Irving City Council Cancels DART Exit Election

Cities agree to compromise on transit service instead of withdrawal vote.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

The Irving City Council has voted to cancel an upcoming election that would have allowed the city to withdraw from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system. Irving is joining the neighboring cities of Plano and Farmers Branch in canceling their DART exit elections and instead agreeing to a compromise that will keep the transit service in place.

Why it matters

The DART system is a critical part of the transportation infrastructure in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and the potential withdrawal of several major cities could have significantly disrupted regional transit. The compromise reached by Irving, Plano, and Farmers Branch preserves DART service while addressing some local concerns.

The details

Under the compromise, the three cities will remain part of the DART service area but will have more input and control over the transit services provided in their communities. This includes the ability to adjust bus routes and schedules to better meet local needs.

  • The Irving City Council voted to cancel the DART exit election on February 27, 2026.

The players

Irving City Council

The governing body of the city of Irving, Texas that voted to cancel the DART exit election.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

The public transportation system serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

Plano

A city in Texas that also agreed to the compromise and canceled its DART exit election.

Farmers Branch

A city in Texas that also agreed to the compromise and canceled its DART exit election.

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What’s next

The compromise agreement between Irving, Plano, and Farmers Branch will now be implemented, allowing the cities to have more input on DART services while remaining part of the regional transit system.

The takeaway

The decision by Irving, Plano, and Farmers Branch to cancel their DART exit elections and instead reach a compromise demonstrates the importance of regional cooperation in maintaining critical transportation infrastructure.