April 6, 2026 - TRA Newswire -

If you're from the frozen north of Minnesota, you might be wondering what some blue and yellow trains with Northstar markings are doing running up and down the track from Fort Worth to Dallas on the Trinity Railway Express line.

Riders had to do a double take when they saw the blue and yellow painted Northstar trains operating in a "foreign" territory. It's OK to get on board because they're going to the same station you are. 

It's all in preparation for the FIFA World Cup Games in June, when some 100,000 visitors will need a way to get around the region.

“The FIFA World Cup represents something entirely new: the largest sporting event in the world coming to one of the fastest-growing regions in the country,” said Michael Morris, P.E., Director of Transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. “Embracing this historic opportunity required unprecedented collaboration across our cities, counties, state transportation department and transit agencies to deliver a transportation strategy worthy of a global stage.”

NCTCOG, the Cities of Dallas, Fort Worth and Arlington, Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Trinity Metro, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) are working together to ensure efficient, dependable travel options for spectators and event personnel. This includes new multimodal connections and special event transit services designed specifically for FIFA World Cup 2026™ operations.

“By aligning our partners under one coordinated vision, we have built an innovative system that brings together rail, bus and smart infrastructure to meet the scale and energy of the FIFA World Cup,” Morris said. “Our goal is simple: to provide every fan with an experience of a lifetime - supported by transportation that is seamless and reliable.”

TRE trains will be expanded to four cars and the agency brought in extra equipment leased from the Minnesota Northstar commuter rail line, which recently ended service. Two of Northstar's locomotives and eight bilevel Bombardier coaches will be in use for the games. TRE and Northstar trains will be able to carry up to 584 passengers per trip, more than 10 bus loads at a time.

NCTCOG developed a creative approach for match day transportation, knowing FIFA World Cup 2026™ spectators rely far more heavily on public transit than typical crowds at events at Dallas Stadium. Ticket holders can ride the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) from Fort Worth or Dallas to CentrePort Station. From there, they will take a charter bus to the Bus Hub, the designated transit drop-off zone near the stadium. Fans will then have a short, half-mile walk to the entrance.



Spectators can also use rideshare services to attend matches. The Esports Stadium Arlington lot has been designated as the rideshare lot for rideshare companies to operate pick-up and drop-off.


“Our plan moves visitors from rail to charter buses with dedicated routes connecting key transit hubs to the stadium,” said Karla Windsor, a senior program manager for NCTCOG. “We appreciate our local, state and federal partners for lending their collaboration in the development of this plan.”

The region’s extensive freeway and highway system will give fans multiple options to drive to the stadium for events, with parking options available. But who wants to fight the crowds on clogged roads when you can ride a train in comfort.

Photo credit: Ken Fitzgerald, TRE and Northstar trains crossing the Trinity River at Fort Worth