The Fort Worth mayor's office announced Thursday morning a committee to “explore opportunities” for urban rail development in the city.
The Urban Rail Commission, which supports economic development and tourism, will meet from this summer through the end of 2024, according to a city press release. The group's launch signals a more serious effort by Fort Worth leaders to close gaps in the city's transportation infrastructure.
“We know that Fort Worth remains one of the fastest growing cities in the United States, and current trends indicate that by 2100 the Fort Worth-Dallas metropolitan area will be the largest in the nation,” Mayor Matty Parker said in a statement. “This shows that it will become a major metropolitan area.” “That growth comes with immense challenges and opportunities. I believe the time is now ripe to explore opportunities for urban rail, particularly in supporting economic development and the growth of the tourism industry. ”
The commission will “determine whether there is a potential for developing a fixed rail system designed to move people along the entertainment district within Fort Worth” and provide the financial and legislative support needed to build and maintain the network. We plan to consider other means.
The city will work with Trinity Metro, which operates a commuter and fixed rail system connecting hotspots in Tarrant and Dallas counties, to evaluate various options and their feasibility.
“Trinity Metro always strives to think ahead to what the future holds for Fort Worth's transportation needs,” Trinity Metro CEO Rich Andreski said in a statement. “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with the City of Fort Worth, this time focused on exploring solutions that support Tarrant County’s rapidly growing and dynamic economic development and tourism needs.”