Could 3 North Texas agencies combine commuter rail operations? Transit official thinks so
March 18, 2025 - FortWorthReport.org, Eric E. Garcia -
A proposed regional rail authority — incorporating Fort Worth, Dallas and Denton commuter train systems — could be a viable option in four North Texas counties if it has dedicated operational funding and cohesive branding, a key transit official said.
The suggestion for a rail authority emerged from a March 13 Regional Transportation Council meeting in response to proposed state legislation, House Bill 3187 and Senate Bill 1557, which seek a 25% funding cut from member cities that fund Dallas Area Rapid Transit.
The legislation, if approved, threatens the Trinity Railway Express, the commuter rail line that 1.1 million riders use each year to travel between Fort Worth and Dallas. The line is owned and operated by DART and Trinity Metro, the Fort Worth area transit agency. Both agencies told the Fort Worth Report that neither would be able to operate the commuter train service without joint participation. The train would be vital for the region since transportation officials plan to use the service to help transport sports fans to Arlington for FIFA 2026 World Cup games.