The United Way of Tarrant County is providing Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) for individuals and households with an annual income of $58,000 or less. Those who qualify will receive help from IRS -certified volunteers. See which routes will take you to a tax site.
(FORT WORTH, TX – Jan. 30, 2020) – As Trinity Metro progresses through the implementation of positive train control on TEXRail, a limited number of service interruptions will occur between midnight and 4 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4, to Friday, March 20, while testing is conducted.
TEXRail #275, which departs the airport at 11:40 p.m., will operate from DFW Airport Terminal B Station and terminate at Mercantile Center Station at 12:14 a.m. A bus will replace TEXRail to transport passengers from Mercantile Center Station to Fort Worth T&P Station.
TEXRail #278, which departs Fort Worth T&P Station at 11:43 p.m., will terminate at North Side Station at 11:55 p.m. and will not continue to the airport.
TEXRail #212 will start at 4:01 a.m. from Mercantile Center Station during the testing period.
The remaining trains (#277, #280, #179, #182, #181, #111 and #110) will not offer passenger service during the testing.
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.
TEXRail marks one-year anniversary of service
Time flies when you’re riding in style to the airport.
On Jan. 10, 2020, Trinity Metro TEXRail celebrated one year in operation, and has provided nearly 600,000 rides since Jan. 10, 2019.
At the end of 2019, TEXRail ridership reached 545,345 for the year. December was a record-setting month, with 51,217 passengers and the trains were on schedule 99.15 percent of the time. The previous record for paid ridership was 44,741, which occurred in November.
Jon-Erik “AJ” Arjanen, vice president and chief operating officer for rail, said TEXRail’s reliability is key to increasing ridership.
“Riders want to know that the train is going to pick them up on time and take them safely to their destination as scheduled,” Arjanen said. “If you’re traveling to the airport to catch a flight, you don’t want to worry about when you’ll arrive.”
Ridership patterns emerged during the first year, with DFW Airport Terminal B Station consistently ranking first in ridership on weekdays and Sundays. On Saturdays, Grapevine/Main Street had the highest ridership.
To put the one-year anniversary in perspective, check out these numbers for Jan. 10, 2019 to Jan. 10, 2020, and other fun facts.
Employees enjoying convenient on-site health care
The Trinity Metro Medical Clinic is off to a great start – serving the needs of patients in nearly 900 visits from its opening on Sept. 11 through the end of the year. Here are a few of the stats to show how our on-site clinic is helping to meet the medical needs of our employees and their dependents.
What patients are saying
Success story from LaVonda McLennan, health center manager
A man came to the clinic for his biometric screening. His cholesterol was elevated, glucose was a little elevated, weight indicated obesity and blood pressure was extremely high. He had not had a physical in many years, and he was not taking any medications for his blood pressure or cholesterol. I encouraged him to return for a visit, but he was initially reluctant because he feared his health information would be shared with his employer. I informed him of HIPAA Laws, which protects patient privacy, and scheduled him for a physical.
At the exam, we conducted lab work and got him started on blood pressure and cholesterol medicine. We executed a lifestyle modification plan for weight loss to decrease his blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol. I also encouraged him to utilize the Trinity Metro Wellness Center. When he returned for his follow up visit 10 weeks later, his blood pressure was normal and he had lost 8 pounds. He continuously expressed gratitude, stated his mood was better, felt better about himself and was very excited about the progress he had made in such a short period of time. All it took was a little encouragement, and he is motivated to continue on his healthy journey. I look forward to his next follow-up visit to see the progress he has made
DASH-ing to the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo
Now that the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo (FWSSR) is in full swing, area residents and tourists alike are finding that The Dash is the easiest way to make their move to western fun.
During the FWSSR opening weekend (Saturday-Monday), The Dash provided 805 rides. On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, ridership was 399 – the highest daily ridership in 2020. On FWSSR’s opening day, ridership was 309. So far this month, The Dash has provided nearly 5,000 rides
If you haven’t ridden The Dash yet, you should try it during the 23 days of the FWSSR. You’ll find plenty of stops along the way = 7th Street corridor, Crockett Row’s dining and entertainment options, the Cultural District and Dickies Arena, the new home of the rodeo.
Plus, you’ll enjoy late-night service on Friday and Saturday nights. The Dash operates 9:22 a.m.-10:44 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 9:22 a.m.-12:44 a.m. Friday-Saturday
Coming soon: New safety programs
Joe Acosta, who was recently hired as chief safety officer, will be leading the implementation of formal safety programs in 2020: Safety Management System (SMS) to meet Federal Transit Administration (FTA) compliance and System Safety Program Plan (SSPP) to meet Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) compliance.
SMS is designed to enhance safety practices, processes and procedures to establish continuous improvement and a well-established safety culture for transit agencies that receive FTA funding. Trinity Metro’s fixed route buses and paratransit vehicles fall into this category. By July 20, 2020, transit agencies are required to have compliant safety plans in place. Going forward, each agency is required to review, update, and certify their plan annually.
Trinity Metro’s two passenger commuter rail lines, TEXRail and Trinity Railway Express (TRE) are subject to FRA regulatory compliance to include an SSPP in compliance with 49 CFR Part 270, which currently has a stay from implementation until March 4, 2020.
Acosta will incorporate an SMS approach within the TEXRail System Safety Program and plan accordingly to establish consistency of safety processes throughout Trinity Metro transit services.
Employee Spotlight: Sam Worman
Sam Worman started with Trinity Metro in November as our new Director of Training. If you’ve seen him around, you’ve also probably noticed his colorful socks. His festive collection even includes a pair with flamingo design. Let’s get to know a little more about Sam.
Before working at Trinity Metro, what was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I was a craps dealer for a casino, part time for about 11 years.
If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Surf and turf. Steak and Lobster every day.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Woodworking. No, I’m not very good at it.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
REO Speedwagon
What is an interesting fact that most people don’t know about you?
Most adults can’t have their donated blood be given to infants. After being screened, I learned that I am one of the few who can donate blood that can be transfused to infants.
Health Tip: Reduce use of certain fats and oil
We all need some fat in our diet, but eating too much, especially the wrong kinds, increases risks of obesity, heart disease and stroke. Industrially produced trans fat are the most hazardous for health. A diet high in this kind of fat has been found to raise risk of heart disease by nearly 30 percent
Some tips to reduce fat consumption:
(FORT WORTH, TX – Jan. 30, 2020) – Paul Ballard, who previously served as president and chief executive officer for Trinity Metro, has been selected as the interim general manager and chief executive officer for Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD). Dave Genova, who previously served in that role, recently retired after 26 years with the agency. Ballard will serve in an interim capacity while an executive search for a permanent replacement is conducted.
Ballard retired from Trinity Metro in April 2019 after fulfilling a five-year contract. During his tenure, the agency launched the Trinity Metro TEXRail commuter rail line, relocated headquarters to downtown Fort Worth, rebranded to Trinity Metro, and began the Alliance ZIPZONE first-mile/last-mile solution.
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.
(FORT WORTH, TX – Dec. 29, 2019) – On New Year’s Day, Trinity Metro TEXRail, The Dash and Molly the Trolley will operate on the regular schedule. Trinity Metro bus and ACCESS paratransit services will operate on a Sunday schedule. Trinity Railway Express will run on a special schedule Jan. 1.
Customer Care locations will be closed on New Year’s Day, but representatives will be available at 817-215-8600 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On New Year’s Eve, The Dash will provide late night service, with the last bus dropping off passengers at Fort Worth Central Station at 12:44 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. All other services will operate on a regular schedule on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31.
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.
(FORT WORTH, TX – Dec. 17, 2019) – With the holidays quickly approaching, Trinity Metro has a plan for helping customers reach their destinations.
On Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, Trinity Metro TEXRail, The Dash and Molly the Trolley will operate on the regular schedule. Trinity Metro bus and ACCESS paratransit services will operate on a Sunday schedule. Trinity Railway Express will not run on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
Customer Care locations will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but representatives will be available at 817-215-8600 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On New Year’s Eve, The Dash will provide late night service, with the last bus dropping off passengers at Fort Worth Central Station at 12:44 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1. All other services will operate on a regular schedule on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31.
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.
(FORT WORTH, TX – Dec. 5, 2019) – The Trinity Metro Board of Directors has named Jeff Davis as the new chairman. Tito Rodriguez was elected vice chair and Ray Taylor was elected secretary for the 2020 fiscal year.
Davis, who serves as chairman of the Fort Worth Division of Republic Title, joined the Trinity Metro Board in 2013. He was appointed to the board by former Fort Worth City Council Member Joel Burns and then reappointed in 2014 by Council Member Ann Zadeh. Prior to Republic Title, he was president of Safeco Title for 16 years. Davis fills the role vacated by Scott Mahaffey, who served as board chair from 2013 to 2019.
Rodriguez was appointed to the Trinity Metro Board in 2015 by Tarrant County Commissioner Gary Fickes. Rodriguez also serves on North Richland Hills City Council, where he was mayor pro tem 2013-2014.
Taylor was appointed to the Trinity Metro Board in 2017 by Fort Worth Council Member Kelly Allen Gray.
Two new members joined the board. Sylvia Alcala, who replaces Mahaffey, was appointed by Council Member Brian Byrd. Alcala is president and founder of J Anthony Group, a consulting and professional services firm specializing in government subcontracting and supply chain operations in the Aerospace and Defense industry.
Stephen Baldwin, who replaces Jeff King, was appointed by Council Member Jungus Jordan. Baldwin, who retired from Oncor Electric after 43 years of service, volunteers in the community and has operated a small food truck and catering business since 2005.
The Trinity Metro Board has 11 members, with eight appointed by the Fort Worth City Council and three appointed by the Tarrant County Commissioners Court.
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.
Rider Alert
(FORT WORTH, TX – Dec. 4, 2019) – To prepare for the implementation of positive train control on TEXRail, a limited number of service interruptions will occur between midnight and 4 a.m. Monday through Friday, Dec. 9-13, while testing is conducted, as required by the Federal Railroad Administration.
For TEXRail #275, which departs the airport at 11:40 p.m., a bus bridge will be in effect between Mercantile Center Station and Fort Worth T&P Station. TEXRail will operate from DFW Airport Terminal B Station and terminate at Mercantile Center Station at 12:14 a.m.
TEXRail #278, which departs Fort Worth T&P Station at 11:43 p.m., will terminate at North Side Station at 11:55 p.m. and will not continue to the airport.
TEXRail #212 will start at 4:01 a.m. from Mercantile Center Station during the testing period.
The remaining trains (277, 280, 179, 182, 181, 111 and 110) will not offer passenger service during the testing.
(FORT WORTH, TX – Nov. 26, 2019) – If you’re looking for a great community project, look no further than Trinity Metro’s Adopt-a-Stop program. Volunteers help keep Fort Worth clean and beautiful while enhancing the public transit experience.
Detra Whitmore, vice president of customer experience, said the program offers flexibility to participants, who can take care of their stops whenever it’s convenient for them.
“Adopt-a-Stop encourages public involvement to reduce and prevent littering,” Whitmore said. “Friends, families, community groups and businesses adopt stops around town and commit to maintaining a litter-free environment. A lot of people choose to volunteer because it’s easy to participate around their schedules.”
What volunteers do
Participants remove trash and trim grass or weeds around the stop or passenger shelter. If the bus sign needs attention, inform Trinity Metro and they will take care of it. Volunteers are encouraged to clean the stop once a week or as needed.
“Bus stops may not need cleaning every week, but it’s nice if the volunteers stop by to check on it each week to make sure everything looks good,” Whitmore said.
How to get started
Call customer care at 817-215-8600 or download the Adopt-A-Stop application at Adopt-A-Stop Application. After processing the completed form, Trinity Metro will provide a starter kit that includes safety vests, trash bags and gloves.
After three months, your bus stop will feature a sign with your name on it to thank you for volunteering.
“Trinity Metro will also recognize you on social media for your community-minded spirit,” Whitmore said. “After one year, you will receive a signed adoption certificate for your bus stop.”
Bus Stop Cleanup Day
In October, Trinity Metro hosted Bus Stop Cleanup Day. Hundreds of community volunteers participated, with teams representing the City of Fort Worth, Steer Fort Worth, Tarrant Transit Alliance, City of Forest Hill, Trinity Metro and many others. That event led to the adoption of four additional stops, giving Trinity Metro a total of 58.
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 Service Hours for Thanksgiving holiday.
