Addison Transit

History

Addison has been a member city of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) since its creation in 1983.  The Town contributes a one-cent sales and use tax to DART.

From 1984 to 2025, Addison’s contribution totals over $400.5 million. 

In Fiscal Year 2025, Addison contributed $17.6 million to DART.

Sales Tax in Addison

Consumers in Addison pay an 8.25% sales tax on eligible purchases.  Where does that tax go?

Where-Does-Addison-Sales-Tax-Go.png

 

A city that is not a member city with DART, or withdraws from DART, is eligible to utilize the 1% sales tax as a local option sales tax. 

Below are some examples of what local options sales taxes can fund:

  • Economic Development (4A and/or 4B Corporation)
  • Alternative Transportation Solutions
  • Police and Fire (Crime Control District/Fire Control District)
  • Parks/Recreation/Trail Uses (4B Corporation)
  • Street Maintenance
  • Property Tax Relief

Contribution Versus Service Value

According to an independent analysis by EY(PDF, 8MB) in FY23, Addison contributed $16.3 million to DART, while only $9.5 million was spent in Addison.  Of every $1 Addison contributes, it receives $.58 in return.  Due to the allocation methodology for bus service in the analysis, the service value attributed to Addison is likely overstated.

DART-Service-Versus-Contribution-Graph-for-Addison.png

Addison's General Fund Expenses by Type

Annually, Addison spends more money on DART than it does on either Police or Fire Services.

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Current Situation

Four cities (Plano, Highland Park, Farmers Branch, and Irving) have called elections in May 2026 to consider leaving DART.

  • According to the EY report(PDF, 8MB) analyzing FY 2023 figures, the sales tax contributions from these four cities total $242.4M, accounting for 29.1% of the total sales tax collected by DART.
  • If those elections are successful, the remaining costs and certain service reductions would be borne by the remaining cities. 
  • Addison plans to hold a Special Meeting on December 2 to determine the best path forward for our community. 

View Meeting Agenda

FAQs

Why is Addison discussing its membership with DART now?

Following the decision of four other cities to call DART withdrawal elections, the Addison City Council has decided to call a special meeting to determine the best path forward for our community.

Per State law (Chapter 452-Subchapter Q of the Texas Transportation Code), a Member City has the right to withdraw from DART, but only once every six years.

2026 is an eligible “out” year for DART member cities.

 

 

Would Addison owe money to DART if voters choose to leave?

The calculation is found in Chapter 452 of the Texas Transportation Code.  DART projected this calculation for each city in 2024 with Addison’s repayment estimated to be 3 years.

The city’s sales tax is committed to DART until the amount owed is satisfied.

Once the outstanding obligation is paid, the city can take the full one cent to a vote of the citizens for any use allowable by law (streets, economic development, property tax relief, public safety, etc.).

 

What will happen to services for people with disabilities, seniors, and others who rely on transit?

Should a withdrawal election be successful, the Town is prepared to have alternate transit solutions in place.

Town staff has begun to have initial discussions with providers and could explore these options further, as well as partnering with DART or other transit agencies for specific transit modes.

 

What happens next?

The Town will continue to share factual updates as the process moves forward and residents prepare to vote in May 2026.

 

 

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