DCTA's Board Makes a Big Investment, Transit is the Key in Fort Worth & More

News & Updates

August 30, 2023 Issue

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September 22, 2023, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM --TCNT Annual Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport, with Congressional Update and Transit CEO Panel Discussion.

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Denton County Transportation Authority $50.3M Budget Approved with 7 New Positions

communityimpact.com

The Denton County Transportation Authority’s fiscal year 2023-24 operating and capital budget includes funding for seven new positions and about $35 million for capital improvements and maintenance.

The board of directors approved the budget during its Aug. 24 meeting. The budget will take effect Oct. 1, projecting about $76.2 million in revenue and about $50.3 million in expenses.

Budgeted expenses include more than $11.5 million for bus operations, according to a staff presentation. Another $17 million was budgeted for operating the A-Train service.

DART Was Right to Shelve Downtown Subway Plan| Opinion

dallasnews.com

This month, the news broke that the D2 subway project was no longer on Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s 20-year financial plan. The underground train would have traveled through four new stations in the central business district, including one under Commerce Street and then connected back to DART’s existing light-rail lines.

When the project was first pitched around 2007, D2 did seem like it would reduce congestion downtown by lightening the load on the light-rail routes above ground. However, that’s no longer the case.

GoZone Ridership Reports Growth in Lewisville, Highland Village Areas

communityimpact.com

The Denton County Transportation Authority’s GoZone service saw ridership reach new peaks halfway through 2023, according to a staff presentation.

Chief Operating Officer Maurice Bell and Javier Trilla, innovation and information technology vice president, delivered a presentation to the board of directors during an Aug. 24 meeting. The presentation included a detailed look at performance indicators and information on renewing the transportation authority’s contract with Via for the service.

Via rebrands to Arlington On-Demand

theshorthorn.com

After transitioning from its pilot phase to a citywide service in 2022, Arlington is now rebranding their ridesharing service, Via, to Arlington On-Demand.

According to the city’s website, as of Aug. 14, patrons must download the new Arlington Transportation app to utilize the service. Greg Hladik, executive director of Parking and Transportation Services, said UTA students who wish to continue using the rideshare will need to download the app as well. Those who don’t own smartphones can continue to call (817)-784-7382 to order rides.

Transit is Key to Near Southside’s Walkable, Connected Life. Let’s Support Its Growth | Opinion

star-telegram.com

As a vibrant, rapidly growing community with thousands of residents and workers, Fort Worth’s Near Southside is constantly evolving and adapting, always benefiting from a collaborative spirit among neighborhood stakeholders. Every day, the Near Southside community works together to create a special district, delivering a major boost to Fort Worth’s economy and high-quality experiences for residents, workers and visitors.

The work of our organization, Near Southside Inc., is truly a labor of love. From our recent grand opening of Fire Station Park – designed for skateboarders and other neighbors of all ages and abilities – to our ongoing recruitment of small businesses, we strive to build a better tomorrow.

An essential objective in this effort is to improve connectivity for Near Southside residents, medical innovation district workers, state-designated cultural district visitors and neighborhood businesses and their customers.

Learn More on Proposal for High-Speed Rail at Open Houses

star-telegram.com

North Texas officials are moving forward with their push for a high-speed rail linking Dallas and Fort Worth with a stop in Arlington, but don’t expect to board a bullet train any time soon.

A proposal by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, already years in the works, is moving into a new phase, which includes a deeper look at plans related to engineering, environmental impact, ridership estimates, operations and maintenance and costs. The process is expected to span the next year and a half.

The connection of Dallas and Fort Worth by a train that can reach 250 mph comes with a number of challenges, but could bring economic opportunities, said Allan Rutter, a senior research scientist at Texas A&M Transportation Institute.

Officials Approve $142B to Fund Future Transportation Projects Across Texas

communityimpact.com

The state of Texas will invest $142 billion in transportation projects focused on safety improvements, congestion, connectivity and road preservation over the next 10 years.

The Texas Department of Transportation’s 10-year plan, known as the Unified Transportation Program, is updated annually and includes funding for initiatives across the state.

The Texas Transportation Commission unanimously approved the $100 billion UTP for 2024 during its Aug. 16 meeting. The other $42 billion, which will fund development and routine maintenance, comes from the Texas State Highway Fund, the Texas Mobility Fund, tax revenue and federal sources, according to TxDOT Media Relations Director Adam Hammons.

Transit Coalition of North Texas

TransitNorthTexas.org

GoZone Ridership Reports Growth in Lewisville, Highland﻿ Village Areas

GoZone Ridership Reports Growth in Lewisville, Highland Village Areas