FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DALLAS, TX — Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is issuing an urgent warning about the devastating consequences of Texas House Bill 3187, this bill would dismantle the region’s public transportation system, eliminate thousands of jobs, have more than 100k riders immediately lose access to transit, and cripple economic growth throughout North Texas.

The legislation, now moving through the Texas House, mandates a redistribution of DART’s voter-approved sales tax funding, stripping essential operational and capital funds from the agency and forcing immediate and irreversible cuts. In just the first year, the bill wipes out 5,800 jobs across North Texas, cancels planned capital improvements, and slashes service levels by more than 30%—jeopardizing the mobility of thousands of daily riders who rely on the system for work, school, and healthcare.

“This bill isn’t a tweak to funding. It’s a full-on dismantling of the DART system,” said Jeamy Molina, Chief Communications Officer, DART. “The people of North Texas voted twice to fund a unified, regional transit system. House Bill 3187 completely ignores their voice and puts the future of public transportation in jeopardy.”

If passed, the bill would stall or kill over $3.5 billion in transit-oriented development projects, many already underway near DART rail stations. It would reduce transit access for essential workers, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families, and undermine DART’s ability to prepare for major international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The consequences of H.B. 3187 goes beyond service cuts. The bill represents an unprecedented break in the contract between DART and its voters. The agency’s funding was approved through democratic vote and reaffirmed through supermajority elections in member cities. H.B. 3187 effectively overrides the will of the people.

For media inquiries, contact:
Jasmyn Carter
Director of Public Relations
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
[email protected] | 469-798-4018