Residents passionately protest DART’s proposed service cuts and fare increases at a public hearing Tuesday.
DALLAS — If a packed room at the DART headquarters is an indication of anything, it’s passion. Many of those at Tuesday’s public hearing depend on the transportation service.
“I had to give up my car for the first time since I was 15 and a half years old. I’ve never used DART services until now,” said Jeanne Sanders, a North Dallas resident.
Sanders is one of almost 200 people who signed up to speak before the DART Board. Another 696 people sent in written statements.
“We have a lot of resources in this city. It’s a shame that we don’t take care of our citizens better,” said Sanders. “We’re representing a large number of people who just physically couldn’t get down here. It’s expensive to get around. It’s very expensive and difficult.”
In March, the DART Board approved a new General Mobility Program, which would redistribute 5% of its annual sales tax revenue between seven cities for two years. DART said they’ve also received requests for new services.
In order to meet those needs, they proposed reducing the frequency in routes, light rail, TRE, and the Silver Line. Plans also include increasing fares to ADA Paratransit and eliminating nine bus routes and some GoLink zones.
“They’re talking about the abuse and exploitation of poor people,” said Diane Ragsdale, a community leader and former Dallas City Councilmember.
She said those living in Southern Dallas are already underserved, and cuts would only further limit access to resources. “They’re overlooking those who have the greatest need and serving those who have the greatest resources,” said Ragsdale.
Dallas City Councilmember Lorie Blair joined many elected officials in speaking as well. She represents District 8, Dallas’ most southern district. She said there’s only one DART rail line in her district, and it has two stops.
“I am appalled at the fact that DART is willing to take the most growable area in the city of Dallas and discontinue service,” said Blair during the hearing.
“I want to see the City of Dallas step up and fill all the gaps because Dallas is not known for being a transportation city and it should be,” said Sanders.
The DART Board will vote in August. If they pass these changes, they’ll go into effect in January.
“Sometimes we don’t know what we have until we lose it,” said Sanders. “Sometimes until we personally experience it, we don’t know how bad it is. I’m seeing it and I’m speaking out.”
With residents, community leaders and elected officials alike, Tuesday’s full house will continue their fight to keep its services.
For more details on DART’s proposal, click here.