TEXRail opens for passenger service

Jan. 15, 2019
Signal issues and a government shutdown delayed opening of service by five days.

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. 

About the Author

Mischa Wanek-Libman | Editor in Chief

Mischa Wanek-Libman serves as editor in chief of Mass Transit magazine. She is responsible for developing and maintaining the magazine’s editorial direction and is based in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Wanek-Libman has spent more than 20 years covering transportation issues including construction projects and engineering challenges for various commuter railroads and transit agencies. 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 serves as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.  

She is a graduate of Drake University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication with a major in magazine journalism and a minor in business management.