Trinity Railway Express puts dash in D-FW
It was December 30, 1996 when more than 4,000 people jammed the southwest’s first commuter rail line — a 10-mile route linking Union Station in Downtown Dallas to Irving — during its first day of operation, making the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) a hit from the beginning. On Wednesday, December 13, the TRE thanks its customers for making commuter rail a success in a car culture with a Customer Appreciation Day celebration.
Ten years and more than 14.5 million passenger trips later, the TRE — a joint service of DART and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (The T) — connects Dallas and Fort Worth on a 35-mile-long route running parallel to the Trinity River, delivering new work and entertainment destinations, and changing the lifestyles for commuters across North Texas.
Customer celebration set for December 13
The TRE 10th Anniversary Customer Appreciation Day celebration is set for Wednesday, December 13 at 6 a.m. at Dallas Union Station, CentrePort/DFW Airport Station and the Fort Worth ITC Station. Customers will enjoy music and a chance to register to win one of two grand prizes: a Friday night stay in Fort Worth at the Worthington Hotel, dinner at Sam & Harry’s, museum passes and more, or, a Friday night stay at the Dallas Hyatt Regency Hotel, dinner at Antares, museum passes and more.
A decade of growth
The TRE’s success is an acknowledgment that Dallas and Fort Worth are no longer island cities; they’re two halves of a whole that is getting larger – and more congested – every day. That became clear when the U.S. Census Bureau named Dallas/Fort Worth the nation’s fourth-largest and fastest-growing metropolitan area.
What’s more, the cooperation that created the TRE has helped ignite public interest in a truly regional transit system connecting people to economic opportunities and a great quality of life throughout North Texas.
As the cost of gasoline and parking – and the hassles of driving – increase, so does the bargain of riding the TRE. For just $4.50 a round-trip, commuters can spend their time working, reading, eating breakfast or just resting.
Learn how to get on board by visiting www.TrinityRailwayExpress.org and by calling DART at 214-979-1111 or the T at 817-215-8600.
