Category: News Release

(FORT WORTH, TX – Oct. 19, 2021) – Throughout early voting and on Tuesday, Nov. 2, 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. 18-29 and on Election Day, Nov. 2.

The Tarrant County Commissioners Court approved a partnership on Tuesday with transportation services in Tarrant County to pay for customer trips to voting locations, with an amount not to exceed $30,000.

This is not the first time the county has teamed up with transportation providers to offer free rides to the polls. During the November 2020 election, more than 5,800 free trips to voting locations were provided through this program.

“Access to transportation should not be a barrier that prevents people from exercising their right to vote,” said Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley. “Tarrant County is once again offering free rides to polling locations, including accessible services for the elderly and mobility-impaired, as well as on-demand service in Arlington and Fort Worth. These free 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 happy to partner with the Tarrant County Commissioners Court on providing rides to the polls.

“We want to give everyone an opportunity to cast a ballot during early voting and on Election Day,” Gensler said. “We are grateful to the Tarrant County Commissioners Court for providing funding for these rides.”

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

To use Via’s on-demand service in Arlington, download the Via app, enter the address of a Vote Center within Via’s service area, and use promo code ARNVOTE2021

Tarrant County has multiple locations for early voting and a list of locations for Election Day. 

For questions or to schedule a ride:

Trinity Metro (bus, rail, ACCESS, and ZIPZONE) 817-215-8600
Northeast Transportation Service (NETS) 817-336-8714
Tarrant County Transportation Service (TCTS) 817-336-8714
Arlington Via 817-784-7382
Arlington Handitran 817-459-5390

(FORT WORTH, TX – Oct. 18, 2021) – For James McNair and Elizabeth Leamon, love struck when they least expected it. The setting wasn’t on a moonlit beach or a romantic restaurant – it was on the Trinity Railway Express platform at Bell Station.

James and Beth first became acquainted in June 2015 while waiting on the TRE to commute to work. He traveled to Fort Worth while she was headed to Dallas. Being a passenger for many years, Beth always had “her spot” on the platform and was familiar with the usual morning crowd. One morning, she noticed someone different was waiting nearby. James did not catch her eye, and for several mornings they didn’t speak.

When they began conversing, it was casual and friendly. After several weeks of morning conversations, romance began to bloom and a growing fondness was evident. They started arriving even earlier (like 5:30 a.m.) for their scheduled departure and would bring each other treats such as a snack or drink.

James mentioned that his birthday was Aug. 1, and Beth took the opportunity to ask him out to dinner for his birthday. They had a romantic dinner and confessed their love for one another.  

It’s fitting that the couple met at “Bell” because “wedding bells” were soon in the air. The Bell platform was where they first hugged, where they visited on their first anniversary, and it’s where James proposed last October.

On Oct. 17, the romance came full circle when Beth and James were married on the Bell platform.

“When we got engaged, we didn’t even have to think twice about where we would get married,” Beth said. “So many of our memories are connected to the train station that we couldn’t think of a more perfect – or romantic – venue!”

(FORT WORTH, TX – Oct. 18, 2021) – Trinity Railway Express riders will soon have a more convenient option for traveling to the airport. Beginning Nov. 15, the TRE LINK will connect directly to DFW Airport Terminal B.

Under the current service arrangement, riders take the TRE LINK from CentrePort Station to the airport’s rental car area, where they catch another bus to the terminals.

Now riders will travel straight from CentrePort’s Bus Bay A to Terminal B, which means passengers will have a more convenient and more efficient trip to the airport. TRE LINK will operate every 20 minutes on weekdays during peak periods. The service time is every 40 minutes during off-peak hours and on Saturdays. Service begins at 5:48 a.m. from Terminal B and at 5:32 a.m. from CentrePort Station.

TRE LINK does not operate on Sundays.

When passengers arrive at Terminal B, they can walk to TEXRail’s DFW Airport Terminal B Station or DART’s Orange Line at Terminal A. For free connections to Terminals A, C, D and E, passengers can ride Terminal Link before going through security or Skylink after going through security.

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, providing 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.

 

For James McNair and Elizabeth Leamon, love struck when they least expected it. The setting wasn’t on a moonlit beach or a romantic restaurant – it was on the Trinity Railway Express platform at Bell Station.

James and Beth first became acquainted in June of 2015 while waiting on the TRE to commute to work. He traveled to Fort Worth while she was headed to Dallas. Being a passenger for many years, Beth always had “her spot” on the platform and was familiar with the usual morning crowd. One morning, she noticed someone different was waiting nearby. James did not catch her eye, and for several mornings they didn’t speak.

When they began conversing, it was casual and friendly. After several weeks of morning conversations, romance began to bloom and a growing fondness was evident. They started arriving even earlier (like 5:30 a.m.) for their scheduled departure and would bring each other treats such as a snack or drink.

James mentioned that his birthday was Aug. 1, and Beth took the opportunity to ask him out to dinner for his birthday. They had a romantic dinner and confessed their love for one another.  

It’s fitting that the couple met at “Bell” because now “wedding bells” are in the air. The Bell platform was where they first hugged, where they visited on their first anniversary, and it’s where James proposed last October. The couple will exchange vows on the platform on Oct. 17, 2021.

WASHINGTON, D.C. / OTTAWA, Canada / MEXICO CITY, Mexico, September 20, 2021 – Every year, 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured when they engage in unsafe behavior around tracks and trains. In the US alone, a person or vehicle is hit by a train every 3 hours.

Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF)  are joining forces to help prevent tragedies around railroad tracks and trains by observing Rail Safety Week across North America, September 20-26. This annual week-long event concentrates public attention on the need for rail safety education and saves lives by educating and empowering the public to make safe decisions around tracks and trains.

OLI’s national office and state Operation Lifesaver programs across the U.S. will connect with their communities virtually and in person, sharing rail safety messages and urging the public to help #STOPTrackTragedies.

“Across the United States Operation Lifesaver state programs will share rail safety messages each day during Rail Safety Week underscoring our core mission – to save lives,” said Rachel Maleh, Executive Director of Operation Lifesaver, Inc. “We are grateful to our safety partners at the U.S. Department of Transportation and in the first responder community as well as the many other organizations who share the rail safety message this week, but more importantly each and every day.”

Know the facts. Make good decisions. Share the rail safety message,” Maleh continued. “Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies.”

As part of Rail Safety week, new video and audio public service announcements (PSAs) as well as social media campaigns are being released. An ongoing campaign called #STOPTrackTragedies features videos with the personal stories of people directly affected by rail crossing or trespassing incidents — including victims, friends and family members, locomotive engineers, and first responders. The full campaign can be viewed at oli.org/stop-track-tragedies or stoptracktragedies.ca. 

“Our goal during Rail Safety Week is to drive home the message that an unsafe decision made in a split second – whether it’s to go around a lowered gate at a rail crossing, or to trespass on the tracks – can have devastating consequences for you, your loved ones and members of your community,” said Sarah Mayes, National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada. “Our wish ― especially given OL Canada’s 40th anniversary this year ― is to bring the number of rail crossing and trespassing-related deaths and injuries in Canada to zero.”

“We are excited to join Rail Safety Week 2021,” said Iker de Luisa, Director General, Association of Mexican Railroads (AMF). “We urge drivers, passengers and anyone traveling near railroad tracks and trains to use common sense and be alert. Our priority is the promotion of safe interactions between railroads and the community. #VesViasPiensaEnTren #CuidaTuVida.”

In the U.S., along with the PSAs and a social media ad campaign, the following themes will be emphasized:

• Monday, September 20 kicks off the week with the overarching theme of #STOPTrackTragedies and a focus on Media Outreach and Rail Safety Week Proclamations in states and localities.

• Tuesday, September 21 focuses on the fifth annual observance of Operation Clear Track in the U.S. and Canada emphasizing the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespass laws. Law enforcement partners will conduct awareness exercises, Officer on the Train activities and other in person positive enforcement events; first responders will share RSW messages virtually through social media, email messaging and website posts.
• Wednesday, September 22 highlights Crossing Safety, with outreach to the general public, farmers and farm machine operators as well as outdoor enthusiasts on safe crossing techniques with special attention to the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs at crossings.

• Thursday, September 23, Transit Safety Thursday and Professional Driver Safety, showcases how to stay safe as a rail commuter or transit rider as well as safe choices around railroad tracks and trains for professional drivers.
• Friday, September 24 focuses on Wearing Red or “Red Out” for Rail Safety by encouraging safety organizations, partners, schools, railroads and the general public to wear red at public events and to share photos on social media.
• Saturday, September 25 highlights Trespass Prevention, educating pedestrians, cyclists, joggers and outdoor enthusiasts about the dangers posed by being on or near the tracks.
• Sunday, September 26 promotes No Photo, Video or Selfie is Worth the Risk, to warn professional and amateur photographers against putting themselves or others in danger by illegally taking photos, videos, or filming near tracks and trains.

Join the virtual Rail Safety Week effort by knowing the facts, making good decisions and sharing rail safety messages. Together, we can #STOPTrackTragedies. 

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About Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. A national network of trained volunteers gives free presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train!” provides tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. Learn more about Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.

About Operation Lifesaver Canada

Operation Lifesaver Canada is a national public rail-safety program sponsored by Transport Canada, the Railway Association of Canada and its members, including CN, CP, VIA Rail, Metrolinx, exo, West Coast Express and Genesee & Wyoming, among others. Through its national network of Rail Safety Ambassadors, partnerships with safety councils, police, the trucking industry and community groups, and innovative tools such as its virtual reality Look. Listen. Live. campaign, Operation Lifesaver Canada works to save lives by educating Canadians about the hazards of trespassing on railway property and failing to exercise caution at rail crossings. Canadians can follow OL Canada on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and keep up-to-date on the latest rail safety news by visiting operationlifesaver.ca.

About the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF)

The Asociación Mexicana de Ferrocarriles, AC (AMF) was established in 2004 to represent the country’s private railway companies and promote their activity. In 2008 passenger rail companies joined the AMF. Learn more at https://amf.org.mx/ and follow AMF on Twitter.

 

Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), the national nonprofit rail safety education organization, and its safety partners Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF) are leading this year’s observance of Rail Safety Week in North America, Sept. 20-26. In the United States, each day of Rail Safety Week will emphasize a different theme. This year the U.S. is planning a hybrid observance, with in-person events led by state Operation Lifesaver programs as well as virtual activities and social media efforts to share lifesaving messages.

Federal statistics show that about every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train; 2,100 North Americans are injured or killed each year in these preventable incidents. Rail Safety Week is observed in the U.S., Canada and Mexico each September.

Operation Lifesaver, Inc. is releasing new video and audio public service announcements (PSAs) during the week.

WHAT:                         Rail Safety Week throughout North America

WHEN:                         Monday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021

DAILY THEMES:

• Monday, Sept. 20 kicks off the week with the overarching theme of #STOPTrackTragedies and a focus on Media Outreach and Rail Safety Week Proclamations in states and localities.
• Tuesday, Sept. 21 focuses on the fifth annual observance of Operation Clear Track in the U.S. and Canada emphasizing the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespass laws. Law enforcement partners will conduct awareness exercises, Officer on the Train activities and other in person positive enforcement events; first responders will share RSW messages virtually through social media, email messaging and website posts.
• Wednesday, Sept. 22 highlights Crossing Safety, with outreach to the general public, farmers and farm machine operators as well as outdoor enthusiasts on safe crossing techniques with special attention to the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs at crossings. 
• Thursday, Sept. 23, Transit Safety Thursday and Professional Driver Safety, showcases how to stay safe as a rail commuter or transit rider as well as safe choices around railroad tracks and trains for professional drivers.
• Friday, Sept. 24 focuses on Wearing Red or “Red Out” for Rail Safety by encouraging safety organizations, partners, schools, railroads and the general public to wear red at public events and to share photos on social media.
• Saturday, Sept. 25 highlights Trespass Prevention, educating pedestrians, cyclists, joggers and outdoor enthusiasts about the dangers posed by being on or near the tracks.
• Sunday, Sept. 26 promotes No Photo, Video or Selfie is Worth the Risk, to warn professional and amateur photographers against putting themselves or others in danger by illegally taking photos, videos, or filming near tracks and trains.

MORE INFO: Visit Operation Lifesaver’s website for safety tips and statistics, www.oli.org and visit the Rail Safety Week landing page.

CONTACT: Jennifer DeAngelis, Operation Lifesaver, Inc., news@oli.org, 202-815-4340

About Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

Operation Lifesaver is a nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. A national network of trained volunteers gives free presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train!” provides tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. Learn more about Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube.

 

(FORT WORTH, TX – Aug. 27, 2021) – Trinity Metro will be rolling out its newly redesigned bus system with more frequency, extended hours and better customer options on Sunday, Sept. 5. Known as A Better Connection (ABC), the redesign will offer customers more direct routes that reach their destination without having to go through downtown.

To help customers visualize some of the changes, Trinity Metro developed an overview video to share ABC highlights. Additionally, the agency created time-lapse videos to give riders a preview of their route, such as this Route 2 video. For a full overview of the ABC implementation, go to this presentation from Trinity Metro’s planning department.

ABC will offer seven routes with service to neighborhoods that did not have service. These routes mean new access for 27,400 people in 8,500 households. They will be within 1/4-mile of a bus route as will 3,600 jobs. Additionally, 17 schools will have access within 1/4-mile.

ABC Highlights

Increased frequency

• Route 4 East Rosedale and Route 6 8th Ave/McCart will increase service to every 15 minutes.
• Within 1/4-mile of high-frequency transit:
  • 44,500 more people in 15,100 more households
  • 25,100 more jobs
  • 7 hospitals, 40 schools and 1 college campus

More Sunday service

• 7 route segments with new Sunday service
• Serving 25,600 more people in 9,300 more households
• Providing access to 9,600 more jobs
• Serving 4 hospitals and 1 college campus

Later service (until between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.)

• 12 route segments with later service
• Serving 27,400 more people in 23,100 more households
• Providing access to 23,100 more jobs
• Serving 4 hospitals and 2 colleges

Streamlined services

• Better crosstown connectivity with 14 routes combined into 8 longer routes.
• Another 13 routes adjusted for faster and more direct service.
• Overall, 8 fewer routes because of system simplification.

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, providing 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.