Silver Lining, Transit Opens Opportunities for Students, & Updated Star Transit Service

News & Updates

October 15, 2025 Issue

Silver Lining: New Rail Line Revs Up North Texas Transit, Tourism Ahead of World Cup

keranews.org

Riders on Fort Worth’s TEXRail system can soon reach more North Texas cities — thanks to a new 26-mile passenger rail line that launches later this month.

Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s Silver Line — which starts running on Oct. 25 — will bolster regional transportation systems by connecting with TEXRail at two stations at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, officials said. DART will pay Trinity Metro about $6 million annually for that link.

“It’s a welcome addition, no doubt,” said Chris Wallace, president and CEO of the North Texas Commission, a public-private partnership that promotes regional business and workforce development across 13 counties, including Tarrant and Dallas.

“Cities have invested years and years to make this happen. It will help keep us competitive with other regions when corporations are looking to relocate,” Wallace said.

The regional connectivity will fast track tourism and move more workers across the area as well as provide welcome transportation options in advance of the FIFA World Cup games headed to North Texas in 2026, Wallace said.

“This will certainly help,” he said.

STAR Transit Launches Service Updates in Wilmer, Hutchins and Lancaster

startransit.org

Effective Oct. 1, STAR Transit is initiating service updates in the cities of Hutchins, Lancaster and Wilmer, emphasizing the benefits of STARNow (same-day service) and Demand Response (Dial-A-Ride).

Fully supporting STAR Transit transportation options are the mayors, councils and community members of each city.

Mayor Clyde C. Hairston, City of Lancaster, said “This service ensures that our residents can get to work, keep their appointments, and that our students have every chance to chase their dreams. As an All-American City, Lancaster continues to be on the move—growing stronger, shining brighter, and connecting every resident to the opportunities that make us the Shining Star of Texas.”

“Our partnership with STAR Transit is not just about transportation; it’s about transforming lives. With the new services, we’re providing affordable, convenient, and desirable mobility options that connect our community to essential services and opportunities. Together, we’re enriching the quality of life for everyone in Hutchins!” said Hutchins Mayor Mario Vasquez.

“We are excited to welcome STAR Transit service to Wilmer. Reliable transportation is essential for connecting our residents to jobs, healthcare, education, and shopping across the region,” said Wilmer Mayor Sheila Petta.

Mastercard Expands $2.50 Public Transit Credit to More U.S. Cities

upgradedpoints.com

If you commute via public transit to work or enjoy saving on transportation when exploring a new city, you may have just scored a few free rides through the end of the year.

Mastercard just expanded its Public Transit Benefit to 2 new cities, New York and Washington, D.C., bringing the total to 7 major cities where cardholders can get a $2.50 statement credit each month on eligible purchases.

No registration is needed, but this offer expires soon, so let’s take a look at the details.

Mastercard Public Transit Benefit

The Mastercard Public Transit Benefit is available to U.S. Mastercard credit and debit cardholders and a few select prepaid cardholders. After spending $10 or more at the point of entry within a participating public transit system, cardholders can receive a $2.50 statement credit each calendar month through December 31, 2025.

Trinity Metro Offers Transportation Opportunities

collegian.tccd.edu

Bike the Trinity Trails took place Oct. 3, encouraging students and faculty to see what the college provides for them outside of the classroom.

In an effort to expose students to the transportation services available, TR student development coordinator Carly Johnston organizes many events to help students interact with one another and see what the campus has to offer.

“So today’s event is part of a longer series called ‘TCC Out on the Town’ and the goal of that whole program is to get students off campus for a variety of reasons,” she said.

Johnston said the program helps students who may not have had an opportunity to have fun off campus and connect with their peers while developing a sense of belonging.

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Events like this give students swag to show them they are important to the college’s community.

“The main goal is to like get students off campus to have some fun and then through that process get them to appreciate being a member of the TCC community,” Johnston said.

Participants were given the option to either bring their own bike or rent one from the Trinity Metro bike stalls around campus through the Easy Ride Program, which allows students access to Trinity Metro buses, TEXRail, rideshare vans and the Trinity Railway Express.

“We had an event this past spring semester where we rode the Orange Line, which is one of the bus routes for Trinity Metro,” Johnston said.

According to Trinity Metro, students with a student ID can access most transportation methods for free.

Transit Coalition of North Texas

TransitNorthTexas.org