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DART prepares for potential service cuts ahead of May withdrawal elections

Dallas Area Rapid Transit officials are preparing for potential service changes if any member cities vote to withdraw from the agency in upcoming May special elections.

At their Jan. 13 meeting, DART’s board of directors called a public hearing to receive public input on “potential service modifications” that could become necessary depending on the upcoming May withdrawal elections.

Some context: Plano residents will vote on whether the city should stay with DART on May 2 unless an agreement between the city and agency is met prior to March 18. Since Plano City Council voted to call the special election, four of DART’s 13 member cities, including Highland Park, Irving, Farmers Branch and University Park, have also scheduled withdrawal elections.

The impact: According to meeting documents, withdrawal of the five cities holding special elections would impact several bus routes, around 800 bus stops, 13 GoLink zones, two Trinity Rail Express stations, two Silver Line stations and 10 DART light rail stations.

 
CI Business
Geico hosts Richardson ribbon-cutting, announces third building with 1,000 new jobs

Geico celebrated the opening of its second North Texas building today with a ribbon cutting ceremony in Richardson’s Galatyn Commons. At the ceremony, the company also announced a new lease agreement for a third building in Richardson and the addition of 1,000 new jobs.

The details: Geico said it plans to add the additional employees announced today across all three buildings over the next two years. The company has announced a total of 2,500 new North Texas jobs since December 2024.

Quote of note: “GEICO’s continued expansion in Richardson is a strong vote of confidence in our city, our workforce, and our business environment,” Richardson Mayor Amir Omar said in a news release. “We’re proud that Richardson is home to a company investing at this scale and helping shape the future of North Texas’ economy.”

 

FOODIE FRIDAY
Check out these new restaurants and bars opening across the Dallas - Fort Worth area.

Mary’s Mediterranean Cafe & Grill offers grilled proteins, salads in Frisco

When customers step up to the cafeteria-style counter at Mary’s Mediterranean Cafe & Grill, they will find a variety of cuisines available, including Turkish, Moroccan, Lebanese, Syrian and more, co-owner Adil Naouazili said.

A variety of design-your-own plate options are available and allow customers to choose a protein and different sides. The eatery’s veggie sampler platter and falafel platter are vegetarian options.

Read more.

 

🍕 New York-style Capo’s Pizza & Pasta coming soon to Celina
(Read more)

🌮 Manny's Mexican Kitchen opening in CityLine early 2026
(Read more)

🍗 Mike’s Chicken set to serve fried chicken in Plano, near Richardson border
(Read more)

🥗 Salad and Go closes all Texas locations
(Read more)

 

Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop to open first Texas location in Flower Mound

The candy store sells candy items in bulk, international snacks, chocolates, toys, more than 350 glass-bottled sodas and games.

The Flower Mound location will open Jan. 22 and will serve hand-scooped ice cream, milkshakes and floats, as well. Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop also offers its $5 candy buffet, which allows customers to fit as much candy into a box for a fixed price.

Read more.

On The Transportation Beat
Skylink Station at Terminal F contract revision adds $582M, 379 days to project at DFW Airport

The Dallas Fort Worth International Airport board approved a $582 million revision to the contract for Terminal F and Skyline Station during the Jan. 8 meeting.

The revision supports future phases of the Terminal F expansion, but does not impact the anticipated opening of Phase 1 of Terminal F in 2027, according to the presentation.

The details: The new contract with Innovation Next+ is now $1.7 billion and the current contract was extended by 379 days. The new projected end date for the work is Aug. 29, 2028.

The change order calls for earthworks, structure and building envelope to expand the concourse capacity for future passenger processing and concessions areas of Terminal F.

Also on the agenda: Atrius Wayfinder, previously LocusLabs, was given a $1.8 million contract to upgrade the DFW Airport mobile app.

The Oakland, California-based company will add enhanced indoor navigation and wayfinding for users. It will also provide the ability to generate heat maps, dwell-time analysis for future planning by concessions and customer experience in the airport, according to board documents.

 

Your local team

Michael Crouchley
Editor

Tracy Ruckel
General Manager

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