As legislative discussions unfold in Texas, concerns are rising among transit officials and advocates regarding potential funding cuts that could jeopardize public transportation services in major urban areas. Recent proposals from Republican legislators aim to redirect significant financial resources from the state’s largest public transit system, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), and disrupt the progress of Austin’s voter-approved Project Connect initiative.

Proposals Targeting Dallas Area Rapid Transit

A proposal currently under consideration would divert a quarter of the sales tax revenues generated by DART, which serves not just Dallas but also 12 neighboring cities, towards what is being termed a “general mobility program.” This initiative would enable cities to access funds for local infrastructure projects such as sidewalks and road repairs.

DART officials have raised alarms about the proposal’s potential impact, estimating a revenue loss exceeding $234 million for the upcoming fiscal year. Such a drastic funding cut would likely result in significant service reductions, affecting over 125,000 riders, particularly vulnerable populations such as seniors and low-income families. “I think this is the end of DART if we do it,” expressed Gary Slagel, the board chair of DART, during a recent meeting.

Concerns from Local Cities

Some cities have voiced grievances regarding the proportionality of their contributions to DART relative to the public transport services received. For instance, Plano contributed about $109 million in 2023 but only accessed approximately $44 million in benefits. This discrepancy has fueled ongoing discussions regarding the establishment of a mobility program in those cities, with advocates suggesting that it may parallel successful initiatives in Houston.

Andrew Fortune, Plano’s director of policy and government relations, emphasized that their goal is to ensure an effective transit system that benefits both residents and visitors to their city.

Implications for Future Mobility in Dallas-Fort Worth

Transit planners caution that the proposed cuts to DART’s funding could severely hinder mobility across the entire Dallas-Fort Worth region, exacerbating air quality issues and complicating transportation plans associated with the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, which will see matches hosted in various cities. The Trinity Railway Express, critical for transporting fans between Dallas and Fort Worth, could become financially untenable should DART be forced to scale back operations.

“This could not be occurring at a worse time,” stated Michael Morris, transportation director for the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

Austin’s Project Connect at Risk

Legislators have also aimed their sights on Austin’s Project Connect, a large-scale public transit initiative encompassing light rail services. In 2020, Austin’s voters approved an increase in property taxes to fund this project and support the operations of the Austin Transit Partnership, established to oversee the expansion.

However, state Republicans have challenged the legality of this funding mechanism, suggesting that the funds designated for maintenance and operations should not be utilized for financing debts. Proposed legislation seeks to formalize this argument into law, potentially dismantling the funding model approved by voters.

State Rep. Ellen Troxclair and state Sen. Paul Bettencourt have sponsored bills aimed at prohibiting the blending of these tax revenues with debt financing. “We don’t mix M&O tax revenues with debt,” Bettencourt clarified, emphasizing a demand for transparency in financial dealings.

Support for Project Connect’s Legitimacy

In defense of Project Connect, Austin transit leaders argue that the funding mechanism is indeed lawful and necessary for advancing a project that promises to ease congestion and foster economic growth. Greg Canally, CEO of the Austin Transit Partnership, remarked, “The need for more local investment in our transportation infrastructure will only increase as our state and community continue to grow.”