Garland council seeks detailed briefings after DART outlines proposed service cuts and fare changes
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Summary
Council members heard a DART overview July 7 about planned cuts to route frequency, possible route eliminations and fare changes including a proposed ADA paratransit fee increase. Garland asked staff to summarize a city position and bring DART representatives back for a work session discussion.
Garland City Council members on July 7 received a detailed presentation on Dallas Area Rapid Transit service changes, potential legislative actions and a DART general mobility program that could redirect funds. Council instructed staff to return with a summary of Garland’s position and invited DART representatives for a follow-up work session.
Ariel Schraum, listed in the packet as managing director of legislative and public affairs, reviewed DART’s system and recent actions: 93 miles of light rail, 65 stations, 570 buses and interagency partnerships across the region. Schraum described ongoing projects that involve Garland, including the South Garland Transit Center redevelopment and Lake Ray Hubbard Transit Center work.
The presentation summarized recent legislative efforts and a DART internal General Mobility Program (GMP) intended to redistribute roughly $42.5 million across member cities. Schraum quoted DART board representative Mark Enoch’s testimony to the Texas House Transportation Committee: “If our buses don't run as often, we don't get as many riders. If our trains aren't repaired, they fall apart and we can't keep people riding.” The council and staff discussed that DART is proposing cuts that would reduce frequency (for example, some peak‑period service moving from 20‑minute to 30‑minute intervals and weekend service from 30 to 60 minutes) and increase certain fares, including a cited ADA paratransit fee increase from $3 to $6.
Council members raised concerns about the local impacts of reduced frequency and higher paratransit fees. Mayor Pro Tem Ed Moore urged a focused internal review and suggested a special meeting or a dedicated work session to consolidate Garland’s position. Council reached a consensus to place a DART item on a future work session agenda, ask staff to prepare proposed Garland position points in advance, and invite DART representatives to participate.
City staff noted DART has been meeting more frequently with member city managers and that some proposed cuts may stem from DART efforts to cover capital requests and other funding shortfalls. Staff offered to return with a concise list of Garland position points and suggested July 21 as a possible date for the follow‑up work session. A DART public hearing was noted for July 8 at 6 p.m.
No formal council vote on a resolution or ordinance occurred during the July 7 session; council members instructed staff to prepare materials for the next discussion.
