University Park officials voted unanimously Tuesday evening to call a special election that could remove the city from Dallas Area Rapid Transit, joining a growing list of cities reconsidering their relationship with the regional agency.

The May 2 election will allow voters to decide whether University Park should dissolve its DART membership. The city joins Highland Park, Irving, Farmers Branch and Plano, all of which have scheduled or considered similar elections this spring.

Council members and residents have raised concerns about the cost of DART’s one‑cent sales tax, the agency’s governance structure and the limited level of service the city currently receives. Since joining DART in 1983, University Park has contributed more than $100 million in local sales tax revenue to support the system.

Currently, DART operates the GoLink Park Cities on-demand service, which connects riders to SMU/Mockingbird Station. Bus route 237 runs along Preston Road, and two SMU Express Shuttles are jointly operated by DART and Southern Methodist University.

“I think we should, at a minimum, allow our voters to look at the facts and see if they want to agree to pay DART a little over 66 million dollars for three million dollars of services,” said Phillip Philbin, University Park Councilman

If voters approve the city’s withdrawal in May, DART services in University Park would end immediately, though the city would continue making payments on its share of DART-related debt.

DART leaders outlined recent changes within the agency, including shifts in governance, investments in vehicle upgrades, increased security, and efforts to better allocate service and address equity among member cities.

DART Chairman Randall Bryant said work is being done to address concerns brought to the forefront.

“DART does not need any additional cities to call an election right now to make us understand the severity and seriousness of what this issue is. That won’t be accomplished by adding one more city to that pile,” Bryant said.

The ordinance formally sets the May 2 special election and begins notifying state agencies and preparing polling locations in partnership with Dallas County.

Kevin Norfleet believes mass transit is part of the long-term success of University Park. He said he’s disappointed, not totally surprised though, following the decision made by city leaders.

“I do think that it’s important that we continue to find ways to make sure that the DART system succeeds and communities are able to participate in a way that’s fair,” Norfleet said.