I rode yesterday the TEXRail train from DFW to downtown Fort Worth and back. It is a good way to get from the airport to downtown Fort Worth.
The train was squeaky clean. The blue seats and soft neutral colors that highlight them are pleasant. However, the seats are too close together for comfort. Sliding into them is a squeeze for a large person.
The train has a quiet car, which is very nice for those who like to read without having to overcome people shouting into a cell phone.
The train had a conductor, who answered my many questions. She said the trains were jammed when the ride was free, but the number of riders has fallen off dramatically since the free ride period ended. She said the train has not attracted many commuters since the service began.
Approximately 10 people boarded the train at DFW. They all had luggage, so I assume they were coming off an airline flight. As is the case with DART, the trains don’t have any luggage racks, which is a mistake for a train that serves an airport.
The Stadler cars seemed to be more solid than what I have experienced on Austin's Red Line and Denton's A line. Maybe it is because they are brand new. In any case, the ride was comfortable swift. I hope the service catches on.
Wise long-term urban planning move by Fort Worth and for DFW Airport. At a minimum will help out the DFW airport workers with transit options. Not sure how many airport travelers will use it, time will tell. Also, most folks outside of the Metroplex are not aware of this but there are a few large corporate buildings on and fairly close to the Airport property that could also institute a shuttle bus from the Airport station to the surrounding area using Airfield Parkway..........would also be helpful. Verizon used to occupy the former Braniff International HQ there (which included a small hotel, pool and fitness center) with several thousand employees, they have since moved elsewhere but others are in the same building now.
FORT WORTH, Texas — In the closing hours of 2018, a new passenger train serving the Dallas/Fort Worth area initiated service. TEXrail, a train operated by the Trinity Metro made its maiden voyage on Monday with about 500 dignitaries involved wit...
http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2019/01/02-texrail-debuts-with-ceremonial-run
Brian Schmidt, Editor, Classic Trains magazine
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