Texas Republicans Target Public Transit in Dallas and Austin: The Impact on the Future of Mobility
Public transportation in Texas faces significant hurdles as Republican lawmakers target key transit projects in two of the state’s largest urban areas: Dallas and Austin. The proposed legislation could reshape the future of public transit in the Lone Star State, raising serious concerns among transit officials, advocates, and citizens.
Texas has long been known for its cultural ties to the automobile and oil industries, but the state’s recent moves to limit public transit funding show a shift that may impact millions of commuters. In this article, we’ll explore how proposed legislative changes could threaten the future of public transportation, what it means for the cities of Dallas and Austin, and how transit agencies are reacting.
Proposed Legislation Could Undermine Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has been serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex for years, offering critical bus and light rail services. However, recent legislative proposals from North Texas lawmakers could reroute a significant portion of DART’s funding, severely impacting its ability to provide services.
What’s at Stake?
-
25% of sales tax revenue collected by DART would be redirected towards a “general mobility program.”
-
Cities such as Plano, Richardson, and Garland could tap into these funds for infrastructure projects like road construction, sidewalk installation, and traffic signals.
Transit officials warn that this move could spell disaster for DART’s operations, potentially leading to $234 million in losses in the upcoming fiscal year. The loss of revenue could result in massive service cuts, layoffs, and diminished access for vulnerable groups like seniors and low-income families. In fact, over 125,000 people could lose access to vital transit services.
DART’s Response
-
Gary Slagel, DART board chair, has expressed deep concern: “I don’t know how we survive if we do this.”
-
In response to the proposed cuts, DART’s board voted to create its own general mobility program, though it would only use 5% of its sales tax revenue, a much smaller amount compared to the 25% proposed by lawmakers.
The Impact on the Dallas-Fort Worth Region’s Mobility
The repercussions of reduced DART funding would not only affect Dallas but could also ripple across the entire Dallas-Fort Worth region. Transit officials warn that cutting DART’s funding could worsen air quality, disrupt regional mobility, and interfere with major events such as the FIFA World Cup.
-
Trinity Railway Express (TRE): The commuter rail line connecting Dallas and Fort Worth plays a crucial role in transporting fans to and from events at AT&T Stadium. DART projects that a 25% cut in its revenue could leave the TRE without funding, affecting transportation for thousands of fans.
Regional transportation planners are urging lawmakers to reconsider, as the cuts could derail plans to improve mobility across the region, particularly at a time when global attention will be on North Texas for the World Cup.
Austin’s Project Connect Under Fire
In Austin, lawmakers are once again targeting the city’s Project Connect initiative, which aims to expand the city’s light-rail network. This multibillion-dollar public transit plan was approved by voters in 2020, who agreed to a property tax hike to fund the project. However, recent state-level efforts seek to eliminate the city’s funding mechanism, putting the entire project at risk.
Why Is Austin’s Funding Plan Under Scrutiny?
-
The funding mechanism relies on property taxes collected by the city, specifically for maintenance and operations (M&O). This money was intended to help secure loans for building the light-rail extension.
-
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has argued that M&O funds cannot be used to pay off debt, and his office has contested the legality of the funding mechanism in court.
The Legislation Threatens Austin’s Project Connect
A pair of bills authored by state Rep. Ellen Troxclair and state Sen. Paul Bettencourt aim to outlaw the funding mechanism that voters approved. If successful, these bills would effectively dismantle Project Connect and prevent Austin from using M&O tax revenue to secure financing for the transit project.
Key Points of the Legislation:
-
The bills would invalidate the funding mechanism by making it illegal to mix M&O funds with debt financing.
-
The legislation also allows taxpayers to sue the city if the project “materially deviates” from its original plan, a provision that is linked to cost overruns and project scope changes caused by inflation.
While these efforts claim to ensure transparency in public spending, Austin transit officials argue that the project’s funding mechanism is both legal and critical for the city’s growth. Greg Canally, CEO of the Austin Transit Partnership, highlighted the economic and mobility benefits of the project, stating, “The need for more local investment in our transportation infrastructure will only increase as our state and community continue to grow.”
What This Means for the Future of Public Transit in Texas
The proposed changes to both DART and Project Connect highlight a broader trend of Republican lawmakers challenging public transit in Texas. The state’s cultural ties to automobiles and oil have long influenced state policy, and some see these legislative efforts as a way to limit urban areas’ spending power and reduce property taxes. However, these actions could jeopardise the future of public transportation and regional mobility, especially in the state’s largest cities.
If these measures pass, Texas could face a future with reduced transit options, increased traffic congestion, and worsened air quality.
How Can Texans Respond?
-
Get informed: It’s crucial for Texans to stay informed about the legislative process and how these bills could affect their daily lives.
-
Engage with local officials: Voters should communicate their concerns to their state representatives and demand support for public transit.
-
Support alternative solutions: Advocating for alternative funding mechanisms and regional cooperation can help create a better transit future for all.
Relevant Links for Further Reading
