During a recent government meeting, community members voiced strong support for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, emphasizing its critical role in the lives of residents, particularly students at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD).

Liam Nichols, president of Comets For Better Transit, highlighted that many UTD students rely on DART for daily activities, noting that the 883 route is the highest ridership line in the entire DART service area. Nichols expressed gratitude for the city council's ongoing support of DART and the importance of maintaining a strong partnership to enhance public transit options.

Adrian Lewis, secretary of the Council of Air Transit, praised DART's infrastructure investments in Richardson, describing the service as a cost-effective solution for residents. He pointed out that funding DART not only sustains current operations but also facilitates future expansions, such as the upcoming Silver Line, which will connect directly to the airport.

Connor Holla, a local resident, raised concerns about potential legislative efforts to cut DART's budget. He urged the council to support DART's initiatives, citing improvements in service frequency and safety measures that have been implemented in response to community feedback.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective commitment to enhancing public transit in the region, with community members advocating for continued support and collaboration with DART to meet the needs of residents.