Public transportation is a vital resource for individuals and communities, but access to
public transportation is not equal for everyone. In the Metroplex of Dallas and surrounding cities,
public transportation is not equally available or accessible to all residents. Public transportation
allows individuals to access essential resources such as healthcare, employment, education, and
leisure activities. Barriers include limited operating services, fixed routes, a lack of handicapped-
accessible features, and the overall quality of service. These limitations affect thousands of
individuals and families in Dallas County. The purpose of this petition is to advocate for the
continuation and expansion of accessible public transportation systems in Dallas County.

In 2026, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) made reductions and changes to its transit
services after facing financial pressures (DART, 2026). These changes have affected Dallas
residents by eliminating direct routes and reducing the frequency of transit services. In some
communities, such as Highland Park, DART services were removed completely, requiring riders
to transfer to alternate routes, walk farther, or spend more time traveling. These changes can
create additional challenges for individuals with limited mobility and those traveling with
children, belongings, or medical equipment.

One strategy to address the impact of DART budget cuts is to promote advocacy with the help of community partners. DART and local organizations can work together to protect
transportation access by advocating for additional funding, maintaining transit routes in high-
need areas, and providing discounted or free transportation passes. This strategy would also
allow community members to participate in discussions about service changes. Transportation
access is especially important for low-income individuals, people experiencing homelessness,
older adults, and people with disabilities because these populations may have fewer
transportation alternatives.

Accessible public transportation is an important social justice and quality-of-life issue
because transportation can determine whether individuals are able to access healthcare,
employment, and other essential resources. From a person-in-environment perspective, social
workers recognize that individual well-being and functioning are influenced by the physical,
social, economic, and political environments in which people live (Kondrat, 2013). National data
demonstrate this need: in 2022, 14.4% of adults with disabilities reported lacking reliable
transportation for daily living, compared with 4.9% of adults without disabilities (Ng et al.,
2024). This issue is also reflected locally in Highland Park, where DART service changes
resulted in the removal of 15 Route 237 bus stops, the end of GoLink service within Highland
Park, and the discontinuation of DART paratransit service to, from, and within the community
(DART, 2026). Supporting accessible and reliable transportation is therefore not simply a matter
of convenience; it can reduce systemic barriers and promote equitable access to healthcare,
employment, and community life.

Public transportation is a resource that everyone deserves the opportunity and access to
utilize. By signing this petition, community members can advocate for transportation systems
that allow all individuals, including people with disabilities and others who rely on public
transportation, to participate more fully in their communities.

References

Dallas Area Rapid Transit. (2026). Highland Park service discontinuation / 2026 May service
changes.
Kondrat, M. E. (2013). Person-in-environment. In Encyclopedia of Social Work. Oxford
University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.285
Ng, A. E., Adjaye-Gbewonyo, D., & Dahlhamer, J. J. (2024). Lack of reliable transportation for
daily living among adults: United States, 2022 (NCHS Data Brief No. 490). National Center for
Health Statistics. https://doi.org/10.15620/cdc:135611