Thursday, April 3, 2008

Train from S. Fort Worth to DFW Airport

2013 is the finish date for the proposed new train from south of Hulen and I20 through downtown Fort Worth to North Richland Hills and Grapevine, and finally to DFW Airport. Cost: $430 million. The greater Dallas and Fort Worth area will add 1 million people in the next ten years based on current growth trends. We need commuter trains if we are going to have any hope of reducing auto grid-lock.

There are NO cost-free ways to provide an effective means to get around. Roads cost money and No-roads cost money in lost time, growth and opportunity. Of course, I'd like to see us add a few bicycle trails while we're at it.

Is it a bit of a gamble that the area will continue to grow and that fuel costs will still encourage the use of public transportation? Sure, but it's a risk worth taking.

The Star-Telegram online video on the new train is worth watching.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I recently rode the T buses and found it not a bad experience, although it was the day we had bitter winds and rain that later turned to ice and snow. Bad timing, but not a bad experience.

The stations are a bit of a disappointment. A few years back they said one would be near my house - 2 short blocks - but it appears now that it will be more than 1/2 mile away.

Thanks for posting this. I hadn't seen it.

Francis Shivone said...

I have been a TRE train user, even to the airport, which is actually to Centreport then the airport. The older I get the less I like fighting traffic.

Thanks.

The Old Bare said...

Bike trails?

Damn hippie.

Francis Shivone said...

K -- funny.

Anonymous said...

I've ridden the train to Dallas and back for meetings. It's fun but slow - an hour to make a 30 minute trip. I've been meaning (for several years) just to get a day pass, take the train, ride their subway, eat lunch, hang out. But, really... Dallas?!

Francis Shivone said...

Rambler -- a couple of thoughts.

a. considering the destination, it's only a good trip if it's true that half the fun is getting there.

b. the wife and I have done it several times on Saturday, for mall visits, farmer's market, etc. I liked it, but be prepared to walk a lot.

c. you obviously haven't done a rush hour commute to Big D in a while. It can be mind-numbingly slow, especially in August when the AC doesn't quite cool the car enough.

Thanks.