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Author: Laura Hanna

Modified Service Schedules

(FORT WORTH, TX – March 19, 2020) – As the COVID-19 events continue to increase within the service area, Trinity Metro is making some temporary service adjustments to reduce the COVID-19 risk for customers and employees.

“We are making service modifications to maintain operations to help passengers get where they need to go,” said Trinity Metro President and CEO Bob Baulsir. “Our mission is to provide mobility options, and we want to ensure that our customers have transportation during this health crisis.”

Beginning Monday, March 23, all regular bus service will operate on a modified Sunday schedule seven days a week. This means that the schedule those routes use on Sunday will be duplicated throughout the week. Routes that do not operate on Sunday, such as the downtown Lunch Line and 71-Forest Hill, will be temporarily suspended. This service change is expected to last two weeks, and then the status will be re-evaluated to see if any additional changes are needed. If other alterations are needed, Trinity Metro will provide updates three days before changes are implemented.

Express routes 63X/64X and 65X will continue to operate on their regular schedules. 

During this time, TEXRail will shift to an hourly service, which is based upon the current schedule, seven days a week. Trinity Railway Express (TRE) will operate six days a week based upon its current Saturday schedule, with no service on Sundays.

Reducing risk with free fares

To limit the risk of COVID-19 exposure, Trinity Metro will offer free rides for these two weeks, beginning Monday, on bus routes and TEXRail. This should significantly minimize the amount of contact between operators and customers as well as conductors and riders. 

“Everyone can practice social distancing by reducing the exposure between staff and customers,” Baulsir said. “Providing a safe environment is vital for our customers and our employees.”

Because TRE is a shared service with DART, those passengers will need a ticket to ride.

The number of ACCESS rides will be reduced, with a focus on only making essential trips. ZIPZONE services are not impacted by this temporary change. 

Trip planning tools impacted

Because of the modified schedules, the Trinity Metro trip planner and the GoPass trip planning features for travel in Tarrant County will be temporarily unavailable, beginning March 23.

After the data files with updated service modifications are processed, the Next Bus app, Trintiy Metro trip planner and the GoPass trip planning tool on the GoPass app will be working again.

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, 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. 

Customer information on COVID-19

Dear valued customer,

At Trinity Metro, our top priority is to help safeguard our customers and employees by modifying procedures to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. We are taking extra steps to increase the cleaning frequency of high-touch areas such as door handles, railings, benches and ticket vending machines with disinfectant throughout each shift. Buses, vans and ACCESS vehicles are sanitized daily. Trinity Metro TEXRail trains are disinfected daily after they have been in service.

The service we provide is essential and many Tarrant County residents rely on our services to access healthcare, food and medicine. While operating our services, we are following recommended safeguards from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Tarrant County Public Health.

Trinity Metro will continue to monitor communications with local, state and national health authorities.

Trinity Metro customers, partners and employees are reminded to protect their health and the health of others by practicing the following recommended precautions:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important before eating, after going to the bathroom, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • For more information on symptoms and prevention, please visit the CDC’s website.

For questions regarding Trinity Metro’s precautionary measures in response to COVID-19 or Trinity Metro’s services, call customer care representatives at 817-215-8600.

Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on board soon.

North Texas Transit Agencies Expand Safety Protocols Around Coronavirus Concerns

North Texas public transit agencies have aggressively expanded agency-wide cleaning and safety protocols in response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), Fort Worth’s Trinity Metro and the Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) all remain in close contact with local, state and national health authorities, including the Texas Department of State Health Services and the CDC, and will continue to monitor the situation for residents in the North Texas region.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

DART vehicles now receive additional cleanings throughout the day. High-touch surface areas are cleaned with a solution approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as successful in killing the coronavirus, as well as influenza, rhinovirus, norovirus, salmonella, staphylococcus, and e-coli. High-touch surfaces include handrails, door buttons, grab rails and hanging straps.

Procedures remain enforced to isolate vehicles and areas that have been exposed to unsanitary and unhygienic situations. This includes removing vehicles from service that have been exposed to biohazard situations from passengers. DART encourages passengers who feel sick or are experiencing symptoms to stay home and avoid public places.

As a DART passenger, if you see an unhygienic surface that needs attention, please contact DART Customer Service at (214) 979-1111, or you can use the “DART Say Something” app, which can be downloaded from the Apple Store or Google Play. DART also reminds customers that the best way to stay informed about changes in service is through DART Alerts. Customers can sign-up for DART Alerts at dart.org.

Denton County Transit Authority (DCTA)

Along with regular cleanings, DCTA uses a medical-grade disinfecting spray on all buses, trains and at the Downtown Denton Transit Center (DDTC). In addition, they’ve increased the cleaning of critical high-touch point areas on trains, buses and at facilities such as door handles, counter tops and steering wheels. DCTA riders and employees can find more information at RideDCTA.net, including signing up for agency Rider Alerts.

DCTA encourages passengers who feel sick or are experiencing symptoms to stay home and avoid public places. If you have questions or concerns, please send feedback via DCTA’s GORequest platform which is available at RideDCTA.net or you can download the free mobile app on the Apple and Google Play store.

Trinity Metro

Trinity Metro is taking precautionary measures to help safeguard customers and employees by modifying procedures to reduce exposure to coronavirus. Extra efforts have been made to increase the frequency of cleaning of high-touch areas such as door handles, railings, benches and ticket vending machines with disinfectant throughout each shift. Buses and vans are sanitized daily and all buses are equipped with ionizers, which help purify the air as it is recirculated in the vehicle. Trinity Metro TEXRail trains are disinfected daily after they have been in service.

Trinity Metro customers, partners and employees are reminded to protect their health and the health of others by washing hands regularly, covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and staying home when sick.

For questions regarding Trinity Metro’s precautionary measures in response to COVID 19 or Trinity Metro’s services, customer care representatives are available at 817-215-8600. Customers can sign up for alerts from Trinity Metro at RIDETRINITYMETRO.org.

Each North Texas agency is also prepared to escalate cleaning processes for transit vehicles should the need arise.

Trinity Railway Express (TRE)

The TRE (jointly operated by DART and Trinity Metro) continues to take additional steps to prevent the spread of the virus on trains as well as in office locations. Operation teams are disinfecting TRE trains with a focus on high-tough areas. This includes the use of a hospital-grade spray disinfectant, foaming germicidal cleaner and disinfecting wipes. Train crews have been provided hand sanitizers and access to gloves, and signage has been posted on trains to educate both employees and the public on how to avoid getting sick.

TRE passengers are encouraged to sign-up for Rider Alerts about service changes at trinityrailwayexpress.org

Protect Yourself

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease (COVID-19). However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

MEDIA CONTACTS

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Gordon Shattles

gshattles@dart.org

(214) 749-3010

 

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART)

Mark A. Ball

mball@dart.org

(214) 749-3295

 

Denton County Transit Authority (DCTA)

Adrienne Hamilton

ahamilton@dcta.net

(972) 316-6114

 

Trinity Metro

Laura Hanna

Laura.Hanna@ridetm.org

(817) 215-8973

Federal funding announced for TEXRail extension

(FORT WORTH, TX – Feb. 28, 2020) – Congresswoman Kay Granger announced Friday that Trinity Metro is authorized to use remaining federal funds from the TEXRail project for an extension of the commuter rail line. The 27-mile route was completed on time and $80.6 million under budget, with roughly half of those funds coming from federal and half from local.

The $38.9 million in federal funds can now be used to extend TEXRail another 2.1 miles from the Fort Worth T&P Station to a new station in the Medical District. In 2016, Trinity Metro and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the United States Department of Transportation signed a $499.39 million Full Funding Grant Agreement for the $1.034 billion TEXRail project.

The new station will be located behind Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center, by the Mistletoe neighborhood.

Trinity Metro President and CEO Bob Baulsir shared his excitement about the expansion. “The Fort Worth Medical District is an ideal location for the next station because of the 40,000 people who work and visit that area. Extending TEXRail is perfect for medical professionals, patients and visitors.”

“We appreciate the FTA for allowing us to use the unspent funds toward expanding our TEXRail line,” said Trinity Metro Board Chairman Jeff Davis. “The support of Kay Granger and our other congressional delegates has meant the world to us.”

A timeline for the extension has not been determined. Baulsir said the first steps will be to define the scope and to undergo a competitive process of bids.

TEXRail began operating in January 2019, and the existing route runs between downtown Fort Worth and the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s Terminal B. The line has nine stations in Fort Worth, North Richland Hills and Grapevine.

TEXRail train at FWCS with Downtown Fort Worth in backgroundAbout 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.

 

Spring break service to the zoo

(FORT WORTH, TX – Feb. 28, 2020) – During spring break, Trinity Metro passengers can enjoy a quick ride between downtown Fort Worth and the Fort Worth Zoo. The Safari Xpress will operate every 30 minutes from 9:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. March 7-15.

The Safari Xpress bus will depart from Bus Bay A, which is adjacent to the Trinity Railway Express platform, at Fort Worth Central Station, 1001 Jones St. The bus drops off on Colonial Parkway – a short walk from the zoo’s main entrance.

Tickets are $2.50 one way or $5 for day pass. Youth ages 5-19 and seniors 65 and older ride for $1.25 one way. Children younger than 5 ride for free.

Zoo visitors connecting to the Safari Xpress from Trinity Metro TEXRail or the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) can ride the Safari Xpress from Fort Worth Central Station free of charge with a one-day ticket or a monthly or annual pass.Gorilla at the Fort Worth Zoo

For more information about the Safari Xpress, call Customer Care at 817-215-8600.

Admission to the Fort Worth Zoo is $16 for adults, $12 for seniors (65+) and children (ages 3-12). Toddlers 2 and younger are free. Admission is half-price every Wednesday. Zoo hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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.

 

Media contacts:
Laura Hanna, Trinity Metro Director of Communications, Laura.Hanna@RideTM.org
Avery Elander, Fort Worth Zoo Asst. Director of Communications; aelander@fortworthzoo.org

Trinity Metro plans Bus Rapid Transit on East Lancaster

(FORT WORTH, TX – Feb. 25, 2020) – Trinity Metro’s highest ridership area will be pioneering a new service in North Texas – the East Lancaster Avenue Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). Features are similar to light rail and will provide a faster and more convenient bus service. BRT includes dedicated lanes, stations in the center of the road, and platform ticket validation to speed the boarding process.

The BRT project will be developed as a highly collaborative effort with the City of Fort Worth, Texas Department of Transportation, North Central Texas Council of Governments, Federal Transit Administration and the Federal Highway Administration.

“This first-of-its-kind partnership in North Texas will bring countless improvements for our residents, including pedestrian safety, faster travel times, and increased frequency of service for all riders in the corridor,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price. “Investing in mobility in this corridor will spark an increase in ridership, while also bringing positive attention to the economic opportunities in East Fort Worth.”

On Monday, the Trinity Metro Board of Directors authorized the agency to move forward with Simon Engineering & Consulting, Inc. for professional planning and engineering services. The first phase, which will last approximately six months, is for BRT concept development and sketch planning.

Wayne Gensler, vice president and chief operating officer for bus and paratransit, said East Lancaster is the perfect location for this innovative service. “The corridor is ideal because of the high ridership, right-of-way availability, and the opportunity to advance urban design integration and implement state-of-the art technology.”

The BRT project also represents an opportunity to incorporate solutions for needs identified in the City of Fort Worth’s pedestrian and bicycle plans to improve multimodal facilities in the corridor.

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 Cowtown Marathon

(FORT WORTH, TX – Feb. 27, 2020) – Trinity Metro will be offering free rides on The Dash for The 2020 Cowtown Marathon racers and guests between downtown Fort Worth and the event starting area this weekend, Feb. 28-March 1.

The pickup points are the Courtyard Fort Worth Downtown/Blackstone, Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Worth Downtown, The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel, Omni Fort Worth Hotel and Sheraton Fort Worth Downtown Hotel.

Passengers can ride for free for all three days, including service to the 2020 Cowtown Health & Fitness Expo. The Expo, which is 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday is at Will Rogers Memorial Center in the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall. 

The 5K and 10K races will be held on Saturday and the half marathon and full marathon will be run on Sunday. All races start and finish at Will Rogers Memorial Center.

Trinity Metro will operate on The Dash route, but most vehicles will be the regular buses with “The Dash” on the exterior digital displays. The larger articulated buses can accommodate a higher passenger volume. Some of the operations will be on The Dash, which is a bright red battery-electric bus.

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.

The Dash kicks off service with complimentary rides

(FORT WORTH, TX – Sept. 20, 2019) – Passengers who ride The Dash won’t just get a smooth, quiet ride on Trinity Metro’s new electric bus. They’ll also enjoy complimentary rides through Oct. 31 and special deals at more than 20 vendors along the route, including Crockett Row and the Cultural District. 

To celebrate the launch of The Dash, Trinity Metro is hosting a kickoff event at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, in Crockett Row. Speakers will include State Sen. Beverly Powell, Tarrant County Commissioner Gary Fickes, Council Member Ann Zadeh, Trinity Metro President and CEO Bob Baulsir, Trinity Metro Board Chairman Scott Mahaffey and Rex Colorado, regional sales manager for New Flyer, the electric bus manufacturer. Former Fort Worth Mayor Ken Barr and Dash advocate Brandy O’Quinn will also speak.

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price will deliver her comments at 9:45 a.m. at Fort Worth Central Station.

“This is an exciting day for Fort Worth and Tarrant County,” Baulsir said. “The Dash will provide a zero-emissions, high-frequency option for daily trips to popular destinations. This public/private partnership is a great example of how groups can work together to provide innovative transit solutions.”

“New Flyer commends Trinity Metro on its evolution to zero-emission mobility, and commitment to improving the quality of life for surrounding communities,” said Chris Stoddart, president of New Flyer. “We’re delighted to support Trinity Metro in its pursuit to providing Forth Worth residents with a cleaner, more livable city.”

How to #dashanddiscover

During the Crockett Row event, Trinity Metro will be giving out #dashanddiscover slap wristbands that are good for great discounts from Crockett Row merchants and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Dash patrons can ride the electric bus and show the distinctive red wristbands for discounts on food, service and entertainment through Oct. 31, 2019. With more than 20 participating vendors, riders can enjoy discounts at multiple locations on the same day.

Fares and service hours

Service begins Sunday, Sept. 22, and fares are complimentary through Oct. 31. Beginning Nov. 1, tickets will be $2 one way or $5 for a day pass, which includes all of Trinity Metro’s bus services, TEXRail, and Trinity Railway Express to CentrePort.

The Dash will operate 9:22 a.m.-10:44 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 9:22 a.m.-12:44 a.m. Friday-Saturday. The full schedule is available online.

The investors

The North Central Texas Council of Governments provided grant funding for the purchase of buses and a charging station. Community investors that have made a three-year financial commitment to The Dash service include the City of Fort Worth, Blue Zones Project – Fort Worth, Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth, and Visit Fort Worth.

Other Dash investors include the Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Crockett Row, Museum Place, Fort Worth Stock Show and Dickies Arena.

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.

 

 

 

Trinity Metro Medical Clinic opening Sept. 10

Patient being examed at Trinity Metro Medial Clinic

(FORT WORTH, TX – Sept. 5, 2019) – Trinity Metro is offering an exciting new benefit to help employees stay healthy – an onsite medical clinic that provides everything from flu shots to urgent care. Employees and media will get a preview of the facility during two open houses on Monday, Sept. 9. The first will be 9-11 a.m. and the second will be 1-3 p.m. at Trinity Metro’s site at 1600 E. Lancaster Ave.

The Trinity Metro Medical Clinic is located inside the maintenance and operations facility in a space that was formerly used as the agency’s print shop. The clinic will open for patient care on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

Designed to provide convenient and timely medical care, the clinic will provide access to all employees and covered dependents, and will meePatient getting lab work at Trinity Metro Medial Clinict the needs for employees who do not have a primary care doctor.

“An essential component of a healthy lifestyle is having access to convenient, high-quality medical care,” said Trinity Metro President and CEO Bob Baulsir. “Our employees provide daily service for everyone in the community, and we want to help provide this service for them.”

Trinity Metro has partnered with Premise Health, the nation’s leading worksite healthcare provider, to provide employees and eligible dependents with access to a variety services, which include:

• Annual physicals
• Preventive exams
• DOT physicals
• Biometric screenings
• Lab draws
• Allergy & flu shots
• Immunizations
• Acute & urgent care
• Women’s health
• Wellness coaching
• Pediatric care (ages 2 and up)

The Trinity Metro Medical Clinic will be open Monday through Friday, and Premise Health medical professionals will provide all clinic services.

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 10 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 from downtown Fort Worth to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s Terminal B.

News in Motion: Summer 2019

Coming Soon: Trinity Metro Medical Clinic opening at HRP

Trinity Metro Medical Clinic RoomTrinity Metro is known for getting people where they need to go, and now Trinity Metro is delivering convenient health care to employees and dependents. The new Trinity Metro Medical Clinic will celebrate its grand opening on Monday, Sept. 9, at HRP. The facility will be located in the former print shop area on the first floor.

Trinity Metro has partnered with Premise Health, the nation’s leading worksite healthcare provider, to provide employees and eligible dependents access to a variety services.

“We know our employees stay busy, and it’s often hard to find time to get to a doctor’s appointment,” said Kelli Shields, vice president of human resources. “The on-site medical clinic provides a convenient location for DOT physicals and services ranging from preventive to urgent care.”

Services will include, but not limited to:

  • Annual physicals
  • Preventive exams
  • Biometric screenings
  • DOT physicals
  • Lab draws
  • Allergy & flu shots
  • Immunizations
  • Acute & urgent care
  • Women’s health
  • Wellness coaching
  • Pediatric care (ages 2 and up)

Employees who use the clinic are eligible to earn reward points, and services are free to employees and dependents who are enrolled in the medical plan.

Trinity Metro is also committed to the privacy of medical clinic visitors. All interactions, services, and medical records at the medical clinic will be held in strict confidence. This means that your records will be maintained solely by Premise Health, and they will not be shared with Trinity Metro.

Be on the lookout for more information coming soon about this exciting employee benefit!

 

Now you can catch Trinity Metro TEXRail more often

TEXRail Train riding on elevated trackTrinity Metro TEXRail has been a big hit with customers, and now they are enjoying even more service with 30-minute frequencies during peak hours. The commuter rail line between Fort Worth and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is now operating 73 trains daily instead of the previous tally of 48. The increased service started on Sunday, July 28. TEXRail operates on the same timetable every day of the week.

Another milestone for TEXRail was achieved with the introduction of Spike, the eighth train set manufactured by Stadler in Salt Lake City, Utah. The train got its name because it was featured at the grand opening celebration for Stadler’s new facility in May. The grand opening event coincided with the 150th anniversary of the Golden Spike celebration, which marked the historic spike that joined the rails for the First Transcontinental Railroad.

If you see Spike out on the route, you’ll see the name emblazoned on the front of the train. In August, Marketing and Communications members rode Spike and encouraged passengers to post photos about their ride on social media. The team also surprised riders with free Spike t-shirts, and promoted Spike through a social media campaign.

For specific information about times and locations, go to the online schedule.

 

Ready to Dash around town?

The Dash Bus

Trinity Metro’s new electric bus, The Dash, has been testing throughout the summer and is almost ready to start service. The route begins operations on Sunday, Sept. 22, and a celebratory launch event will be held on Monday, Sept. 23, at Crockett Row.

The Dash will run from downtown Fort Worth to the city’s cultural district along the 7th Street corridor and will include a stop at the new Dickies Arena. Trinity Metro has four electric buses and a charging station, which were paid for by grant funding provided by the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

The line is a public-private partnership, with funding from community investors. The City of Fort Worth, Blue Zones Project – Fort Worth, Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth, and Visit Fort Worth have all made a three-year financial commitment to The Dash.

Other investors include the Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum Fort Worth, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Crockett Row, Museum Place and Sheraton Downtown Fort Worth.

The Dash will offer daily service, with later hours on Friday and Saturday nights.

 

Mercantile ZIPZONE provides first mile/last mile solution

Trinity Metro ZipZone VanTrinity Metro recently introduced a new service to help employees in the Mercantile area get to work. The Mercantile ZIPZONE started July 22, and is helping TEXRail and bus commuters who travel to the Mercantile Center Station connect to their jobs.

After arriving at the station or bus stop, passengers can use the rideshare option to complete their commute. The first-mile/last-mile ride is provided by Via through a contract with Trinity Metro. During the service launch, Trinity Metro is not charging an additional fee for the rideshare option.

The Mercantile ZIPZONE operates 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Mercantile area employs approximately 18,000 workers.

Trinity Metro partnered with the City of Fort Worth to provide funding for Mercantile ZIPZONE, which is a one-year pilot project. The city has dedicated $500,000, and the remaining $500,000 is part of Trinity Metro’s operating budget.

 

Carla Forman celebrates 40 years of service

Carla Forman HeadshotThis summer, Carla Forman, director of paratransit and contracted services, celebrated her work anniversary of 40 years. To put that in perspective, 1979 is the year that Trivial Pursuit was launched, Pink Floyd released “The Wall” album, and Margaret Thatcher was elected prime minister in the United Kingdom. Jimmy Carter was president, gas was 86 cents a gallon, and you could buy a Toyota Corolla for about $3,700.

We asked Carla to reflect on her time, and to share more about her experience at Trinity Metro and outside of public transportation.

How did you first find out about the company?

I was taking graduate courses at the University of Texas at Arlington, and I saw a Transit Management Intern position listed on the job board.

What do you like most about your current role?

That ACCESS makes a difference in people’s lives.

Any unusual or interesting jobs before coming to the company?

I worked as a dog groomer (did not like the dog bites), and I also worked in a pharmacy.

What is a fun fact we may not know about you?

I swam competitively from elementary school through sixth grade.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I enjoy working on special projects around the house and spending time with my family and dogs.

 

Fitness IQ: Summertime sunscreen health

Michael Whitmarsh HeadshotMost of us know that we’re supposed to use sunscreen, but we don’t all do a good job of knowing how sunscreen actually works. Here are a few things you should know:

  • Sunscreen expires, so make sure you use sunscreen that is not expired for it to be effective at protecting your skin.
  • Use a sunscreen that is a minimum 30 SPF and broad spectrum so that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays. A water-resistant variety will help it last longer when swimming or sweating.
  • Reapply every two hours.
  • Remember: You must wait at least 15 minutes for sunscreen to absorb before it starts working. If you apply and immediately go into the sun, you won’t be protected right away.

Summer is one of the best seasons for staying healthy and active. While you’re enjoying the outdoors, make sure to take the proper measures to protect your skin.