Irving City Council Calls Special Election on City’s Future with DART

“We understand how important public transportation is for our community and are committed to ensuring Irving residents continue to have low-cost mobility opportunities,” said Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer. “We have been concerned with DART reducing service levels to our community over the years and according to the 2024 Irving Resident Satisfaction survey, only 1% of residents use DART or TRE service daily while investing more than $115 million annually into the system.”

Since joining DART in 1983, Irving residents have contributed an estimated $2 billion in sales tax revenue to support regional transit services. Despite this significant investment, DART’s performance and service levels in Irving have continued to decline:

1. Dart ridership has dropped from 71 million riders in 2013 to 48 million in 2023.
2. Irving’s annual sales tax contribution has more than doubled, increasing 106% — from $52.4 million to $107.8 million — over that same period.
3. In 2024, the City of Irving invested over $115 million in DART service for the community.
4. According to the 2024 Irving Resident Satisfaction survey, only 1% of residents use DART service daily.
5. DART plans to eliminate two additional bus routes in Irving (the 225 and 255), further reducing connectivity to just three of the city’s eight rail stations.
6. This represents a 29% reduction in local bus service (from seven to five routes) while the city’s sales tax contributions to DART increased.
7. Furthermore, it will reduce the number of Irving’s rail stations that remain connected by bus to 38%.

For more information, visit IrvingTX.gov/Transit.