DART proposes historic service cuts, residents say changes would hurt the most vulnerable

Hundreds of Dallas residents spoke against proposed service and fare changes during a packed DART Board meeting on July 8.

During the nearly 6-hour public comment portion of the meeting, the majority of speakers opposed what DART calls the “largest service cuts in agency history” in order to redistribute funds to its member cities.

Highlights of the proposed changes include:

• Elimination of 9 bus routes
• Elimination of South Dallas GoLink
• Frequency reductions on bus routes, light rail and TRE
• Increase in ADA paratransit fare costs and decreasing the service area
• Adding distance-based fares for curb-to-curb GoLink 

If approved by the board, the changes would be implementation in January 2026.

Residents at the meeting pointed to the importance of GoLink and paratransit services for vulnerable communities who would have to pay more for less service.

Carol Dunn, a DART rider for eleven years, said the changes would hurt those with disabilities and fixed incomes like her that rely on disability-friendly services.

“You gave us freedom to be independent and now you just want to snatch our independence away and leave us isolated and in our homes again and want us to be happy about it,” She said. “Well, we are not happy about that at all. So please consider us, since this service was created for us.”

The DART Board will meet again on Aug. 26.

About the DART Board:

The DART Board of Directors is the governing body that oversees the Dallas Area Rapid Transit metro system.

The 15 members are appointed by the cities they represent.

Dallas Documenter Brianna Patt attended the July 8 Board public meeting, and this brief emerged from her notes. Click here to read Patt‘s full notes, and here to learn how you can become a paid Documenter at public meetings.