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Author: Laura Hanna

Nearly 6,000 voters rode to the polls for free

(Nov. 17, 2020) – In a year of record voter turnout, there were more than 5,800 trips to the polls under a program funded by Tarrant County.

The Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved a partnership with transportation services in Tarrant County to pay for customer trips to voting locations. 

A total of 5,562 trips were on Trinity Metro’s bus routes, plus another 24 on the agency’s ACCESS paratransit and ZIPZONE, Arlington’s Via and Handitran had a total of 182 trips, Northeast Transportation Services (NETS), had 56 trips and Tarrant County Transportation Services (TCTS) had 16.

“We wanted to do everything we could to encourage Tarrant County residents to get out and vote,” said Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley. “I am pleased to see that so many people took advantage of Tarrant County’s offer of a free ride to the polls.”

Bob Baulsir, president and CEO of Trinity Metro, applauded the partnership for the successful program.

“Voting is such an important right, and we really appreciate the Tarrant County Commissioners for providing the funding for these free rides.”

Thanksgiving holiday service

Trinity Metro will be operating some services on their usual schedules and others on limited operations during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Next steps for A Better Connection

(FORT WORTH, TX – Nov. 11, 2020) – As Trinity Metro continues working toward redesigning its bus network to create A Better Connection (ABC), the agency is hosting a series of public meetings to keep everyone updated and to generate more input. Trinity Metro is now considering three options for redesigning the bus network without increasing the agency’s operating budget.

“We’re asking the public to help us weigh the options,” said President & CEO Bob Baulsir. “We can simplify the bus system and serve some new areas or we could increase frequency to more of the network. Another choice is to add more on-demand service instead of hourly routes.”

Board Chairman Jeff Davis said, “Now is the time to take a thoughtful look at how we want our transportation services to better serve the community.”

The meetings will be held via Facebook Live and continue through Dec. 9.

Facebook Live sessions

6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14 (Spanish)

12-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18

6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2

12-1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9

ABC key elements

The bus system redesign is intended to make substantial improvements by reviewing the entire network and focusing on five key trade-offs. Through the earlier rounds of research and feedback, Trinity Metro has created three options for the redesign:

  • System Simplification – consistent, all-day service on straighter and simpler routes with some new service areas.
  • Walk More, Wait Less – increased frequency to more of the network.
  • More ZIPZONEs – more on-demand ZIPZONE options instead of hourly neighborhood routes.

Visit the Trinity Metro website for more details about ABC.

About Trinity Metro

Trinity Metro is a regional transportation system that provides public transportation to meet the mobility needs in Tarrant County. The agency offers connections throughout the North Central Texas region, annually providing 8 million passenger trips on buses, TEXRail, ACCESS paratransit, ZIPZONEs, vanpools and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE), a 34-mile commuter rail line jointly owned and operated with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Trinity Metro is the sole owner and operator of TEXRail, a 27-mile commuter rail line that runs between downtown Fort Worth and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s Terminal B.

 

Use GoPass to check out a bike

GoPass is the one-stop shop for all of your public transportation needs. In addition to bus and train information, you can also check out a bike from Fort Worth Bike Sharing on the app.

TRE returns to regular weekday service on Oct. 19

Beginning Monday, Oct, 19, the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) will return to pre-pandemic service levels. The Saturday schedule remains unchanged.

For the safety of our customers, the TRE will continue our enhanced cleaning protocols, including the use of hospital-grade spray disinfectant, foaming germicidal cleaner and disinfecting wipes on all high-touch surfaces. Face coverings over both the mouth and nose will continue to be required when riding TRE Services. You can find more information about how the TRE is working to keep our riders safe on the TRE website. 

Additional details on the October service changes may be found on the rider alerts page of the TRE website. TRE is jointly owned and operated by Trinity Metro and DART.

 

Contact:        

Laura Hanna, Trinity Metro

817.215.8973

Gordon Shattles, DART

214.749.3010

Mark A. Ball, DART

214.749.3295

 

Free rides for voting on North Texas transit

(FORT WORTH, TX – Oct. 13, 2020) – Vote and get a free transit ride! On select voting days during the 2020 general election, voters can ride free on Trinity Metro, Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to cast their ballot. Below is more information for each North Texas public transit agency’s Election 2020 free ride promotion:

Trinity Metro Election 2020 Free Ride Promotion

Riders can show their voter registration card or current Texas ID and ride for free during early voting Oct. 13 through 30, and on Election Day, Nov. 3. The transit services included in the program are

  • Trinity Metro’s bus routes 
  • Near Southside ZIPZONE, Crowley ZIPZONE and Mercantile ZIPZONE
  • ACCESS paratransit, plus Tarrant County Transportation Services (TCTS)
  • Northeast Transportation Services (NETS)
  • Arlington’s Via and Handitran

Trinity Metro is also offering free on-demand service from Fort Worth Central Station to the drop-off ballot location in northeast Fort Worth on Tuesdays (Oct. 13, 20, 27) and Fridays (Oct. 16, 23, 30) during early voting. Riders can request this option by calling customer care at 817-215-8600 before the close of business the day prior to the ride.  

Tarrant County has multiple locations for early voting and a list of locations for Election Day. Visit the list of polling places served by Trinity Metro. For more information on Trinity Metro’s Election Day free ride promotion, visit ridetrinitymetro.org.

DCTA Election 2020 Free Ride Promotion

The agency will provide free rides for early voting on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 24; as well as on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. No voter identification is needed to ride free. Voters can ride the following DCTA services at no cost to get to a voting location:

  • A-train commuter rail
  • Connect Bus system (Denton and Lewisville)
  • University of North Texas (UNT) Campus Shuttles
  • Lewisville Lakeway On-Demand
  • Downtown Denton Transit Center Evening On-Demand

Denton County voters can locate their polling places at votedenton.com or by using the Denton County interactive map. Passengers can use DCTA’s Transit Tracker system to find and track their ride via the mobile app, online, text or call the agency’s customer service team at 940-2443-0077. For trip planning, passengers can utilize the agency’s Trip Planner at RideDCTA.net.

For more information about DCTA’s Election 2020 free ride promotion, visit DCTA.net/vote.

DART Election 2020 Free Ride Promotion

DART will provide free rides to voters on the following days:

  • Early voting on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 24.
  • Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Free DART service will be available all day to help you get to your polling location. Voters can ride at no cost on all DART bus, light rail, Dallas Streetcar, GoLink and Paratransit service, and on the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) between EBJ Union Station and CentrePort/DFW Airport Station.

Customers who need customized trip planning can map out their ride with the “Plan” tool in the free GoPass app or use the Trip Planner on DART.org. DART Customer Service is also available at 214-979-1111 to answer questions and provide trip planning information.

For more information on riding DART to vote go to www.DART.org/Vote.  

How Voters Can Stay Safe When Riding Public Transit

All three public transit agencies recommend that riders vote early to avoid crowds. In addition, below are more tips voters who ride DCTA, DART and Trinity Metro should keep in mind to keep themselves and others safe this election season:

  • Wear a face covering while riding and while at the voting location.
  • Carry hand sanitizer with you to use before and after voting.
  • Bring your own sanitized pen to sign any forms.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you can after leaving the voting location

About Trinity Metro

Trinity Metro is a regional transportation system that provides public transportation to meet the mobility needs in Tarrant County. The agency offers connections throughout the North Central Texas region, annually providing 8 million passenger trips on buses, TEXRail, vanpools and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE), a 34-mile commuter rail line jointly owned and operated with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Trinity Metro is the sole owner and operator of TEXRail, a 27-mile commuter rail line that runs between downtown Fort Worth and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s Terminal B.

About Denton County Transportation Authority

The Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) is committed to improving mobility, air quality, economic development and livability in the communities it serves. In collaboration with diverse stakeholders and partners, DCTA is a leader in advancing mobility initiatives to serve the ever-changing transit needs of riders. Formed in 2002 and funded in 2003, DCTA serves Denton, Collin and Tarrant County with a total of 21 fixed bus routes, 21-mile A-train commuter rail line, on-demand, paratransit and additional services. DCTA serves nearly 3 million passengers each year with connections to the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Green Line. To learn more about how DCTA is shaping the future of North Texas, visit RideDCTA.net.

About Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is the public transit agency for Dallas and 12 surrounding North Texas cities. It operates a multi-modal network of buses, light rail, Trinity Railway Express commuter rail and paratransit. It is a global leader in the emerging field of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) which incorporates smartphone technology into fare payment and trip planning and scheduling and greater use of smaller vehicles. DART moves more than 220,000 passengers per day across its 700-square-mile service area. For more information, visit www.dart.org.

Media Contact Information:            

Laura Hanna, Trinity Metro Director of Communications

Phone: 817-215-8973 • Email: Laura.Hanna@RideTM.org

Adrienne Hamilton, DCTA Senior Marketing and Communications Manager

Phone: 972-316-6114 • Email: ahamilton@dcta.net

Gordon Shattles, DART Director of External Relations

Phone: 214-749-3010 • Email: gshattles@DART.org

 

 

Near Southside ZipZone Extension

(FORT WORTH, TX – Oct. 8, 2020) – Trinity Metro’s Near Southside ZIPZONE, an on-demand daily transportation option, is expanding its service area to include more access to grocery shopping and medical facilities.

Beginning Sunday, Oct. 11, the new area goes south of East Hattie Street to East Berry Street, with the eastern boundary at South Riverside Drive and the western boundary at 8th Avenue. The larger area includes a Fiesta, Walmart Neighborhood Market and additional coverage for neighborhood residents to reach medical facilities with ease.

“As we continue to prioritize the health and well-being of our community, it begins with focusing on access,” said Mayor Betsy Price. “Expanding this existing ZIPZONE to include numerous grocery stores and medical services is one step in ensuring our community has access to essential services.”

Wayne Gensler, vice president and COO of bus and paratransit, said the timing is right for expanding the Near Southside ZIPZONE.

“Shortly after we began the service in July, we recognized the need for a broader boundary to better serve the community,” he said. “We want to make sure people have a reliable transit option for essential medical appointments and grocery shopping.”

To celebrate the expansion of the Near Southside ZIPZONE, one-way fares will be $1 from Oct. 11 to Oct. 31. Beginning Nov. 1, the fares will be $3 each way.

About the Near Southside ZIPZONE

The Near Southside ZIPZONE serves the region that encompasses Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center, Cook Children’s Medical Center, John Peter Smith Hospital, Texas Heath Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth, Medical City Fort Worth, Moncrief Cancer Institute, and UT Southwestern Monty and Tex Moncrief Medical Center at Fort Worth. The zone also includes many restaurants and businesses on Magnolia Avenue.

The ZIPZONE, which is provided through a contract with Via, utilizes black Toyota Siennas for the shared rides from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. ZIPZONE connects with Trinity Metro TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express (TRE) at the Fort Worth T&P Station and to bus routes 1 South Hemphill, 4 East Rosedale, 5a Evans Ave., 5b Glen Garden/Wichita, 6 8th Ave./McCart/Hulen Mall, 9 Ramey/Vickery and 14 Sylvania/NE 28th.

How it works

  • Download the Trinity Metro ZIPZONE app.
  • Use the app to order a ride.
  • View interactive map of service area at RIDETRINITYMETRO.org/ZIPZONE.

About ZIPZONE services

The Near Southside ZIPZONE is the fourth on-demand service provided by Trinity Metro. In June, the Crowley ZIPZONE was launched to help residents get to destinations within the city and also to connect with all of Trinity Metro’s other services throughout Tarrant County. In 2019, the Mercantile ZIPZONE was started to connect bus and TEXRail riders in the area near Mercantile Center Station. The Alliance ZIPZONE began in early 2019 to help connect bus passengers with jobs in the area. The on-demand service is an innovative solution that complements Trinity Metro’s other public transportation options.

About Trinity Metro

Trinity Metro is a regional transportation system that provides public transportation to meet the mobility needs in Tarrant County. The agency offers connections throughout the North Central Texas region, annually providing 8 million passenger trips on buses, TEXRail, vanpools and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE), a 34-mile commuter rail line jointly owned and operated with Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART). Trinity Metro is the sole owner and operator of TEXRail, a 27-mile commuter rail line that runs between downtown Fort Worth and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s Terminal B.

Free rides for early voting, Election Day

(FORT WORTH, TX – Oct. 6, 2020) – Throughout early voting and on Tuesday, Nov. 3, Tarrant County voters will be able to catch free rides to the polls on Trinity Metro and other transit providers.

Riders can show their voter registration card or current Texas ID and ride for free during early voting Oct. 13-30 and on Election Day, Nov. 3.

The Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved a partnership with transportation services in Tarrant County to pay for customer trips to voting locations, with an amount not to exceed $20,000. 

“We are trying to give every eligible voter in Tarrant County the ability to vote in the November 2020 election,” Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley said. “We are offering free rides on as many public transit providers as possible, including accessible services for the elderly and mobility-impaired as well as on-demand service in Arlington and Fort Worth. These rides will be available during early voting and on Election Day.”

Wayne Gensler, vice president and chief operating officer for bus and paratransit at Trinity Metro, said he is pleased for the opportunity this partnership provides.

“Voting is an important right and we want to do our part to help voters get to the polls,” Gensler said. “We appreciate the Tarrant County Commissioners Court for funding this initiative.”

The transit services included in the program are Trinity Metro’s bus routes, Near Southside ZIPZONE, Crowley ZIPZONE, Mercantile ZIPZONE, ACCESS paratransit, plus Tarrant County Transportation Services (TCTS), Northeast Transportation Services (NETS), and Arlington’s Via and Handitran. For ZIPZONE riders in Crowley, Mercantile and Near Southside, free rides will be determined by the pickup’s or destination’s proximity to a voting location.  

Trinity Metro is also offering free on-demand service from Fort Worth Central Station to the drop-off ballot location in northeast Fort Worth on Tuesdays (Oct. 13, 20, 27) and Fridays (Oct. 16, 23, 30) during early voting. Riders can request this option by calling customer care at 817-215-8600 before the close of business the day prior to the ride.  

Tarrant County has multiple locations for early voting and a list of locations for Election Day. Visit the list of polling places served by Trinity Metro.

Those who qualify and want to ride to vote on ACCESS, TCTS, NETS or Handitran should call the provider at least 48 hours ahead of the trip to schedule their free ride to any of the voting locations.

To use Via’s on-demand service in Arlington, riders simply download Via’s app and enter the address of a Vote Center within Via’s service area or call 817-784-7382 to schedule a ride by phone. The rider will not be charged for trips scheduled to or from a vote center location.

For questions about Trinity Metro’s services, call 817-215-8600.

 

Trinity Metro part of national “Health and Safety Commitments” program

(FORT WORTH, TX – Sept. 16, 2020) – Trinity Metro announced Wednesday that it has joined the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) “Health and Safety Commitments Program,” the public transportation industry’s overarching pledge to passengers that public transit systems are taking all the necessary measures to operate safely as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 100 public transit agencies across the country are participating in the program.

The health and safety of passengers and operators is the most important priority for Trinity Metro. Since the beginning of the pandemic, Trinity Metro has worked tirelessly to keep riders safe from infection from the coronavirus. By signing on to the APTA Health and Safety Commitments Program with more than 100 public transit systems, Trinity Metro and the public transit industry are actively working to instill confidence in riders that it’s committed to protecting their health and safety.

The Program was developed after asking transit users from across the country what measures would make them feel more confident riding public transportation amid concerns about COVID-19. From this research, the industry identified four key areas that transit systems need to address to earn riders’ confidence:

  • Following public health guidelines from official sources
  • Cleaning and disinfecting transit vehicles frequently and requiring face coverings and other protections
  • Keeping passengers informed and empowered to choose the safest times and routes to ride
  • Putting health first by requiring riders and employees to avoid public transit if they have been exposed to COVID-19 or feel ill

Trinity Metro has pledged to meet these commitments by creating specific policies that are effective for our system, our riders, and our community. A key component of the Health and Safety Commitments Program is the shared responsibility of our system and our riders to follow the guidelines. Riders rely on us to follow these commitments, and Trinity Metro relies on riders to protect themselves and other customers.

“This program is a commitment that this industry is making to all those we serve now and to those who we look forward to serving,” said Nuria I. Fernandez, APTA Chair, and General Manager and CEO of Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. “Public transportation is and will be vital to the social and economic recovery of our nation. But getting there requires us to win back our ridership and encourage new riders to view public transit as a preferred mobility choice. We believe this commitment program will help do this.”

“The program being launched today is the public transportation industry’s pledge to promote sensible policies and practices designed to keep transit users and transit employees safe during the COVID-19 crisis,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas. “It is a logical extension of the innovation and commitment we have been demonstrating for the past several months – and it makes the need for at least $32 billion in additional emergency funding that much more urgent and critical.”