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Category: News Release

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.”

 

Trinity Metro introduces safety app

(FORT WORTH, TX – Sept. 15, 2020) – As an added layer of security and safety, Trinity Metro is rolling out a new mobile app that gives customers the opportunity to report security concerns and safety hazards. The “See Say Now” mobile app encourages riders to report any potential issues, such as an unattended bag or suspicious activity.

See something? Say something! The app allows customers to submit a photo and a description of the issue when they see it. They select from a list of report options and locations, and customers may choose to submit a report anonymously.

“The ‘See Say Now’ app is a timely and efficient option for alleviating concerns by giving customers a chance to share what they see,” said Jon-Erik “AJ” Arjanen, vice president and COO of rail, who also oversees safety and security. “This safety enhancement gives riders an easy way to share any potential issues with us, and the comments go directly to dispatch.”

How to use the “See Say Now” app

  • Download from Apple store or Download from Google Play store
  • From the Select Organization menu, choose Transit, then select Trinity Metro from the list.
  • Click on Report a Problem.
  • Add a photo, type in details, select a report type and location, and click the button if you prefer to remain anonymous.
  • Click on Send Report.

Other reporting options

Looking for a texting option? The Text-a-Tip number (817-409-8686) is a quick and easy way to submit your concerns. If you prefer to fill out an online form, go to Trinity Metro’s safety page.

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. 

About ELERTS

ELERTS, located in Weymouth, Mass., develops the leading crowd sourced mobile-reporting platform for mass transit agencies and airports in North America. See something, say something is our mission. The initial awareness of a safety hazard or service concern is established when a passenger or employee on the scene submits a report. More than 30 transit agencies and airports rely on the award-winning ELERTS “See Say®” platform to enhance the safety and comfort of 2 billion passengers annually. Visit elerts.com for further information.

 

 

Trinity Metro services on Labor Day

(FORT WORTH, TX – Aug. 24, 2020) – In observance of Labor Day, Trinity Metro will be operating on a holiday schedule on Monday, Sept. 7.

Bus and ACCESS paratransit

Trains

Customer care

  • Customer Care representatives are available from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. To contact our customer care department, please call 817.215-8600.

Trinity Metro administrative offices, sales office and service kiosk at Fort Worth Central Station will be closed.

Sponsors supporting scholarship fund

(FORT WORTH, TX – Aug. 20, 2020) –Supporters are already lining up to support the Fort Worth Transportation Authority’s Scholarship Fund for 2021. Traditionally, the scholarship money is generated from Trinity Metro’s annual golf tournament. This year, the event was canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For 35 years, the agency has provided scholarship opportunities for transportation employees and their dependents. In 2020, 23 deserving students received scholarship funds to help them advance their higher education pursuits.

The fundraising goal for 2021 is $25,000, and several sponsors have already pledged their support.

  • Ryan Erickson with Trillium, $1,325
  • David Campbell with Huitt-Zollars, undisclosed amount
  • Sarah Mobley with RATP Dev, $2,500
  • Brent Roy with Creative Bus Sales, $500
  • Christina Cung with Fidelity, $1,325
  • Richard Blackburn, $100
  • Dan Fritz and James Foster with McMahon Berger, $1,325
  • Richard Blackburn with Trapeze, $925
  • Chad Gartner with Transystems Corporation, $500
  • Laura Leventhal with Hilltop Securities, $925

A special thanks to all of the donors! Without the generosity of donors, Trinity Metro would not be able to continue providing scholarship funds for employees and their dependents.  If you would like to contribute to the scholarship fund, contact Christina Champion at Christina.Champion@RideTM.org.

Trinity Metro launches A Better Connection

(FORT WORTH, TX – Aug. 3, 2020) – Trinity Metro is redesigning its bus network to create A Better Connection and needs your help.

Today marks the beginning of improvements for transit in Fort Worth and Tarrant County. Trinity Metro is designing a modern, transformative bus network and is launching a survey to learn what customers would like to see. The system redesign, known as A Better Connection, is intended to make substantial improvements by reviewing the entire network and focusing on five key topics that include system priorities, waiting vs. walking, and preferences on downtown vs. other destinations. Through an online survey, Trinity Metro will gather information that will directly impact priorities and system changes.

“Gathering this information will help guide our decisions about adding and aligning services by considering the best choices for our bus network,” said Wayne Gensler, vice president and COO of bus and paratransit. “We are working closely with the City of Fort Worth on this initiative and we are hoping to get input from both current riders and future passengers.”

To help frame the discussion, the agency has developed five key areas: System Priorities, Waiting or Walking?, How Can We Serve You at a Local Level?, Downtown or Other Destination and Peak or Off-Peak. Trinity Metro wants to hear what you think are the best options.

How to participate

  • Go online to learn more about this initiative and click on the “Take Survey” button.
  • Talk with an ENVOY team member who will be conducting surveys on board vehicles.
  • Visit Fort Worth Central Station to fill out a comment card and drop it in the designated box.
  • Tune in for a Facebook Live discussion at 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5.
  • Listen to a Facebook Live in Spanish at 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, or one in English at 12-1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26.

 Timeline

  • January-July 2020: Analyze and document Trinity Metro’s current transit network
  • July-September 2020: Define goals
  • September-November 2020: Develop system alternatives
  • November 2020-February 2021: Draft plan
  • March 2021: Final plan
  • Fall 2021: Implement route changes

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. 

 

We Got You. Delivering You Safely.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Trinity Metro’s focus has been on passenger and employee safety. From enhanced cleaning procedures to implementing a face-mask policy, everything is designed to help reduce the spread of the virus.

During unprecedented times like this, traditional advertising plans go out the window. Transit agencies need to be nimble and adapt to the every-changing circumstances. Trinity Metro’s newest campaign, “We Got You. Delivering You Safely,” was borne from the need to align messaging that would correspond to today’s circumstances.

Trinity Metro conducted video and photo shoots to develop creative assets for advertising in the age of coronavirus. With a system-wide approach to include The Dash, ZIPZONE, buses and commuter rail lines, the agency produced creative and engaging options for communicating important safety protocols. Whether it’s social distancing or wearing masks, all topics are spotlighted to show extra efforts and to put riders at ease with returning to public transportation.

The advertising schedule includes cable television, Hulu, digital advertising, print publications, YouTube video, social media, email, and audio streaming on Pandora and Spotify.

 

 

Near Southside ZIPZONE in service

FORT WORTH, TX – July 13, 2020) – Trinity Metro is bringing a new on-demand transportation option to the Near Southside.

Starting July 19, the Near Southside ZIPZONE will serve 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 will also include many restaurants and businesses on Magnolia Avenue.

To give everyone a chance to try the service, fares will be complimentary through Aug. 31, 2020.

“This service is going to provide a new choice for the 40,000 employees who travel to the Near Southside for work,” Trinity Metro CEO and President Bob Baulsir said. “We partnered with the City of Fort Worth on this important transit initiative to provide a daily on-demand option.”

Wayne Gensler, vice president and chief operating officer of bus and paratransit, said, “The Near Southside ZIPZONE will offer significant benefits for employees, patients and visitors. Not only will it serve as a first-mile/last-mile connection to buses and trains, but it will also significantly enhance access for commuting into and around Fort Worth’s Medical District and the Near Southside.” 

The ZIPZONE, which is provided through a contract with Via, will utilize black Toyota Siennas for the shared rides from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. ZIPZONE will connect 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.

“We anticipate that ZIPZONE will be a popular choice in this area, especially for daily commuters,” Gensler said. “One of the unique aspects of this service is that anyone within the service area has the option to use it for going to lunch or running an errand. The time saved by not having to find parking should encourage people to give it a try.”

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.