City leaders shifted focus to a regional rail idea tied directly to Plano, signaling movement on a project that has sat idle for years but could change how residents move between cities.

Plano–McKinney Rail Line Gets New Momentum

Staff confirmed a proposed passenger rail line connecting Plano and McKinney has been discussed for over 20 years but was paused. With progress involving DART cities like Plano, leaders now want to move into a study phase. For residents, this brings back the possibility of a direct alternative to driving between cities.

Plano’s Role Could Make Or Break The Project

Plano matters because it is part of DART, which is needed to support the rail line. Earlier delays came from uncertainty around those partnerships. Now that conversations have improved, McKinney sees a path forward. If Plano stays aligned, the project could finally move beyond planning and into real development.

This does not approve construction yet, but it shifts the project from stalled to active. The upcoming study will shape cost, feasibility, and timing, setting up a decision that could impact daily travel across the region.

Collin County leaders spent much of this meeting reviewing the March 2026 primary election, with Plano emerging as one of the busiest voting hubs. The discussion focused on turnout, voting locations, and how the system handled a major surge in voters across the county.

Plano voters flood libraries as turnout jumps fast

Plano’s Davis Library and Carpenter Park ranked among the top five busiest early voting locations. Officials said turnout jumped nearly 70 percent compared to recent primaries. That means Plano saw heavy foot traffic, but also proved its sites can handle large crowds without major breakdowns.

Election day crowds hit Plano again, lines stay manageable

On Election Day, Davis Library in Plano was again one of the top locations. Despite high turnout, officials said experienced staff helped move voters efficiently. For residents, that means shorter wait times than expected, even during a surge, especially at well-trained locations.

Sharpies spark worry but officials say ballots still count

Some voters raised concerns about felt tip pens bleeding through ballots. Officials confirmed this did not affect results because vote ovals are offset on each side. For Plano voters, that means ballots were still read correctly, even if they looked messy.

More voters, more pressure, but system holds up

The county reported over 200,000 ballots cast, with most people voting early. Plano’s high usage shows how central it is to county elections. The system handled the growth, but officials noted staffing and logistics are becoming more challenging as the population rises.

Plano’s role as a major voting center is only growing, and this election showed both the pressure and reliability of the system. Officials will now prepare for upcoming May elections, where similar turnout and site demand are expected again.