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Josh Hickman
Josh Hickman is a national award-winning journalist, visual artist, sometime musician, and author of seven books. His writing For People Newspapers often focuses on arts & culture, local small businesses, local history & government, and interesting personal stories. His paintings include a commission for Dallas County and a donation to Parkland Memorial Hospital.
