IRVING, Texas — The Irving City Council took two major actions during its Feb. 26 regular meeting, voting to cancel a planned special election regarding Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) participation while simultaneously approving a new mobility funding agreement with the transit agency.
Two Key Votes
The Council considered and voted on two separate agenda items:
1. Resolution — Interlocal Agreement with DART
Council members unanimously approved a resolution authorizing an Interlocal Agreement between DART and the City of Irving for General Mobility Program (GMP) funds.
The agreement will return an estimated $54.4 million to Irving over the next six years to fund transportation and mobility-related projects throughout the city.
During discussion, Councilman Abdul Khabeer said he supported the agreement, “based on the belief that we are working hard in getting those two routes back.”
The comment referenced recently discontinued DART bus routes 225 and 255, which have been a major concern for residents and city leaders.
2. Ordinance — Cancellation of the Special Election
In a separate vote, the Council approved an ordinance rescinding the May 2, 2026 special election that would have asked Irving voters whether to continue participation in DART while maintaining required sales tax collections.
The ordinance repealed Ordinance No. ORD-2025-11194 and officially canceled the election.
The measure passed 7–2, with Councilman John Block and Councilman Luis Canosa voting against canceling the election.
Debate Over the Agreement
Councilman Luis Canosa expressed mixed feelings about the negotiated agreement. He noted the city initially sought a 25% return in arrears funding, but ultimately secured 7.5%. "We’re getting 7.5%, which is better than nothing,” Canosa said.
He added that key concerns remain unresolved, including governance authority and financial oversight. Canosa added, “we are not getting those two bus routes reinstated and we’re also not getting a cap on the debt… and we have no say in that, at least for now.”
Despite those concerns, Canosa voted in favor of the funding resolution, saying governance reform remains a larger issue than financial concessions and acknowledging that negotiations are ongoing.
Why Some Opposed Canceling the Election
Canosa explained his vote against canceling the election was not opposition to the agreement itself but rather a belief the election could have provided valuable community feedback.
He said allowing the vote to proceed would have served as a “survey” showing how different parts of Irving view DART participation and identifying neighborhoods needing improved public transportation access.
Moving Forward
Mayor Rick Stopfer previously described the agreement as progress toward broader regional transportation solutions, while city officials emphasized continued collaboration with DART to address service levels, governance concerns, and mobility needs.
“I’m thrilled with the progress we have made, but the real work is ahead of us as we continue to address transportation needs among the various entities,” Stopfer said. “Eventually, our communities are best served by developing a truly regional transportation system that connects all of North Texas.”
City Manager Chris Hillman emphasized that Irving’s priority remains improving service quality for residents who rely on public transit.
“As a city, we want to ensure our residents who use DART receive public transportation services and facilities that are clean, safe, efficient, reliable and functional for all riders,” Hillman said.
During public comment, 11 speakers voiced support for canceling the election and thanked City Council members for pushing negotiations that resulted in a compromise and a path forward with DART.
DART Board Chairman Randall Bryant acknowledged the negotiations represent incremental progress.
“Where we are is not perfect, but it is progress,” Bryant said, noting previous commitments between DART and member cities to develop solutions improving governance, funding, and service delivery.
With the election canceled and GMP funding approved, Irving will now shift focus toward implementing transportation projects funded through the agreement while continuing negotiations aimed at improving transit service for residents.
