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Trinity Railway Express
EMD F59PH at Dallas Union Station in November 2004
Overview
OwnerDallas Area Rapid Transit (50%)
Trinity Metro (50%)
LocaleDallas–Fort Worth metroplex
Termini
Stations10
Websitetrinityrailwayexpress.org
Service
TypeCommuter rail
Operator(s)Herzog Transit Services
Daily ridership4,400 (weekdays, Q3 2025)[1]
Ridership1,265,500 (2024)[2]
History
OpenedDecember 30, 1996; 29 years ago (1996-12-30)
Technical
Line length34 mi (55 km)
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Route map
Map Trinity Railway Express highlighted in blue
Legend
 Fort Worth T&P TEXRail Parking
Fort Worth Central
Amtrak TEXRail Greyhound Lines Parking
Texas Spur 280.svg SH Spur 280
 TEXRail
TEXRail
to DFW Airport Terminal B
6th Street Junction
I-35W.svg I-35W
Dalwor Junction
Trinity River
 Richland Hills
(closed 2024)
I-820.svg I-820
 Trinity Lakes Parking
Bell Parking
Texas 360.svg SH 360
 CentrePort/DFW Airport Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (via Bus interchange) Parking
Tarrant County
Dallas County
Maintenance facility
Toll Texas PGBT new.svg Pres. George Bush Turnpike
West Irving Parking
Texas 356.svg SH 356
W.C. Junction
 Downtown Irving/Heritage Crossing Parking
E.C. Junction
Texas Loop 12.svg Loop 12
Trinity River
I-35E.svg I-35E
 Medical/Market Center
  Parking
Toll Texas DNT new.svg Dallas North Tollway
to North Carrollton/​Frankford
to DFW Airport Terminal A
 Victory
Texas Spur 366.svg SH Spur 366
to Parker Road
to Downtown Rowlett
to Buckner
 Dallas Union Station
Amtrak
to Westmoreland
to UNT Dallas
Handicapped/disabled access All stations are accessible
This diagram:

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) is a commuter rail service in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, Texas, United States. It was established by an interlocal agreement between Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and Trinity Metro. Each transit authority owns a 50% stake in the joint rail project and contractor Herzog Transit Services operates the line. The TRE began operating in December 1996.[3][4]

In 2024, the system had a ridership of 1,265,500, or about 4,400 per weekday as of the third quarter of 2025, making it the seventeenth most-ridden commuter rail system in the United States.

Before 2006, the TRE was typically shown as a green line on DART maps and therefore was sometimes referred to as the "Green Line," but this was not an official designation. In 2006, DART chose green as the color for its new light rail route, the Green Line. Since 2006, the TRE has been shown as a dark blue line on DART maps.

History

[edit]

Named after the Trinity River, the West Fork of which flows from Fort Worth to Dallas, the TRE was launched on December 30, 1996,[3] shortly after the inaugural service of Dallas' DART rail system, operating from Dallas Union Transit Station to the South Irving Transit Station.[5] It runs along a former Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad line that the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth purchased in 1983 for $34 million.[6]

Service initially operated only in weekday rush hours, but midday and evening service was added in December 1997,[6] and Saturday service was added in December 1998.[6][7]

On September 18, 2000, the line was extended to the suburb of Richland Hills[6] and, for the first time, there was rail service available between downtown Dallas and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. On November 13, 2000, the West Irving Transit Station also opened. On December 3, 2001, the TRE was extended to its current terminus at the T&P Station in downtown Fort Worth.[6] On February 17, 2024, Richland Hills station was closed,[8] being replaced by Trinity Lakes station, which opened on February 19, 2024.[9]

TRE will lease one locomotive, three coach cars and two cab car from Northstar Line for the duration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for increased service, after the Northstar Line shuts down permanently and is replaced with express busses in 2026.[10][11]

Route

[edit]

The eastern terminus of the TRE route is Dallas Union Station on the west side of downtown Dallas. From there, the line runs northwest parallel to Interstate 35E, passing American Airlines Center and Dallas Market Center before turning west. The line crosses the Elm Fork of the Trinity River into Irving, passing through Irving's historic downtown district. The train continues west to the Dallas County/Tarrant County border, passing under the President George Bush Turnpike.

While crossing into Tarrant County, the line passes about four miles south of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The line passes over SH-360 and takes a slight southwest turn along the northern city limits of Arlington. It turns slightly northwest towards Bell before following the southern city limits of Hurst. As it approaches Interstate 820, it takes a sharper southwest turn towards downtown Fort Worth, passing through Richland Hills and Haltom City. The line enters downtown Fort Worth from the northeast, passing under Interstate 35W and curving towards Fort Worth Central Station. Finally, the track curls around downtown Fort Worth towards T&P Station.

According to current TRE schedules, a one-way trip in either direction takes approximately 1 hour and 2 minutes.[12]

Service

[edit]

TRE provides service six days a week from 4 AM (5 AM on Saturdays) to midnight (1 AM on Fridays). Trains are scheduled to arrive once every hour, or once every half-hour on weekdays during peak periods (4 to 9 AM and 2 to 7 PM).[12] TRE does not provide service on Sundays except during the State Fair of Texas, in which case a Saturday schedule is used.

The TRE service yard is located in Irving between West Irving and CentrePort/DFW. During the start and end of both service time and peak periods, some trains will start or end at one of these stations.[12]

[edit]

Because TRE passes south of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the airport is serviced via a shuttle bus that runs between CentrePort/DFW and the airport's Terminal B. The Terminal B stop provides a connection to TEXRail via a pedestrian path. Branded as TRE Link and operated by Trinity Metro, the shuttle runs every 20–40 minutes during TRE operating hours.[13]

Ridership

[edit]

[14][15][16]

500,000
1,000,000
1,500,000
2,000,000
2,500,000
3,000,000
2000
2004
2008
2012
2016
2020
2024

Rolling Stock

[edit]
 Class  Image  Type(s)   Top speed   Number   Built 
 mph   km/h 
EMD F40PH Diesel Locomotive 110 177 2 1981–1985
EMD F59PH Diesel Locomotive 110 177 7 1988–1994

Late 2010 (Overhaul)

EMD F59PHI Diesel Locomotive 110 177 2 2001
Bombardier BiLevel Coach Coach Car
Cab Car 		95 150 25 1976–77
2003
2007
2009
Former fleet
Budd RDC-1[17] Diesel Multiple Unit 85[17] 137 13 1954–58

Diesel locomotives

[edit]

TRE has a fleet of 11 locomotives.

There are seven EMD F59PH IV locomotives that were acquired from GO Transit.  The original numbers for these were #525, #527–528 and #565–568. These were overhauled in late 2010 by the Norfolk Southern Railway and RELCO Locomotive to meet EPA standards and renumbered 120–126.[18]

There are two EMD F59PHI locomotives that were purchased from EMD. The numbers for these are #569 and #570.

TRE acquired 2 ex-Amtrak F40PHs No. 270 and 274 from Progress Rail in late 2021 and delivered in January 2022. They are numbered 130 and 131.

TRE announced an order for Siemens Charger locomotives in 2024, which are to be delivered in Mid 2026. They are slated to replace the older locomotives in the fleet.

Coaches

[edit]

1000-1001 built 1983 (now coaches 1048-1049) 1002-1003 built 2003 1004-1009 built 2007

Former fleet

[edit]

Until 2011, the TRE fleet included diesel multiple units, in the form of 13 Budd Rail Diesel Cars (RDCs) built in the 1950s for Canadian Pacific (9), Canadian National (3) and Boston & Maine (1).[19] They were purchased used from Via Rail Canada in 1993. All were remanufactured by GEC-Alsthom in Montreal. They entered service in March and April 1997[20] – after trains leased from Amtrak and the Connecticut Department of Transportation temporarily provided initial TRE service when the RDCs were not ready in time for the inauguration of TRE service[5] in December 1996 – and thereafter provided all service for the line's first two to three years. They remained in service for about 14 years, the last cars being taken off of TRE service in March 2011.[21] In 2010–2011, 11 of the 13 cars were leased to Denton County Transportation Authority for operation on the A-train. They were returned in 2012 and placed in storage at the TRE shops in Irving, Texas. In spring 2017, 12 RDCs were sold via auction to AllEarth Rail,[21][22] a Vermont-based private company that intends to use them to operate commuter rail service connecting the Vermont cities of Montpelier and Burlington.[22] AllEarth subsequently resold two of the TRE cars to TriMet, of Portland, Oregon,[23] before they had left Texas, and those two Dallas RDCs (Nos. 2007 and 2011) were moved in August 2017 from Texas to Oregon, where TriMet planned to use them on its WES Commuter Rail service.[24] The other 10 RDCs were moved to Vermont the same month.[23] Meanwhile, the last RDC was donated to the Museum of the American Railroad in 2023.[25]

Train consist

[edit]
Trinity Railway Express train with Bombardier BiLevel Coaches

Each train includes at least one locomotive unit and one bi-level cab car. Typically, one or two additional coach cars are included between the locomotive and cab car. Each cab car (and thus each train) has a restroom and passengers may move between cars during the trip.

Travel times and proposed improvements

[edit]

The trip from Union Station to T&P Station takes just over an hour, with scheduled trip times ranging from one hour, three minutes to one hour, eleven minutes. Track improvements are proposed, which should offer an improvement in travel times by double-tracking certain stations and sections of the route.[26] As of 2025, portions of the route are single-track, requiring eastbound and westbound trains to meet only at certain points and requiring some eastbound trains to hold for 5–7 minutes to wait for a westbound train to get to the passing area.

Stations

[edit]

Stations in the West fare zone are included in Trinity Metro local fares, while stations in the East fare zone are included in DART local fares. Travel from one zone to the other requires a regional fare from either agency.

Fare zone Station Parking Municipality Points of interest and major connections
West
(Tarrant County) 		T&P Station Fort Worth Mainline rail interchange Trinity Metro: TEXRail TEXRail
Fort Worth Central Station[a] Serves Fort Worth Convention Center, Fort Worth Water Gardens, Sundance Square
Mainline rail interchange Trinity Metro: TEXRail TEXRail
Amtrak Amtrak: Heartland Flyer, Texas Eagle
Trinity Lakes[b] Will serve planned Trinity Lakes mixed-use transit-oriented development
Bell[c] Hurst[d] Serves Bell Textron plant
West/East[e] CentrePort/DFW Airport Fort Worth Serves Airport interchange Dallas Fort Worth International Airport via Bus interchange TRE Link shuttle
East
(Dallas County) 		West Irving Irving
Downtown Irving/Heritage Crossing[f]
Medical/Market Center Dallas Serves Parkland Memorial Hospital, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Children's Medical Center, Dallas Market Center
Victory Serves American Airlines Center
DART rail: Green Line Orange Line
Union Station Serves Reunion Tower, Dealey Plaza
DART rail: Blue Line Red Line
Amtrak Amtrak: Texas Eagle
Dallas Streetcar
  1. ^ Formerly Fort Worth Intermodal Transportation Center
  2. ^ Replaced Richland Hills Station in 2024
  3. ^ Formerly Hurst/Bell station
  4. ^ Bell station is located in Fort Worth but uses a Hurst postal code
  5. ^ Centreport/DFW Airport station, while located in Tarrant County, is included in both zones
  6. ^ Formerly South Irving station
[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Trinity Railway Express

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) is a line serving the in , , connecting the downtown areas of and Fort Worth with intermediate stops in suburban communities. Spanning approximately 35 miles (56 km) along an east-west corridor, it operates 10 stations and provides reliable regional transportation for daily commuters, airport travelers, and event-goers, with seamless connections to , buses, intercity rail, and via the TRE LINK shuttle. Jointly managed and funded by the (DART) and (formerly the Fort Worth Transportation Authority), TRE is operated under contract by Transit Services, emphasizing efficient push-pull train consists powered by locomotives. Service runs on weekdays from early morning to late evening and on Saturdays during peak hours, with fares structured by two zones (East for Dallas-area stations and West for Fort Worth-area stations) starting at $2 for local trips. The line's stations include EBJ Union Station and in at the eastern end, progressing westward through Medical/Market , Irving, West Irving, CentrePort/DFW Airport, Bell, Trinity Lakes, , and Fort Worth T&P Station. Launched on December 30, 1996, as the first system in the , TRE initially covered a 10-mile (16 km) route from to South Irving Station using Budd Rail Diesel Cars (RDCs). It expanded westward to Richland Hills Station on September 18, 2000, and reached full service to Fort Worth on December 3, 2001, named after the nearby River. In 2024, the Richland Hills station was replaced by the Trinity Lakes station. By 2025, the service has grown to carry over 1.2 million passengers annually as of 2024, reflecting its role in reducing in one of the nation's fastest-growing metropolitan areas, with ongoing investments in fleet modernization and potential extensions under .

History

Development and Construction

The development of the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) originated in the 1980s amid regional transit planning efforts by the (DART) and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (now ) to mitigate escalating between and Fort Worth. In 1983, the cities of and Fort Worth jointly acquired the 120-mile former Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad corridor for $34 million from the railroad's bankruptcy trustees, preserving it specifically for potential future passenger rail use. Planning for the service gained momentum in 1989, when DART and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority formalized an interlocal agreement to establish joint ownership and operation of the TRE, with each agency holding a 50% stake. That year, DART secured nearly 80% of the required right-of-way for the planned rail alignment. Throughout the , environmental impact studies were performed, and supplementary right-of-way acquisitions were completed along segments of existing freight lines, including former Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway and routes, to facilitate passenger service integration. Funding for the project drew from federal grants under programs like the , state-issued bonds, and local contributions from DART sales tax revenue and Fort Worth Transportation Authority funds, totaling approximately $200 million for the initial 18-mile segment from to the area. Construction commenced in 1994, encompassing extensive track rehabilitation for passenger speeds, installation of modern signaling systems, and erection of new stations at key intermodal points along the corridor. These upgrades transformed the dormant freight infrastructure into a viable line, with completion of the core build-out enabling the system's launch by late 1996.

Opening and Initial Operations

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) launched its inaugural service on December 30, 1996, becoming the first line in the . This initial 10-mile segment connected to South Irving Station, operating exclusively during weekday rush hours to serve commuters traveling between the two cities. The service debuted with strong public interest, attracting over 4,000 riders on its first day despite the limited schedule focused on peak travel periods. Operations were handled by Herzog Transit Services under a five-year contract awarded earlier in 1996, providing comprehensive management including train dispatching and maintenance. The startup fleet comprised 13 Budd Rail Diesel Cars (RDCs) acquired from Canada and refurbished. These self-propelled cars supported operations suited to the short route and its integration with existing rail infrastructure. Early operations emphasized coordination with freight carriers sharing the corridor, as the TRE utilized tracks originally designed for movement, which required careful scheduling to minimize delays and ensure safety. To accommodate increasing ridership and demand for broader availability, the TRE expanded its schedule in its first two years. Midday and evening service was introduced on December 15, 1997, enabling non-commute trips such as business meetings or leisure outings along the route. This adjustment marked a shift from peak-only operations to a more comprehensive weekday offering. By December 5, 1998, Saturday service was added at intervals, extending accessibility for weekend travel and further establishing the TRE as a vital regional link.

Expansions and Modernization

Following its initial operations, the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) expanded significantly in the early 2000s to serve a broader commuter base in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. On September 16, 2000, service extended westward by approximately 17 miles, adding four new stations: West Irving, CentrePort/DFW Airport, Hurst/Bell, and Richland Hills. This extension connected more suburban areas to the core route between and Irving. Subsequently, on December 3, 2001, the line reached its current western terminus at the Texas & Pacific (T&P) Station in , completing a full 34-mile corridor linking the two major cities. In the mid-2010s, TRE pursued key upgrades to enhance safety and capacity. Positive Train Control (PTC), a technology designed to prevent train-to-train collisions, derailments, and worker incursions, received federal funding in 2018, was installed system-wide by 2020, and received full Federal Railroad Administration certification on April 28, 2025, to meet regulatory requirements. Platform extensions at select stations were also completed during this period to accommodate longer train consists, improving operational efficiency and passenger throughput. Recent station adjustments reflect evolving ridership patterns and urban development. The Richland Hills station closed after the end of service on February 17, 2024, primarily due to low ridership after the city voted in to withdraw from Trinity Metro funding, which impacted station viability. Just two days later, on February 19, 2024, the new Trinity Lakes station opened as a direct replacement, situated east of Loop 820 and north of Boulevard in a 1,600-acre master-planned community to support transit-oriented growth. These changes maintain service continuity while aligning with needs. Modernization efforts have also focused on and resilience. Ongoing improvements to achieve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance include renovations to station facilities, such as updated locker rooms and ramps, ensuring equitable access for passengers with disabilities.

Route and Infrastructure

Route Description

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) operates along a 35-mile (56 km) northwest alignment connecting in to the in , traversing the and crossing the Trinity River en route. The route largely parallels in its western portions while utilizing established rail corridors that blend urban, suburban, and semi-rural terrain, with the line facilitating commuter access between major employment and cultural hubs. Key segments begin in urban Dallas within Dallas County, transitioning to suburban areas in Irving before entering Tarrant County near the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport vicinity and proceeding through communities like Hurst and North Richland Hills toward Fort Worth. The path features relatively flat to gently rolling terrain with maximum grades reaching up to 1.5 percent, allowing for operational speeds that average 40-50 (64-80 km/h) between stops, though maximum speeds can reach 79 mph (127 km/h) in unrestricted sections. End-to-end travel under current conditions typically takes approximately 62 minutes, accounting for station stops and any temporary restrictions. The infrastructure consists of shared trackage primarily owned by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) and Union Pacific (UP) railroads, with additional rights held by regional operators like the Fort Worth & Western Railroad (FWWR) and Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad (DGNO), enabling coordinated freight and passenger movements. The line includes a mix of single- and double-track configurations, with double tracks in select passing sections to accommodate overtaking maneuvers, and is governed by signals for bidirectional operations. There are 10 stations along the route, and major highway crossings feature grade separations to enhance safety and efficiency, including notable overpasses at locations like Belt Line Road in Irving. A historic but narrow bridge spans the Trinity River near milepost 612.47, which has undergone reinforcements to support higher loads and speeds.

Stations

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) operates 10 active stations along its 35-mile route between and , divided into two fare zones: the East Zone in Dallas County and the West Zone in Tarrant County. Fares are determined by travel between or within these zones, with East Zone trips generally lower cost than cross-zone journeys. All stations are fully accessible with lifts or ramps, feature ticket vending machines, and most offer free parking (no overnight parking allowed) and bicycle racks to support multimodal access. Platforms at TRE stations typically accommodate trains up to 600 feet in length, allowing for standard consists of locomotives and 6-7 passenger coaches.

East Zone Stations (Dallas County)

, located at 400 South Houston Street in , serves as the eastern terminus and a major intermodal hub connecting to Amtrak's intercity service, DART's , , and Orange lines, numerous DART bus routes (including 9, 45, 47, 214, 224, 306, 378, and 383), and the Dallas Streetcar. It features indoor waiting areas, restrooms, and dining options but no dedicated parking. Victory Station, at 2525 Victory Avenue near the , provides direct pedestrian access to NHL games, Mavericks NBA games, and concerts, with connections to DART's Green and Orange lines plus special event shuttles; no parking is available, emphasizing its urban event-focused role. Medical/Market Center Station, situated at Medical District Drive in the Uptown Medical District, offers free parking, bike racks, and restrooms, serving commuters to UT Southwestern Medical Center via dedicated shuttles (Routes 422 and 423 operating 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.); it connects to local DART buses for broader access. Downtown Irving/Heritage Crossing Station, at 201 Rock Island Road in downtown Irving near the , includes free parking, bike facilities, and ticket vending, with links to DART bus routes 25, 225, 227, 229, 230, and 231, plus GoLink on-demand service for South and East Irving on weekdays. This station supports access to cultural sites like the Mustangs of Las Colinas sculpture and local events. West Irving Station, located at 4200 Jackson Street, provides free parking for approximately 300 vehicles, bike racks, and connections to DART buses 25, 225, 227, 229, 230, and 231, as well as weekday GoLink service for South and East Irving; it caters to suburban commuters with platform seating and drop-off areas.

West Zone Stations (Tarrant County)

CentrePort/DFW Airport Station, at 14470 Statler Boulevard in Fort Worth, features over 1,000 free parking spaces, bike lockups, platform seating, and a ticket vending machine, serving as a key gateway with Route 30 bus connections and the free TRE Link shuttle to DFW Airport Terminal B (operating daily). It supports employment access at CentrePort business parks and events at the nearby . Bell Station, at 3232 Bell Flight Boulevard in Hurst, offers free parking, platform seating, and drop-off/pick-up areas, connecting to the plant and local employment hubs; bike facilities are available, though no direct bus links are specified beyond general access. Trinity Lakes Station, opened on , 2024, at 7979 Boulevard in east Fort Worth, includes free parking, bike racks, and a ticket vending machine as part of a 1,600-acre with retail and residential amenities; it connects to bus routes on weekdays, including service to , and replaced the former Richland Hills station to better serve growing suburban areas. Fort Worth T&P Station, at 221 West Lancaster Avenue in downtown Fort Worth, is housed in a historic building with free parking, bike facilities, restrooms, and upcoming additions like Station & Vine Wine Bar; it links to Route 6, the Blue Line trolley, , and On-Demand Southside service, functioning as an intermodal point near cultural districts. Fort Worth Central Station, at 1001 Jones Street, anchors the western terminus with the largest bus transfer center, offering free parking, bike facilities, restrooms, and a historic display; connections include buses 1, 2, 5, 6, 11, 46, 61X, 63X, 65X, 89, the Orange and Blue lines, , , and for regional travel.

Operations and Service

Schedule and Frequencies

The Trinity Railway Express operates through , with service typically beginning around 4:00 a.m. and extending until midnight, including an extension to 1:00 a.m. on Fridays. There is no regular service, though exceptions are made for special events such as the , which runs in late September and early October. Service frequencies are structured to accommodate commuter demand, with trains running every 30 minutes during peak hours from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., shifting to hourly intervals during off-peak periods. This pattern supports roughly 50 to 60 daily round trips between Fort Worth and , covering the full route in about 90 minutes end-to-end. Special schedules enhance service for major events, including additional trains for and games at the , with post-event departures approximately 20 minutes after the final whistle. Operations are suspended on key holidays, such as , Independence Day, Labor Day, , , and New Year's Day, with reduced or altered service on surrounding days. In 2025, a proposal to reduce weekday morning frequencies to hourly—initially considered for implementation in 2026 due to constraints—was ultimately not approved, preserving the existing 30-minute peak service structure. The TRE Link is a free shuttle bus service operated by that connects the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) at CentrePort/DFW Airport Station to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport. Launched on April 15, 2019, in partnership with (DART) and DFW Airport, it provides seamless transfers for passengers arriving via TRE to reach airport facilities without additional cost. The service uses ADA-accessible buses, ensuring full , and offers real-time tracking through the Trinity Metro app and third-party transit tools like . The route operates as a direct loop from CentrePort/DFW Airport Station (located at 14470 Statler Blvd., Fort Worth, ) to the upper level of Terminal D outside Gate D22, with intermediate stops at Plaza and Southgate for efficiency. From Terminal D, passengers can access Terminals A, B, C, and E using the airport's free shuttle or Skylink train, providing effective connectivity across all five terminals. Buses depart from Bus Bay A at the station, with the full loop taking approximately 20-40 minutes depending on traffic and stops. Service runs weekdays from 5:32 a.m. at CentrePort (or 5:48 a.m. from Terminal D) until late evening, with frequencies of every 20 minutes during peak hours and every 40 minutes off-peak; on Saturdays, it follows a similar but every 40 minutes throughout. There is no service on Sundays or major holidays, and schedules are aligned to coordinate with TRE train arrivals where possible. A temporary to Terminal D was in effect from August 6 to October 20, 2025, due to the International Parkway Project construction at DFW Airport, which affected direct access to Terminal B. Normal routing to Terminal B resumed after the early completion of that phase. This adjustment supported broader airport modernization efforts while maintaining reliable shuttle operations. Looking ahead, TRE Link's integration with DART's Silver Line, which opened on October 25, 2025, enhances regional connectivity at the CentrePort/DFW area, allowing TRE passengers to transfer to the new rail service for direct airport access via its dedicated DFW Airport station near Terminal B. This linkage positions TRE Link as a key component in North Texas's expanding multimodal network, facilitating easier travel between , Fort Worth, and DFW Airport terminals.

Fares, Ticketing, and Ridership

The Trinity Railway Express employs a zone-based , with travel divided into a West Zone (Tarrant County stations from Fort Worth to CentrePort/DFW Airport) and an East Zone ( County stations from CentrePort/DFW Airport to ). One-way are $2 for local trips within a single zone and $6 for regional trips spanning both zones, with reduced rates of $1 and $3 respectively available for eligible seniors (65+), individuals with disabilities, aged 5-19, and veterans upon presentation of valid identification such as a Medicare card or VA benefits letter. Children under age 5 ride free when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, limited to a maximum of two children per adult. Daily, weekly, and monthly passes are available to encourage frequent ridership, purchasable via the GoPass mobile app, which integrates fares across , DART, and Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) services. Examples include a local one-day pass for $4 (or $2 reduced) valid for unlimited West Zone travel and connections to buses or , a seven-day local pass for $18 (or $9 reduced), and a regional monthly pass for $192 (or $96 reduced) covering the full TRE route plus integrated local services. Incentives such as employer subsidies through corporate partner programs allow participating businesses to cover employee fares, promoting commuting via TRE as a cost-saving option that reduces parking and fuel expenses. Regional passes also facilitate seamless transfers to DART rail and buses without additional fees. Tickets can be purchased through the GoPass app for mobile validation, at ticket vending machines located on all station platforms (accepting cash, debit, or credit cards), or online via the ticket store. Passengers must possess a valid ticket, pass, or activated GoPass before boarding, as TRE operates on an with random fare inspections; onboard purchases are not available. Cash remains accepted at vending machines, with no agency-wide cashless policy implemented. Ridership on the Trinity Railway Express peaked at 2.0 million annual passengers in 2019 prior to the . The service experienced significant declines during the crisis, dropping to 1.3 million in 2020 and 795,300 in 2021 amid shifts and restrictions, before recovering to 1.1 million in 2022. In 2024, ridership reached 1,265,500 passengers annually. As of October 2025, ridership was up 4% year-over-year, reflecting about 70% of pre-pandemic levels influenced by persistent hybrid work trends. In the second quarter of 2025, average weekday ridership stood at approximately 4,600 passengers, supported by service expansions and economic recovery in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

Rolling Stock

Diesel Locomotives

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) operates a fleet of 11 diesel-electric locomotives, all equipped with (HEP) generation to supply electricity for onboard passenger amenities such as lighting, , and doors. These locomotives power push-pull train consists, typically pulling or pushing bi-level coaches and cab cars along the 35-mile route between and Fort Worth. The fleet emphasizes reliability for commuter service, with a focus on models designed for passenger rail operations. The core of the active fleet consists of seven locomotives, built between 1988 and 1994 with ex-GO Transit origins, each delivering 3,000 horsepower from a 12-cylinder 710G3A . These four-axle B-B units have a top speed capability of 110 mph, though TRE operations are limited to 79 mph due to track and signal constraints. Complementing them are two emissions-compliant EMD F59PHI locomotives, built new in 2001, also rated at 3,000 horsepower with a 12-cylinder 710G3B and similar 110 mph top speed, featuring enhanced and a fully enclosed long hood for crew safety. Additionally, two acquired EMD F40PH-3 locomotives, rebuilt in 2022 from ex-Amtrak F40PH units built in 1977, provide supplemental power at 3,200 horsepower each via a 16-cylinder 645E3 , with a comparable 110 mph maximum speed. Procurement began with the TRE's launch in 1996, when four initial units were acquired through purchase from in 1997 to support startup operations, followed by three more between 1998 and 2000 to expand capacity. The two units were purchased new around 2000-2001 to accommodate service growth into Tarrant County and rising ridership. The two EMD F40PH-3 units were added via acquisition in 2022 to bolster reliability amid aging fleet challenges, with the agreement covering maintenance and operational needs. All models incorporate controls for efficient diesel-electric propulsion, converting mechanical energy to traction via (AC) traction motors. In February 2024, five new locomotives were approved for purchase, with the first two expected in August 2026 and the rest in December 2026, to modernize the fleet. Prior to full reliance on locomotive-hauled consists, TRE utilized self-propelled Budd Rail Diesel Cars (RDCs) from the 1950s, but these were retired by 2011 due to maintenance demands and incompatibility with expanded bi-level operations. No diesel locomotives were retired before 2025, though lifecycle assessments in 2023-2024 identified the oldest F59PH units for eventual phase-out to reduce costs.

Passenger Coaches

The Trinity Railway Express operates a fleet of 25 Bombardier BiLevel double-decker coaches, consisting of 17 regular coaches and 8 cab control cars designed for push-pull service. These bilevel cars, built between 1976 and 2009, provide increased capacity on the route, with each coach offering 135-152 seats and standing room for additional riders. The cab cars, which allow operation from either end of the without turning, have a of 124-138 s. Procurement of the BiLevel fleet began in 1997 with an initial acquisition of 14 used coaches from in , entering service in 1997 after the RDC-based launch. The fleet expanded in 2000 with additional used coaches from and the purchase of the first cab cars, followed by further additions in 2008 including 5 new coaches and more cab cars built by Bombardier. All cab cars were acquired new between 2000 and 2007. The coaches feature unreserved seating, air conditioning throughout both levels, and onboard amenities including bike racks accommodating up to four bicycles per car. Free access was implemented across the fleet starting in 2010 through a for installation. For , all cars are ADA-compliant with dedicated spaces, priority seating, and bridge plates or lifts at boarding areas; comprehensive access upgrades were completed by 2010 to ensure full compliance.

Fleet Configuration and Maintenance

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) operates its commuter trains in a , typically consisting of one , one bi-level cab car, and four to six bi-level coaches, enabling capacities of up to 700 to 1,000 s per when accounting for seating and standing room. This formation allows the cab car to lead during return trips without repositioning the locomotive, optimizing efficiency on the 35-mile route between and Fort Worth. The locomotives are primarily models, paired with Bombardier bi-level cab cars and coaches from the late to early . Maintenance for the TRE fleet is conducted at the dedicated TRE Equipment Maintenance Facility at 4801 Rock Island Road in , a joint operation between (DART) and with capacity for 47 vehicles, including two double inspection and overhaul pits for comprehensive servicing. Routine inspections, repairs, and overhauls adhere to (FRA) standards, ensuring compliance with safety regulations for operations. The fleet, averaging about 25 years in age, undergoes major overhauls every 5 to 7 years to maintain structural integrity and operational performance. The TRE demonstrated strong reliability in fiscal year 2024, achieving 98.5% on-time performance amid recovering ridership levels post-pandemic. This metric underscores the effectiveness of proactive maintenance practices and the fleet's overall state of good repair. Overnight storage occurs on siding tracks at the terminal stations in and Fort Worth's , facilitating layovers and quick turnaround for morning service. These sidings provide secure parking for consists between shifts, minimizing operational disruptions.

Future Developments

Equipment Upgrades

In 2024, the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) ordered five SC-44 diesel-electric locomotives to modernize its fleet, with deliveries scheduled to begin in summer 2026. These locomotives, each producing 4,400 horsepower from a QSK95 engine, meet EPA Tier 4 emissions standards and are equipped for (PTC) operations, enabling them to replace the oldest units in TRE's current roster of and GE P32AC-DM models. The $66.2 million contract, awarded to , supports enhanced reliability and environmental compliance on the Dallas-Fort Worth corridor. TRE is also undertaking refurbishments of its Bombardier BiLevel passenger coaches, focusing on structural overhauls and side sill repairs to extend , with full revenue operations resuming by September 2027. These updates address wear on vehicles dating back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, ensuring safety and operational efficiency without altering core configurations. Technological enhancements include integration with the GoPass mobile app for real-time train tracking, allowing riders to monitor arrivals and plan trips across TRE and connected services. Additionally, battery backup systems for signaling infrastructure, part of ongoing PTC maintenance, provide redundancy during power disruptions to maintain safe operations. These upgrades are primarily funded through federal grants, including a $30 million allocation from the North Central Texas Council of Governments via the Federal Transit Administration's Rail Vehicle Replacement Program, supported under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The initiative totals up to $60 million in federal support for locomotive replacement, bolstering TRE's capacity to serve over 2 million annual passengers.

Expansions and Special Events

The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) is set to integrate with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Silver Line, a 26-mile light rail corridor that opened on October 25, 2025, connecting northern suburbs including Plano, Richardson, and Garland to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). This linkage enhances regional airport access for TRE riders by facilitating seamless transfers within the DFW terminal complex, where Silver Line trains serve multiple terminals and connect to TRE's existing TRE Link shuttle service from the CentrePort/DFW Airport station. The integration supports broader multimodal connectivity, allowing TRE passengers traveling from Fort Worth or Dallas to reach DFW more efficiently via coordinated schedules and shared fare options across DART and Trinity Metro systems. In preparation for the , TRE operators announced upgrades in August 2025 to handle increased demand for matches hosted in the region, including nine games at in Arlington and additional events in and nearby Fort Worth venues. These enhancements include acquiring additional , hiring extra personnel for operations and , and boosting service frequencies during match days to accommodate an estimated 100,000 daily visitors. The upgrades, budgeted at approximately $14 million, also encompass interior improvements to existing coaches such as vinyl seat cushions for comfort during high-volume periods. Coordination with regional partners like DART and the North Central Texas Council of Governments ensures integrated shuttles and pedestrian pathways to stadiums, with TRE serving as a key corridor for spectators from Fort Worth and . Other planned developments include track improvements aimed at reducing travel times by 10-15 minutes through double-tracking select sections and constructing three new bridges, including rehabilitation of the Inwood Bridge. These infrastructure projects, supported by state and federal funding, involve procurement for construction services from August 2025 through January 2026, with revenue operations targeted for early implementation to improve reliability and capacity. Additionally, trials for Sunday service are under consideration to expand beyond current special-event operations, potentially aligning with weekend demands and addressing long-standing ridership needs.

References

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