Title
Discuss and review alternative public transit service; and take appropriate action.
Body
REQUESTOR:
City Council
BACKGROUND:
Public transportation has historically been viewed as a shared regional investment intended to advance mobility, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life. The City of Farmers Branch continues to recognize the importance of reliable transit access for residents, employees, businesses, and visitors, as well as the broader regional value of coordinated mobility systems. At the same time, municipalities participating in regional transit systems must ensure that public resources are deployed transparently, accountably, cost-effectively, and in a way that is responsive to evolving community needs.
On November 4, 2025, the City of Farmers Branch passed Ordinance No. 3977 ordering an election to be held throughout the City of Farmers Branch on May 2, 2026, to consider dissolution of the City’s participation in the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) System, subject to the continued collection of sales taxes for the period required by applicable law.
At DART’s request, the City sent a formal letter dated December 17, 2025, outlining conditions identified by the City as necessary to support continued participation in the regional transit system. As of the date of this agenda item, a formal written response has not been received; however, discussions related to governance and related matters remain ongoing. The City continues to collaborate with DART and partner cities to address shared concerns and explore potential improvements.
On May 2, 2026, the voters in Farmers Branch, along with voters in Addison, Highland Park, Irving, Plano, and University Park, will determine whether to remain in or withdraw from DART.
Considering the continuity of mobility is essential to public safety, economic stability, and quality of life, the City has undertaken contingency planning to evaluate potential alternative transit service models that could be implemented immediately should voters approve withdrawal. This evaluation is intended solely to ensure uninterrupted service and does not predetermine the outcome of the election.
DISCUSSION:
To support transparency and informed policy making, the City issued a solicitation and evaluated alternative transit service proposals capable of providing immediate, citywide mobility service in the event of withdrawal from DART.
Based on operational readiness, implementation risk, service capability, regulatory compliance, and overall confidence in delivery, respondents were ranked as follows:
1. Via
2. Rideco
3. UZURV
Among the respondents, Via demonstrated the lowest operational performance, the least risk, and the highest deployment confidence, including:
• Ability to deliver a true “no-gap”, Day 1 service launch
• Citywide, on-demand microtransit coverage
• ADA-compliant paratransit service included Day 1 service launch
• Multiple rider access booking channels (mobile application, web platform, and live call center)
• Demonstrated operational experience in Texas markets, including Arlington and other deployments
• Familiarity among state legislators, regional stakeholders, and peer municipalities
• Transparent and predictable cost modeling based on vehicle-hour and trip utilization
• Capacity to maintain regional connectivity through virtual hubs linking to rail and transit corridors without dependence on legacy fixed-route service
Staff emphasize that no replacement transit contract is being approved at this time. Council consideration of respondent capabilities is intended to:
• Maintain service continuity planning
• Support transparent public discussion prior to the election
• Preserve policy flexibility pending voter direction
Staff seek policy direction regarding continued discussions with the highest-ranked respondent to refine:
• Service design and coverage
• Performance standards and accountability measures
• Final cost structure and funding alignment
• Implementation of readiness for potential Day-1 deployment
Any future agreement would be returned to the City Council for separate public approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Annual cost of $2,500,000 to $3,000,000 funded through the revenue stabilization fund. This proposal will not increase debt, raise taxes, or reduce service levels.
Proposal to create an initial term of at least three (3) months starting no later than April 1, 2026, to ensure continuity of transit services.
DISTRICT:
Citywide
POSSIBLE COUNCIL ACTION:
1. I move to approve the negotiation of a contract with VIA for alternative transit services and to bring the contract back to Council for approval.
2. I move to table the discussion for further study.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. VIA Responses
2. RidCo Responses
3. UZURV Responses
4. City Letter to DART
5. Ordinance No. 3977
6. Transit Presentation