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Plano staff updates council on DART negotiations and alternative-transit procurement

Plano City Council · January 13, 2026

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Summary

City staff reported ongoing negotiations with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), vendor changes in the city's alternative-transit procurement, and a target to have an alternative continuity pilot in place by May 3.

Andrew Fortune, Plano's director of policy and government relations, told council staff are continuing negotiations with DART and advancing the city's alternative-transit procurement.

Fortune said University Park has voted to send a potential DART withdrawal to residents and Addison is reconsidering a similar action. Funding proposals are under review by DART, and the city expects a DART fee study to be available soon that will inform governance and funding discussions. He said there is a statutory deadline of March 18 related to rescinding a ballot measure and staff are working toward a logistical timeline of Feb. 23.

Fortune added that one vendor previously participating in the city's alternative-transit procurement withdrew, leaving two vendors under consideration; the remaining proposals were within the council's six-month budget for interim service. Staff are aiming to have an alternative in place to provide continuity of paratransit and microtransit service by May 3, with pilots ideally running before the school year begins. Fortune said staff are incorporating feedback from the C4 committee and will return with additional updates and, if appropriate, a staff report recommending a vendor.

Deputy mayor (Council member Downs) said he wants the pilot in place as soon as possible to allow time to work out operational issues. Fortune agreed this is the plan.