Milestone comes as Trinity Metro prepares to break ground on TEXRail Extension into Fort Worth’s Near Southside and Medical District
This week, Trinity Metro’s TEXRail has reached 1 million riders in a single year for the first time in the service’s history, marking a new annual ridership record for the commuter rail line connecting Downtown Fort Worth and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
The milestone was reached earlier this week when TEXRail welcomed its 1 millionth ride of 2026. Trinity Metro team members celebrated the occasion with the customer and commemorated the historic ride.
Since TEXRail began service in January 2019, the commuter rail line has carried more than 4.8 million customers, connecting people to jobs, entertainment, air travel and destinations throughout the region.
TEXRail provides daily rail service along a 27-mile route between Downtown Fort Worth and DFW Airport Terminal B, with stations serving Fort Worth, North Richland Hills and Grapevine. Along the route, customers have access to employment centers, neighborhoods, hotels, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, festivals and special events.
“DFW Airport is our region’s gateway to the world, and TEXRail puts that gateway within easy reach of Fort Worth,” said Reed Lanham, chief operating officer of Trinity Metro. “Customers can board a train in Downtown Fort Worth and arrive directly at Terminal B without worrying about traffic or parking. Just as importantly, TEXRail provides dependable access for team members who work at the airport and help keep one of the world’s busiest airports moving every day.”
TEXRail also seamlessly connects customers with DART’s Silver Line at DFW Airport North and DFW Airport Terminal B stations, expanding access across the North Texas regional rail network.
TEXRail’s impact can also be seen in the investment occurring around its stations.
“Great transit can help create the conditions for communities to grow,” said Rich Andreski, president and CEO of Trinity Metro. “What has happened around Grapevine/Main Street Station is a powerful example. Public investment in transportation has been met with private investment, new development and increased economic activity. That creates value that reaches well beyond the people who board the train.”
More than $114 million in public and private transit-oriented development has occurred near Grapevine/Main Street Station, including Hotel Vin, Harvest Hall, entertainment and event space, an outdoor plaza and a parking garage. Sales tax revenue for businesses within a five-minute walk of the station has grown nearly 40%, while businesses within a 10-minute walk have experienced growth of more than 30%.
TEXRail’s Next Chapter:
The record-setting year comes as Trinity Metro prepares to expand TEXRail farther into Fort Worth. On Thursday, Oct. 29, Trinity Metro will break ground on the TEXRail Extension into Fort Worth’s Near Southside and Medical District.
The project will extend TEXRail from Fort Worth T&P Station to a new station serving one of Fort Worth’s largest employment centers, creating new connections to healthcare, education, jobs, neighborhoods and local businesses.
The extension builds on TEXRail’s growth and Trinity Metro’s continued investment in connecting people to more of what makes life happen across Fort Worth and North Texas.
About TEXRail
TEXRail is Trinity Metro’s 27-mile commuter rail line connecting Downtown Fort Worth and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. TEXRail operates daily with stations in Fort Worth, North Richland Hills and Grapevine, terminating at DFW Airport Terminal B.
About Trinity Metro
Trinity Metro is the City of Fort Worth and Tarrant County’s regional transportation provider, offering safe, reliable and innovative mobility options; connecting people to life. Services include buses, TEXRail, Trinity Railway Express (TRE), On-Demand services (rideshare and paratransit), bikes and vanpools across North Texas.