TRE considering night train service

[North Star]

I hope this happens.

http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/local/states/texas/northeast/9189126.htm

[freewaytincan]

As do I.

[North Star]

At least during the summer months.

[gc]

I agree. But more than anything else, I hope people find it a valuable alternative to driving.

[North Star]

How about late night service from FW ITC to Centerport/DFW Airport as late as 10:30. That way, if I want to go to a Brahmas or a Cats game, I can take the train. I am unable to do that right now because the last train leaves FW ITC at 8:50pm and the games usually start at 7:00. 8:50 is way too soon.

[RobertB]

The biggest news, to me, is this part:

The Trinity Railway Express may add night train service in response to a recent drop in ridership, officials said.
I had to re-read that. A transit system responds to lower ridership by increasing service?

Every other time I've heard about decreased ridership, the result is decreased service. But a DART VP actually realizes that decreased service causes decreased ridership, and that a downward spiral isn't the solution:


The changes were proposed because year-to-date TRE ridership is down for the first time ever, said Kathy Waters, Dallas Area Rapid Transit's vice president for commuter rail.
What's next? A restored Route 322 by my work, I hope! :)

[crescentboi]

I agree that this would be a great thing, but I just wish that they would add Sunday service to their schedule. Sunday's I think are a great day to just relax and cruise around and that's the day I would like to tour the museums or gardens in FW, but can't get over there without the train since taxi fare would be enormous!

[texcolo]

Shoot....

They need to have double track all the way down the line.

The one time I went, I had to wait 20 minutes in the Cityport (?) station for the other train to clear the line.

[North Star]

Shoot....

They need to have double track all the way down the line.

The one time I went, I had to wait 20 minutes in the Cityport (?) station for the other train to clear the line.
I think they are working on that.

[Man of Leisure]

I think they are working on that.
True indeed. I talked to one of the head engineers last week who confirmed that when service was suspended to replace a track in between west irving and centreport -- he was also playing up how they are supposedly going to be running the commuter trains @ an average of 80 mph in the next couple of years.

[Man of Leisure]

I agree that this would be a great thing, but I just wish that they would add Sunday service to their schedule. Sunday's I think are a great day to just relax and cruise around and that's the day I would like to tour the museums or gardens in FW, but can't get over there without the train since taxi fare would be enormous!
Sunday service (even a very limited schedule) is definitely needed.

[freewaytincan]

True indeed. I talked to one of the head engineers last week who confirmed that when service was suspended to replace a track in between west irving and centreport -- he was also playing up how they are supposedly going to be running the commuter trains @ an average of 80 mph in the next couple of years.

Finally! It seems to run at the minimum speed at times.

[gc]

True indeed. I talked to one of the head engineers last week who confirmed that when service was suspended to replace a track in between west irving and centreport -- he was also playing up how they are supposedly going to be running the commuter trains @ an average of 80 mph in the next couple of years.

Whoa! Are you serious? If they could lay tracks for both directions....and the trains could hit 80 mph...I think that would do wonders for commuters in FW, Arlington, Bedford, etc.

[bloodandpopcorn]

That's amazing! That's exactly what the train needs to be. If they can do that, then the TRE will be unquestionably the way to get from DTD to DTFW. It's my preferred way right now, but my sister and her daughter still drive for their trips.

They need to add even later night service so that Dallasites can go see a show at the Bass and take the train home.

I have noticed how every time I ride it seems there are more and more double-tracked portions. And they look like they're well on their way to having the bridge over the Trinity double tracked.

[RobertB]

Whoa! Are you serious? If they could lay tracks for both directions....and the trains could hit 80 mph...I think that would do wonders for commuters in FW, Arlington, Bedford, etc.
The statistic I mention to folks when we're discussing rail vs. roads:

$250 million: Cost to build one intersection -- the High Five -- not including the impact on the roads feeding the interchange and the surrounding streets and neighborhoods.

$250 million: Cost to build an entire transportation system -- the TRE -- connecting Dallas, Fort Worth, and all the cities in between, with no negative impact to anything.

Which is the better use of a quarter billion bucks?

[freewaytincan]

The statistic I mention to folks when we're discussing rail vs. roads:

$250 million: Cost to build one intersection -- the High Five -- not including the impact on the roads feeding the interchange and the surrounding streets and neighborhoods.

$250 million: Cost to build an entire transportation system -- the TRE -- connecting Dallas, Fort Worth, and all the cities in between, with no negative impact to anything.

Which is the better use of a quarter billion bucks?

Well, whether we like it or not, it has to be done. That sorry excuse for an interchange was one of the most pathetic things I have ever seen to this day. It was always hell to go through.

[RobertB]

Well, whether we like it or not, it has to be done. That sorry excuse for an interchange was one of the most pathetic things I have ever seen to this day. It was always hell to go through.
I have to agree. It was an awful interchange when Central was four lanes, and it really descended into hell when the Central rebuilding was done.

[tamtagon]

so, what are the official plans regarding another track?

If the T ever builds up enough steam, seems like TRE will primarily serve as express access to DTFW, DFW Airport and DTD with light rail handling the local service. Hum, pulling a longer train, TRE seem more likely to have luggage space for travelers.

[RobertB]

so, what are the official plans regarding another track?

If the T ever builds up enough steam, seems like TRE will primarily serve as express access to DTFW, DFW Airport and DTD with light rail handling the local service. Hum, pulling a longer train, TRE seem more likely to have luggage space for travelers.
With that in mind, I wonder why DART and The T aren't moving faster to extend commuter rail into D/FW?

[tamtagon]

With that in mind, I wonder why DART and The T aren't moving faster to extend commuter rail into D/FW?

That would seem like a top priority, but the handful of cities which have been paying into the rail fund for, like, almost 20 years must come first. Now, if DFW airport plopped down $75 million - which they should - then we would get what I see as the most important metroplex light rail stations much sooner.

[bloodandpopcorn]

They might should, but there is no way for them to afford that right now. With the expansion, I doubt if they have a penny to spare.

[tamtagon]

They might should, but there is no way for them to afford that right now. With the expansion, I doubt if they have a penny to spare.

Eh, should be a pretty easy sell to include the secure DFW People Mover passenger and baggage check-in counters at the designated link to DART and TRE. Personally, I think a stong lobby from rented personal transportation (taxi & rental cars) industries as well as from the airport itself (loss of parking revenue) may be responsible for the delay.

Anyway, it is a shame.