Title
Consider/Discuss/Act on a Proposal for Transit Service Presented by Dallas Area Rapid Transit
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Goal 5:
MEETING DATE: July 7, 2026
DEPARTMENT: Housing and Community Development
CONTACT: Jasmine Tucker, Transit Administrator
Margaret Li, Director of Housing and Community Development
RECOMMENDED BOARD ACTION:
• Approve the transit service proposal from Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Local Government Corporation (LGC).
ITEM SUMMARY:
• Due to the limited number of transit providers in north Dallas providing microtransit services, staff proposes entering into a sole-source agreement with DART LGC for the provision of micro-transit and designated wheelchair accessible on-demand transit services for the Collin County Transit Program.
• The agreement would include one contract year with one additional option year.
• Over the next few months, staff will work on developing a Request for Proposals to identify a transit provider for three-year agreement with two additional one-year options.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• DART LGC currently provides dedicated wheelchair accessible and non-dedicated transit services for the Collin County Transit Program.
o The turnkey service provides microtransit shared rides to seniors, disabled, and low income riders.
o Services are available weekdays from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM and weekends from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
• As the project manager DART LGC currently contracts with the following subcontractors:
o Spare Labs - software platform for and call center
o Tripp Consulting - reporting and operations management for Lyft and Uber
• On November 15, 2021, the City Council, on behalf of the MUTD, entered into an ILA with DART to provide microtransit services in the McKinney Urbanized Area (known as Collin County Transit).
• On March 4, 2025, the City Council adopted a Resolution approving the first amendment to exercise the first option year for the ILA.
• On October 6, 2025, the City Council adopted a Resolution approving the second and final option year of the ILA which is set to end on December 31, 2026.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY:
• In 2020, the city received $8.8 million from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to support public transportation; including planning, capital, and operating expenses. There is no local match requirement for CARES funding.
o Approximately $5.2 million remaining at the beginning of September 2025; with a projected $908,600 to be drawn down for Fiscal Year 2026.
• In addition, the City receives funding from the Federal Transit Authority and Texas Department of Transportation.
o Federal funds include a 50/50 local match requirement
o State funds and member cities contributions are used as operating local match
• The programs fares are calculated based on distance traveled:
o Trips up to 7 miles are $5 per person per trip
o Trips greater than 7 miles will cost an additional $0.75 per mile
o Trips are capped at $17 per person per trip for trips greater than 23 miles