Episode Player

Breaking Down the DART Vote in the Park Cities with Alex Bell Part I

The Bubble Lounge (Highland Park & University Park Texas)

Chapters
0:00
Sponsors And Why The Vote Matters
1:22
Who Alex Bell Is
2:08
How Park Cities Joined DART
3:14
Nine Routes Down To One
4:48
Sales Tax And Service Expectations
6:55
Ridership Data And Last Mile
8:20
Paratransit And Continuity Plans
10:02
VIA Option And Microtransit
11:38
The $90M Debt Tradeoff
13:43
Timing, Rebates, And Voting Yes
The Bubble Lounge (Highland Park & University Park Texas)
Breaking Down the DART Vote in the Park Cities with Alex Bell Part I
Apr 16, 2026 Season 9 Episode 10
Martha Jackson

Today we’re talking about the upcoming DART vote in the Park Cities — and this is one of those topics that a lot of us feel like we kind of understand, but maybe don’t fully.

At first glance, it sounds simple: stay in DART or leave. But as I started digging into it, it became clear that this is about so much more than a bus route.

This vote impacts both University Park and Highland Park, and it really comes down to a few key things:

  •  how much each city is paying into DART 
  •  what services are actually being used 
  •  what happens if a city decides to withdraw 
  •  and whether that 1% sales tax would immediately come back to the city (spoiler: it’s not that simple) 

I’m joined by a University Park City Council member who helps break this down in a way that actually makes sense. We talk through the financial side, what services are included beyond the bus, and who would be affected if things change.

We also get into some of the biggest misconceptions out there right now — because this is one of those issues where it’s really easy to oversimplify.

Whether you’re in UP or HP, this is something worth understanding before heading to the polls in May.

Resources to learn more:
University Park TX Transit

DART Special Elections Page

Dallas County Elections Page

Town of Highland Park DART Transportation Information

Notice of Special Election - Town of Highland Park

Early Voting

Early Voting Dates and Times:

  • Monday, April 20, 2026:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday-Friday, April 22-24, 2026: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, April 25: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, April 26: 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 
  • Monday and Tuesday, April 27-28, 2026: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Election Day 

Election Day:  Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This episode is supported by:

Kathy L Wall State Farm Agency and Herb's House Coffee


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