TEXRail, the new 27-mile commuter rail line connecting downtown Fort Worth to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport's Terminal B, entered service Jan. 10, after equipment issues pushed the opening of service back five days.
Trinity Metro says TEXRail a premium service with amenities such as seatback trays, work tables, USB charging ports, vertical bicycle racks, overhead luggage racks and a designated quiet car. Trinity Metro also notes that the train also offers level boarding, making it easy for passengers with bikes, strollers, rolling luggage or wheelchairs.
“We believe TEXRail is going to be a game changer for this region,” President/CEO Paul Ballard said. “Our new commuter rail line will give travelers the ease and convenience of taking the train to the airport and arriving on time. TEXRail will be a great option for airport workers and other people who work along the route.”
An inaugural ride was performed New Year's Eve a few days ahead of the scheduled Jan. 5 start of service. However, a signal issue that interrupted train operations was discovered the afternoon of Jan. 4. Trinity Metro determined the issue was caused by a hardware installation problem by the project's signal contractor. Trinity Metro then set to work testing each piece of hardware to make sure that all components were working properly before the start of passenger service. The agency gained clearance from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) on Jan. 7 with service commencing on Jan. 10.
Ballard credited the FRA for continuing to work with Trinity Metro during a time when they are short-handed.
“We greatly appreciate all of the efforts to move TEXRail from the testing phase to full service by all of the personnel at FRA,” he said.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
