News & Updates

July 12, 2023 Issue

MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND

September 22, 2023, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM --TCNT Annual Luncheon at the Hyatt Regency DFW International Airport, with Congressional Update and Transit CEO Panel Discussion.

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City of Lewisville Takes Final Steps Toward Adopting Old Town Transit-Oriented Development Master Plan

starlocalmedia.com

The Lewisville City Council will begin the final steps toward adopting its Old Town Transit-Oriented Development Master Plan (TOD) after receiving strong support from the community, according to the city’s Planning Director Richard Luedke.

In a July 3 workshop session presentation to the city council, Luedke explained how the planning department's engagement with various stakeholders resulted in constructive feedback and a positive view of the direction the city was taking regarding the implementation of the TOD.

Since March 2023, the city has conducted engagement activities with various Old Town stakeholders, from individual meetings with property and business owners to possible developers. On June 1, a public input open house was held at the Lewisville Grand Theater Recital Hall, where individuals could comment on the draft plan and implementation strategies. The event drew 16 individuals, half of whom were business owners, and the rest were residents and one property owner.

APTA Releases 1Q23 Public Transportation Ridership Report

railwayage.com

The American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) first-quarter 2023 Public Transportation Ridership Report finds that the light rail/streetcar, commuter rail and heavy rail (rapid transit) categories were up by double-digits over the prior-year period. Among the agencies posting the highest gains: D.C. Streetcar (light rail/streetcar; up 139.02%), Virginia Railway Express (commuter rail; up 113.90%), and Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (heavy rail; up 66.8%).

The Public Transportation Ridership Report is a quarterly report of transit passenger ridership for U.S. and Canadian transit agencies, according to APTA. The report includes quarterly and year-to-date estimated unlinked transit passenger trips for the current and previous year by transit mode. Unlinked passenger trips are defined as the number of passengers who board public transportation vehicles, APTA reported on its website; passengers are counted each time they board vehicles no matter how many vehicles they use to travel from their origin to their destination. Additionally, agency specific ridership is provided for participating transit agencies.

STAR Transit Elects New Board Member to Ensure Sustainable Growth

startransit.org

The recent election of Mayrani Velazquez, along with the return of Dana Macalik, to the STAR Transit Board of Directors positions the agency for smart, sustainable growth through visionary leadership for years to come, said Executive Director Tommy Henricks in his announcement.

In addition to Velazquez, Dana Macalik was re-elected to the STAR Transit Board as the Place 7 primary board member. Macalik currently serves as Rockwall County Commissioner. She previously served as a council member for the City of Rockwall, where she advocated for sustainable growth that improved quality of life in the community.

Regional Transportation Council May Invest $5.3M Into Silver Line Project

communityimpact.com

The Silver Line is a 26-mile rail running between Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and Shiloh Road in Plano, according to DART’s website. Once completed, the rail will serve Plano, Richardson, Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Coppell and Grapevine.

Staff from the council of governments are requesting approval of $5.3 million in federal funding for the Silver Line project, according to the agenda. Approval of the funds would serve as the final component of the mediation plan between DART and Dallas.

The council is slated to consider approving federal funds for the project as part of the mediation plan between Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the city of Dallas. The agenda also includes items related to funding for the Collin County Rides program and consideration of the Unified Planning Work program for 2024 and 2025.

Trinity Metro is Your Ride to

Rockin’ the River

ridetrinitymetro.org

There is no better way to beat the Texas heat than by jumping in the Trinity River and floating up to the best seat in the house at ROCKIN’ THE RIVER. Fifteen bands over the five-week series with performances ranging from top Texas country artists to a little rock and soul. Patrons may rent tubes, but are welcome to bring their own tubes, kayaks, paddle boards or anything that floats. Landlubbers may bring blankets and chairs to enjoy from shore or in the shade. Plus, a fireworks show ends each night with a BANG.

If you ride Trinity Metro to Rockin’ the River and purchase your ticket via the GoPass mobile app, you may receive 50% off one local day pass each week of the series, which entitles you to unlimited transfers for one day on buses, TEXRail, ZIPZONE and TRE (within Tarrant County).

Portion of MacArthur Boulevard in Coppell Closed for DART Silver Line Construction

communityimpact.com

What’s happening?

The inside northbound and southbound lanes of MacArthur Boulevard, near the rail crossing at East Belt Line Road closed July 5 and will remain closed through Aug. 14.
The closure is the first phase of a planned three-phase project at the intersection, according to DART. Drivers are advised to seek an alternate route to avoid delays.
Phase 2 is scheduled from Aug. 15 to Sept. 14. The outside northbound and southbound lanes will be closed during this phase.
Phase 3 is expected to include a full closure of South MacArthur Boulevard from Sept. 15 to Sept. 20.

The backstory:

DART is constructing a Silver Line station in the Cypress Waters area. The 26-mile hybrid rail line will stretch from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Plano, spanning multiple counties. The project is anticipated to be completed in 2026.

Transit Coalition of North Texas

TransitNorthTexas.org