Residents
Public Transit in Irving
Irving has partnered with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) for decades, contributing approximately $2 billion since 1983.
Over the years, the city has made repeated requests for updated transit service to no avail and has formally asked DART for data demonstrating the return on its investment. These records should provide a clear picture of Irving’s efforts to ensure that transit keeps pace with community growth.
DART is a regional transit agency authorized under Chapter 452 of the Texas Transportation Code and was created in August 1983 by voters. DART is funded with a contribution from the 13 member cities of one-cent local sales tax.
Each year, DART receives half (1 cent) of Irving's share of local sales tax revenues. Most recent audit data shows DART has received the following dollars from Irving:
FY25 (projected) | FY24 | FY23 | FY22 | FY21 |
$110.8 M | $108.2 M | $107.8 M | $100 M | $82.1 M |
From inception in 1983 to present day, Irving has contributed approximately $2 billion to DART. DART ridership has significantly declined systemwide, serving 71 million users in 2013 declining to 48 million users in 2023, while the city’s sales tax contribution increased 106%, from $52.4 million to $107.8 million, over that same period.
DART continues to underutilize existing rail stations by eliminating bus routes that serve these essential transportation connections.
- DART plans to reduce bus routes in Irving from seven routes to five by eliminating the 225 (Nursery Road) and 255 (Story Road) bus routes.
- The elimination of these routes results in a 29% reduction in bus routes for the public.
- The city’s sales tax contribution to DART continues to increase.
- The elimination of the 225 Bus Route connection to the University of Dallas Orange Line light rail station reduces Irving’s critical connections to rail stations.
- With the elimination of two bus routes, DART will only be providing the City of Irving with bus connectivity to three of eight rail stations (38% of Irving rail stations), thereby significantly reducing or eliminating the ability for Irving residents to gain access to healthcare, education, job opportunities and other essential services.
Given these circumstances, the Irving City Council believes it is in the best interest of the city to call an election and submit the issue of continued participation in DART to its residents.
Irving is committed to exploring, evaluating and implementing mobility solutions that ensure effective and efficient transportation that meets the demands and expectations of the residents, businesses and visitors.
If the residents vote for Irving to leave the DART system, the city will ensure funding is set aside to implement an effective and efficient microtransit solution tailored to the community’s needs.
For years, the City of Irving has asked DART for data showing how its sale tax contributions translate into service value. The timeline highlights the steps Irving has taken to monitor transit performance, request improvements and ensure transparency in evaluating service.
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