Richardson Residents and Officials Push Back Against Proposed DART Service Cuts

Collin County News

July 14, 2025 Maverick Tax Guardians

A proposal by Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to cut certain bus routes and reduce service hours is drawing criticism from Richardson residents and local leaders, who say the changes could disproportionately affect those who rely on public transit for work, medical appointments, and daily needs.

At a public meeting held July 9 at the Richardson Senior Center, DART officials presented elements of their “bus network optimization plan,” which aims to shift resources toward higher-ridership routes and make the overall system more efficient.

However, community members responded with strong concerns about losing local access and the potential isolation of seniors and low-income riders.

🚌 What’s Being Proposed

According to DART representatives, the proposed service changes include:

Elimination or consolidation of underperforming bus routes
Adjustments to bus frequencies and service hours
Reallocation of resources to high-demand corridors in Dallas, Garland, and other core areas

The goal, DART says, is to maximize ridership and efficiency, especially as transit use patterns continue to evolve post-pandemic. But for many in Richardson, these changes feel like disinvestment in their community.

🗣️ Local Reactions

Richardson City Council member Joe Corcoran and other city officials in attendance expressed concern that the plan does not reflect local needs, especially for residents who don’t drive or live near high-capacity routes.

“We’re not opposed to efficiency,” Corcoran said, “but this proposal risks leaving people behind.”

Seniors attending the meeting shared stories of how they rely on specific bus stops and routes that may be cut. Others voiced frustration over a lack of community input earlier in the planning process.

📆 What’s Next?

DART is still gathering feedback from local communities before finalizing the service plan. Officials said no changes will take effect before January 2026, giving time for further public meetings and revisions.

Residents are encouraged to:

Submit public comments through the DART website
Attend future community forums
Speak directly to local representatives and DART board members

Richardson officials say they will continue advocating for transit equity and better alignment between service planning and community needs.

📍Why It Matters

For a city like Richardson home to major employers, medical centers, and a diverse population—transit access is more than convenience. It’s a lifeline for many. As DART considers future service strategies, community voices will play a critical role in shaping the outcome.

Source
This news article is based on information from
Community Impact – “Residents, elected officials voice concerns about proposed DART service cuts”( July 11, 2025). Retrieved from:https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/richardson/transportation/2025/07/10/residents-elected-officials-voice-concerns-about-proposed-dart-service-cuts/