Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) confirmed that Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. will take over as chief executive on Oct. 26. The announcement comes as Florida prosecutors issued a subpoena seeking a wide range of communications involving Ford, his wife, and a consultant tied to the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), the agency he led for more than 13 years.
Details of the subpoena
The subpoena, addressed to JTA’s interim leader Cleveland Ferguson III, requests text messages, emails, and app‑based communications among Ford, his spouse Janet Walker‑Ford, and consultant Kenston Griffin. It also asks for all emails from Ford’s account dated March 3, 2025, vendor contracts, purchasing‑card records, tuition‑reimbursement documents, and transit ridership reports, including those for the NAVI autonomous‑vehicle program.
Specific contracts under review include wellness services such as massages, agreements with Dreambuilders, Jones‑Worley Designs, Jacobs Project Management Company, and Mason Nye Murals. The subpoena does not allege wrongdoing by any individual or vendor; it merely seeks evidence for the ongoing investigation.
JTA’s response and budget context
JTA spokesperson Lynn Opperman said the agency remains “committed to transparency and accountability” and will provide the requested information. The agency recently disclosed a $39 million budget shortfall for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, prompting cuts to employee positions, contractor agreements, and service levels. The shortfall reflects a $178 million expense picture for that year and a projected $139 million funding level for the next fiscal year—different budget years, not evidence of missing funds.
JTA’s cost‑saving plan includes eliminating 44 administrative positions, up to 150 operations roles, and ending contracts expected to save roughly $25 million. Service adjustments will reduce weekday fixed‑route bus service to Saturday‑level schedules, pause Skyway operations on Nov. 2, and suspend NAVI autonomous‑vehicle operations after Dec. 31.
DART’s separate scrutiny
Ford’s selection follows earlier disputes over DART spending, governance, and member‑city funding, previously reported by The Dallas Express. A separate DART investigation revealed the agency paid more than $2.4 million in executive bonuses from 2020‑2024 and grew its executive staff from 47 to 74 during that period. Those findings are unrelated to the Florida subpoena.
DART Board Chair Randall Bryant praised Ford’s extensive transit experience, stating, “Today, we are turning the page.” The board’s announcement highlighted Ford’s record of overseeing large‑scale transportation projects and his familiarity with federal and state funding mechanisms.
Local reaction
Local media outlets have reached out to Ford and Bryant for comment. Ford has not responded to FOX 4’s request for comment on the Florida investigation, and Bryant has not answered the station’s inquiries at the time of publication.
The subpoena underscores the importance of rigorous oversight when public officials transition between agencies. While the investigation remains in its evidentiary stage, DART officials and the Dallas community will be watching closely to ensure the agency’s operations continue without disruption.
Original reporting: WBAP News/Talk (Dallas-Fort Worth) — read the source article.
