Streetcars, DCTA's Legislative Priorities, & More

News & Updates

November 8, 2024 Issue

Streetcars are Back on the Table as Possible Fort Worth Transit Solution

fortworthreport.org

As Fort Worth continues to grow at a record pace, the city is once again considering using streetcars to move residents around town.

Plans for streetcars, which were first introduced to Fort Worth in 1876 and revisited as a possible transit option more than a decade ago, are on the table again while rail expansion is underway in the city, Trinity Metro President and CEO Richard W. Andreski said.

The idea is being discussed by Mayor Mattie Parker’s Urban Rail Committee Supporting Economic Development & Tourism, which is exploring the possibility of building a fixed rail system in the city in partnership with the Fort Worth-area transit agency.

“Trinity Metro is a facilitator in making things happen,” Andreski said Nov. 6 during a gathering of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials held at Billy Bob’s 81 Club in the Fort Worth Stockyards. “It’s about connecting people.”

In Case You Missed It-The State of Fort Worth's Public Transit

Is it Time for a New Major Restaurant in Downtown Fort Worth? Big Plans at T&P Station

star-telegram.com

The former T&P Tavern commuter rail station dining room will be combined with the adjacent 1931-vintage ballroom and offered for rent as a dramatic, landmark restaurant and events center, according to Trinity Metro plans.

The Fort Worth-based transit agency bought the tavern and concourse patio in Fort Worth T&P Station in July, allowing the agency to seek a single tenant for the spaces at 221 W. Lancaster Ave., a spokesperson confirmed.

Such a large restaurant would become a major anchor at the south end of downtown Fort Worth. It would also be a destination for commuters and tourists arriving by rail from Dallas or DFW Airport to the station, which is across from planned hotels and the Fort Worth Convention Center.

The 5,400-square-foot ballroom, formerly the Texas & Pacific Railway Terminal Main Waiting Room, is one of Fort Worth’s most photographed landmarks.

It has 35-foot ceilings, ornate chandeliers and classic Art Deco architecture from the 1920s Zigzag Moderne period of New York City’s Empire State Building and Chrysler Building.

5 Things DCTA is Prioritizing in the Texas Legislature’s Next Session

keranews.org

Denton County Transportation Authority leaders are putting collaboration with state leaders high on the list of priorities for 2025. The organization recently approved a consultant’s recommendations for five things to consider when lawmakers meet in the 89th Legislature in January.

DCTA, though locally funded and regulated, derives its authority from the state, making a strong relationship with the legislative delegation essential, said Drew Campbell, president of Capitol Insights and a decade-long advocate for DCTA at the state Capitol and locally.

He characterized their goals on the legislative agenda as being “very aggressive,” explaining there is also work to try to accomplish between now and before the session begins. The legislative session kicks off Jan. 14.

Campbell, senior partner Byron Campbell and Brandi Bird, president of Bird Advocacy & Consulting, were at the DCTA board’s meeting in late October to present the five items that outline DCTA’s legislative agenda:

Extend Texas Department of Transportation Mobility Fund authority beyond 2027. By extending this, Campbell said, there is typically $300 million to $500 million in the fund that invests in nontraditional transportation throughout the state.
Advocate with TxDOT for grade crossing and elimination on the A-train corridor in Carrollton.
Support innovative funding methods at the state level to expand rail and transit options within Denton County.
Support public transportation statewide.
Oppose any restrictions to the agency having representation before the state.

DFW Voters to Decide on 48 Texas House Races Tuesday

nbcdfw.com

North Texas voters will decide on 48 races in the Texas House on Tuesday, though about one-third of the contests are unopposed.

The Texas House is carved up into 150 districts, dozens of which are in North Texas. All seats in the Texas House are up for reelection every two years. See the House district map here.

ELECTION RESULTS

All races by county:

Collin | Dallas | Denton | Tarrant

Commissioners Court races:

Collin | Dallas | Denton | Tarrant

Municipal propositions:

Balch Springs | Dallas | McKinney Everyone else (Burleson, Hutchins, Irving, Johnson County, Josephine, Mansfield, Ovilla, Shady Shores, University Hills MUD, Weston)

Transit Coalition of North Texas

TransitNorthTexas.org