Traffic News
Fort Worth launches new electric bus service with free rides
Trinity Metro, Fort Worth's transportation agency, has launched its electric bus service, called The Dash, with a freebie offer: Passengers will get complimentary rides through October 31.
The bus will operate from downtown Fort Worth to the city’s cultural district along the 7th Street corridor, with stops at Sundance Square, Montgomery Plaza, Crockett Row, UNT Health Science Center, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Kimbell Art Museum, and Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
It will also include a stop at the new Dickies Arena.
Beginning November 1, tickets will be $2 one way or $5 for a day pass, which includes all of Trinity Metro’s bus services, TEXRail, and Trinity Railway Express to CentrePort.
Hours will be from 9:22 am to 10:44 pm Sunday-Thursday, and later on weekend nights from 9:22 am to 12:44 am Friday-Saturday. The full schedule is available online.
The line will use four heavy-duty, 35-foot Xcelsior Charge battery-electric buses manufactured by New Flyer, based in Winnipeg, Canada. Being electric, the buses have a smooth, quiet ride.
Trinity Metro president and CEO Bob Baulsir says in a statement that it's an exciting day for Fort Worth and Tarrant County.
"The Dash will provide a zero-emissions, high-frequency option for daily trips to popular destinations," Baulsir says. "This public/private partnership is a great example of how groups can work together to provide innovative transit solutions."
The North Central Texas Council of Governments provided grant funding for the purchase of buses and a charging station.
Community investors have made a three-year financial commitment to service. They include the City of Fort Worth, Blue Zones Project-Fort Worth, Real Estate Council of Greater Fort Worth, and Visit Fort Worth.
Other investors include the Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Amon Carter Museum of American Art, the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Crockett Row, Museum Place, the Fort Worth Stock Show, and Dickies Arena.